Hi all, I'm a first time poster (and first time buyer), currently renting in Auckland but looking at moving out of the big smoke and purchasing in Whangarei.
After doing some research, it seems that Whangarei (much to my surprise) might be the next up-and-coming place for growth and capital gains, especially if Winnie's decision to move the Ports of Auckland goes ahead.
I have a few various questions, some of which may seem like common knowledge, but would be a great help for a first home buyer like me, with not much extensive knowledge.
Firstly, I will be withdrawing from my Kiwisaver account, and will be applying for the Home Start grant (to purchase an existing property). One of the requirements is that I must live in the house for at least 6 months from settlement date. Are there further restrictions on this rule? For example, can I split living at my house in Whangarei 50/50 or say 60/40 with a family member who lives in KeriKeri? How does Housing NZ keep tabs on whether you will be living in said house? As far as I'm aware, this should be fine as long as I don't use the property as a rental, is this correct?
Secondly, after 6 months of living in this house, I will most likely look into renting it out. Which areas in Whangarei should be avoided (I have been told to avoid buying in Raumanga, Tikipunga etc), and which areas are the best for renting? What do majority of tenants in Whangarei look for? Being close to schools, the CBD etc?
These are my main two questions at the moment, but any other helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Rhonny
After doing some research, it seems that Whangarei (much to my surprise) might be the next up-and-coming place for growth and capital gains, especially if Winnie's decision to move the Ports of Auckland goes ahead.
I have a few various questions, some of which may seem like common knowledge, but would be a great help for a first home buyer like me, with not much extensive knowledge.
Firstly, I will be withdrawing from my Kiwisaver account, and will be applying for the Home Start grant (to purchase an existing property). One of the requirements is that I must live in the house for at least 6 months from settlement date. Are there further restrictions on this rule? For example, can I split living at my house in Whangarei 50/50 or say 60/40 with a family member who lives in KeriKeri? How does Housing NZ keep tabs on whether you will be living in said house? As far as I'm aware, this should be fine as long as I don't use the property as a rental, is this correct?
Secondly, after 6 months of living in this house, I will most likely look into renting it out. Which areas in Whangarei should be avoided (I have been told to avoid buying in Raumanga, Tikipunga etc), and which areas are the best for renting? What do majority of tenants in Whangarei look for? Being close to schools, the CBD etc?
These are my main two questions at the moment, but any other helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Rhonny
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