We've reached the finale of AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ, and while a real estate show is never going to reach the nail-biting heights of say Game of Thrones (don't expect surprise deaths, cliffhangers or dragons in this episode) hosts Jayne Kiely and Paul Glover over the last eight weeks taken us on a fascinating journey with a diverse group of buyers.
The show has highlighted perfectly what you can get for your money in today’s unpredictable housing market. But it was also an enjoyable exercise in self-reflection - I'm sure I'm not the only viewer who has thought about their dream property and what they'd be willing to sacrifice for the location.
This week, Jayne and Paul hit on that very topic as they debate the pros and cons of different types of homes, as well as the very niche requirements of the house-hunters.
“I sense a few hurdles ahead,” says Jayne. “I see a full obstacle course,” responds Paul.
Start your property search
Jayne is helping the Hales – Anna and Rob and musical teens Toby and Bella – to find a new home in a much more convenient location than where they are now, rural Dairy Flat.
Meanwhile, Paul is lending his expertise to the Sell family - Jenny and Gordon, kids Kyle and Teresa and their beloved pooch Harley. He has his work cut out for him as Gordon flat out does not want to move and while Jenny definitely does, she doesn’t want to leave the suburb they adore, Red Beach.
Tony and Bella Hale want to ditch the countryside and move to the city. Photo / Supplied
Jenny and Gordon Sell family are looking for a new home but don't want to leave their location. Photo / Supplied
Hit the road
The Hales are desperate for a change of scene. While they loved the space in lockdown and even adopted two alpacas, K-Pop glamour boy Albie and ‘dentally-challenged’ Chewpaca, the distance is now killing them. Most parents with busy kids become fulltime taxi drivers eventually, but this is on a serious scale. They want to be close to local shops, cafes, public transport and even the beach, while getting hours of their week back by not being in the car constantly.
They’re after a four-bedroom turnkey home with space for Bella and Toby to practice their instruments, as well as room for some precious family heirlooms. Based on selling their current home they’re working to a budget of $2m, but don’t want to be mortgaged up to the hilt. “You want to be able to sleep at night,” points out Jayne.
To shift their focus from Takapuna, Jayne takes Hales out to coastal Birkenhead Point, where money goes a heck of a lot further. They already love the feel of the village-style neighbourhood and sound of the CBD commuter ferry, but are even more impressed with the harbour and Chelsea Sugar Factory views. They joke keen baker Bella won’t need to travel far to source her sugar. Unfortunately, it’s a little too dated and as the couple know themselves well, fear they’ll end up in a money pit renovation scenario.
Jayne and Paul try to win over the Hale family with a townhouse. Photo / Supplied
Paul’s inner magpie is squawking at Jaynes’s second property and he threatens to pick up the shiny new Takapuna townhouse in his talons and fly off with it. The three-level home is super central (Rob already has himself strolling to the pub) and with all its workspace, the classy kitchen definitely passes the Bella test, and she gets her own ensuite. Even better, the developer is willing to negotiate. However the crisp and compact modern interior felt too contemporary for the family’s furniture and at the end of the day, Bella was going to be the only one reaping the benefits.
Finally the trio visit Hillcrest, next door to Takapuna, for Jayne’s last cab off the rank, a spacious character home in a cul-de-sac. “Vintage ‘70s - just like us,” exclaims Anna. It’s been beautifully renovated and Rob notes the hint of road noise is nothing a water feature can’t fix.
While none of the properties were quite right - the Hales agreed they’d like the Hillcrest house in the Birkenhead Point location – the process has been an enlightening journey of discovery in exploring other areas of Auckland.
40 open homes and counting
The Sells reasons for shifting are understandable. Their 16-year-old, Kyle, has special needs and they are incredibly focused on finding a place comfortable and practical enough for him. While they live for the beachside lifestyle – Gordon swims most day and loves their house - Jenny has finally put her foot down and says they’ve well and truly outgrown it.
While Jenny’s been to around 40 open homes, Gordon confesses to attending three in 12 years, but what they can agree on is that they’d like four bedrooms, extra living space, a view and to be able to walk to the sea (Red Beach or bust). They also need to be safe and secure for Kyle and are working to a budget of $1.8m absolute max. There’s a knowing gleam in Teresa’s eye as she wishes Paul luck in finding a new abode that will please everyone.
Up in Rodney region, Paul tries to get the Sells over the line on this home. Photo / Supplied
Paul plays it safe with a local first stop, a character-filled, classic Orewa pad overlooking the estuary and Hibiscus Coast. Spoiler alert: seasoned campaigner Jenny has already viewed it. While they love the space, view, and pantry that Jenny can actually access, they feel the lack of privacy won’t work for Kyle.
Paul points out that Jenny knows more about Red Beach real estate than the area’s agents, so while he stays in the postcode, he takes the couple to the quieter, more elevated pocket for property number two. They’re instantly dubious about it being on the other side of the peninsula. “You call it the wrong side, I call it the other side,” says Paul optimistically. The privacy, view and modern design certainly appeal, but it’s simply too far away from the beach for Kyle to walk comfortably.
Wing woman Jayne heads along for moral support at Paul’s final property – a four-bedroom Hatfields Beach wildcard. While the postcode is an obvious red flag, the sentiment is positive as the foursome ascends upstairs aboard the internal lift, Beyonce-style, according to Jayne. Gordon falls head over heels with the direct beach access and he and Paul agree they both should have bought togs. Jenny likes that the master suite enjoys the outlook. “We own the house, we should get the view!”
While property number three ticked a lot of boxes, the balcony was sadly too high for Kyle to live there safely. The good news is that Gordon has now viewed more homes in the last few days than the past 12 years, so it has ignited the search and has the family excited and motivated.
Lines of the week:
Jayne’s wary observation of Paul’s upcoming challenge, but he’s ready to attack it head-on. “You’ve just landed yourself a starring role in Mission Impossible,” she says. “Impossible is my middle name,” he coolly replies.
As the nerves start to fray on the house hunt and with a wild look in his eyes, Paul says, “I might end up in the dox box if I’m not careful,” as he leans on the kennel at property number two.
Fashion Watch:
Paul’s charcoal blazer and Jane’s grey shawl match the extremely dreary beach weather and uphill battle they’re each facing with their respective house hunters.
AA Insurance Location, Location, Location NZ appears on TVNZ+.
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Catch-up on previous episodes:
- Episode seven recap - this is hardcore
- Episode six recap - view to a thrill
- Episode five recap - deals on wheels
- Episode four recap - OneWoof anyone?
- Episode three recap - living the American dream
- Episode two recap - quick, there's a baby on the way
- Episode one recap - we've found a poop room
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Discover more:
- Your Home & Contents Insurance Checklist
- Your Home & Income Insurance Checklist
- Your Natural Hazards Insurance Checklist
