A historic Catholic church in a small village near Gore has sold for the second time in four months.
An Australian buyer snapped up the property on Dungannon Street, in Waikaka, for $130,000 at a Bayleys auction this week. Listing agent Julie Mitchell said the buyer planned to renovate the church to turn it into a holiday home.
He had missed out when the church was up for grabs in June. Back then it was on a much larger section, and was snapped up by a buyer from Nelson for $104,000.
However, a change in circumstances saw the church return to market.
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Mitchell said the vendor had made “very little money” on the property, having already started making improvements, including a full washdown.
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Both buyers had bought the church as a “wee project”, she said, with the Australian buyer so determined to get it he put in a pre-auction offer that brought the auction date forward.
Mitchell was not surprised the church was in demand. She has sold more than six such properties.
“It’s lifestyle that attracts buyers. Also, the properties are so affordable. Yes, there is some work required, but where else in New Zealand can you purchase something like that, put some money into it, and have a little retreat?”
The owner added a water supply, water tank and water connection during the short time he owned it. Photo / Supplied
The former Catholic church is an empty shell and needs a kitchen and bathroom. Photo / Supplied
She said Waikaka was a cute village less than 20 minutes by car from Gore. “Waikaka is a gorgeous little village. It’s got a rugby club, school, pub, golf course and maybe gold in the river. I wouldn’t want to put money on that last one, but in the past, there was gold mining.”
She added: “It also has a lovely climate. Why wouldn’t you want to live there? It’s superb.”
It’s not the only church for sale in the district. One at 1593 Glenkenich Road is ready for removal, with Bayleys agent Vanessa Small calling it a “heaven-sent” property “ready to be moved and repurposed for its next life”.
The building is for sale by way of price by negotiation.
- Click here to find more properties for sale in Gore
