The Auckland-based buyers in episode four of AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ had different budgets and different suburb preferences, but they did share one common prerequisite - finding a home that was right for their pet.
Jayne was tasked with keeping Dalmatian Toby happy, while Paul had to contend with Ted, a white and ginger cat.
Toby belongs to Debra and Martin Payne, who have been in their current place for 17 years. Two of their children still live at home but they also have visiting grandkids, who like Toby want a big yard to run around in.
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The Paynes and Toby are looking for a four-to-five-bedroom property and are working with a budget of $4 million (or $4.5m if Martin gets his way).
Debra wants Jayne to find her a big garden and a house with good indoor-outdoor flow, while Martin is looking for house with a man-cave. He needs a space to play music with his band. What he has at the moment is a home office, which is seriously killing the rock ‘n’ roll vibe.
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- Paul Henry and Diane Foreman selling their mansion - 'you'll have to be rich'
Tamaki Makaurau’s rapid urban sprawl and high-density housing are making life tough for buyers looking for good green space, so they are willing to leave the big smoke, to a point. Martin also speaks for every Aucklander as he laments the ongoing, nightmare traffic situation.
Catsification guaranteed?
Ted’s owner and buyer number two is no-nonsense teacher Kerensa Paul. She is a proud resident of Onehunga and would love to stay in the area, which she digs for its multicultural vibe and convenience.
Savvy Kerensa bought her first home with a friend 12 years ago to get a foothold in the Auckland market. Now her friend has bought her out and is on her way home from teaching in Hong Kong, meaning Kerensa needs to find a new home as soon as possible.
Kerensa, left, and her friend run through the list of must-haves with Paul Glover. Photo / Supplied
An injury means she’s looking for a single-level, two-bedroom, feline-friendly abode and is working with a budget of $850,000. Ted’s direct-to-camera stare makes it clear he’s well aware that this search largely revolves around him and whether this “catio” she speaks of will be up to scratch.
A trip to the country
Jayne’s first stop with the Paynes is a sprawling Clevedon estate, complete with a pool, tennis court and caretaker. While the grounds, character and proportions tick all the boxes, the house is too remote for the family’s needs.
Whitford, a little closer to where they are now, offers another impressive property and while the Paynes love the view, the land and the dream rehearsal space / recording studio, the house doesn’t quite work for them and its proximity to the road is a no-no.
The show took house-hunters Debra and Martin Payne out to Auckland's eastern rural fringes. Photo / Supplied
Down to her last chance, Jayne switches things up and takes the couple to a contemporary architectural marvel, complete with sea views, a lift, a pool and vehicle turntable – not an automatic pirouette machine, as Jayne would have us believe.
Sadly it’s Toby who puts the kibosh on this one, as it’s not really appropriate for dogs. However, Debra and Martin have gleaned lots of info from the experience and they agree with Jayne who suggests they buy a big chunk of land and build a brand-new home to suit their exact needs.
Today’s lesson is ...
In Onehunga with Ted and Kerensa, Paul offers up a two-bedroom brick and tile between Cornwall Park and Onehunga Mall. Kerensa points out in her best teacher voice that the road is very busy and she was after a quiet sanctuary. She does appreciate the renovation and the price (at $690,000, it’s well under budget).
Next stop is nearby One Tree Hill where Paul takes Kerensa to a unit that will likely “test her appetite for renovation”. The property includes a separate dining room, views of Cornwall Park and a fully-tiled bathroom, where morning ablutions are undertaken with Marilyn Monroe looking on. Kerensa and friend Shayna love it and definitely see its potential.
A new-build apartment in Mount Albert was put to the test. Photo / Supplied
Lastly, it’s a jump in postcodes to Mount Albert, where Jayne joins the crew to showcase a stunning ground-floor apartment, complete with classy soft close drawers and a stylish modern aesthetic.
A final podium placement puts the apartment in bronze, the Onehunga property at silver, and the do-up winning gold – with the prize an offer of $810,000. Kerensa, however, ends up withdrawing her offer after completing due diligence, but Paul is pleased to report she subsequently purchased a three-bedroom brick and tile in Hillsborough – with the perfect place for a “catio”. Ted will be happy.
Line of the week:
Martin’s relatable recollection of domestic bliss: “Most days you’ll find me sitting in front of the speakers listening to music and Debra shouting to turn it down.”
Fashion watch:
While Martin and Debra argue over who’s boss in their relationship, Jayne strides past in chic dark pants as Paul’s voiceover states: “There’s only one person wearing the trousers on this house-hunt.”
AA Insurance Location Location Location NZ appears on TVNZ 1 on Sundays and on TVNZ+.
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Catch-up on previous episodes:
- AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ, episode three recap
- AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ, episode two recap
- AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ, episode one recap
Discover more:
- Your Home & Contents Insurance Checklist
- Your Home & Income Insurance Checklist
- Your Natural Hazards Insurance Checklist
