7 WAYS TO RESEARCH A BLOCK

Get to know what is available at what price. How quickly does it sell, especially the properties that fit your criteria? I recommend you:

browse Trademe and oneroof.co.nz

peruse real estate agent’s notice boards

drive around your preferred areas You can check the rateable value of properties, recent sales and prices online. Two good options are: Qv.co.nz homes.co.nz

Talk to people at the local stores, in the pub, over the fence. They’ll tell you if that block you like has flooded badly in the last 20 years, if planes fly low, if the big farm across the road is going to become a truck depot.

Check out the local schools and clubs to ensure they meet your needs. Are there buses, especially to college? Education Review Office (ERO) reports are available here: www.ero.govt.nz/review-reports/

Are the local councils (district and regional) pro-active and supportive, or restrictive and bureaucratic? What are the zoning areas and environmental requirements? What is the soil and climate like? Historical weather and soil maps are online. Climate: www.niwa.co.nz/climate/ summaries/seasonal Soil maps: smap.landcareresearch.co.nz

If a potential property needs improvements – sheds, water supply, power, fencing or renovations – talk to contractors, find out the time and money involved, then double it. I’m not kidding; there will be complications and extras and doubling it is conservative.