Some of the fastest properties to sell in the current market are ones that have the potential to be a home and income.
A house that can be divided into a self-contained - or even only semi-self-contained - are in great demand, real estate agents say. Multi-generational family living is increasingly common, firstly as teenage children test out independence, then when grown kids come home to live with mum and dad while they save for their own home. They can become homes for extended family as older parents move close to their kids, or they can be rented out to friends to help pay the mortgage.
They also make great guest suites for those times when family and friends come visiting: beats squeezing everyone on a couch or an air mattress. Although, be careful if you plan to let a guest suite as self-contained unit on AirBnB or Bookabach for more than 28 days each year, as in many districts you will be liable for business rates and tourism levies, depending on where your property is located.
And unless the property is fully consented as a secondary dwelling, then that unoccupied bedroom or separate sleep out can earn extra cash only for flatmates or lodgers, not tenants. But that's great extra money towards the mortgage or maintenance, without the disruption of people sharing your private living space.
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Here are some multi-family properties we found on OneRoof that will help pay for themselves:
This three-level family home in Torbay, North of Auckland, has five bedrooms between the main house and a “bonus accommodation”.
The freehold 1305 sq m of lands is marketed as "money earner" by Harcourt agents Looie James and Tracey Howe.
With ocean views out to Rangitoto Island the main house had four large bedrooms, two living areas, two bathrooms and a gourmet design kitchen.
The ground floor level additional accommodation has a separate entrance and includes one bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry and two parking lots.
With a kitchen and laundry set up the guests are nicely independent and everyone has their own privacy.
Check out the listing below:
Another beach-view house is set up for family stays or renting opportunities for travellers.
The self-contained studio is set up opposite the main entry to the Block House Bay and has its balcony as a roof to an additional building providing shelter.
The 28 sq m self-contained granny flat has a bedroom, shower room a toilet and storage.
The property marketed by Logan Campbell from Property Ventures has a 232 sq m main dwelling and two garages with a workshop space on the ground level and five bedrooms including a master suite upstairs, so there's plenty of room for flatmates or lodgers upstairs too.
There are also two living rooms, one of which is combined with kitchen and dining space, a bathroom and a laundry room.
A massive wraparound deck provides top views of the ocean and the Manukau Harbour from the top of the hill.
Check out the listing below:
This property in Northcote has two separate dwellings, sharing seven bedrooms between them. The agents, Jim Liu and Bob Quin, from Barfoot &Thompson, say there is potential for bigger home and income development.
The charming main residence has four bedrooms and a second living room that could be turned into a fifth bedroom.
On top of that, the free-standing granny flat has two bedrooms and a spacious living room with access to the deck and kitchen. The agents say the granny flat is perfect for grown-up teenagers or can add value by subdividing it to a separate title subject to council approval. The separate flat also has a single-car garage next to it and extra street parking for up to five cars.
This North Shore property is close to cafes, restaurants, the beach and it also has a pool on site.
Check out the listing below:
