The Manawatu region has fast become a magnet for first-home buyers investors, here’s our pick of properties for sale right now
The secret’s out. As house prices climb around the country the North Island’s Manawatu remains one of New Zealand’s most affordable regions to buy a home. Palmerston North in particular has become a magnet for first-home buyers, or those wanting to sell their homes in other areas and free up their assets.
“Palmy” also has the drawcard of offering lots of possibilities for employment. As well as being the servicing hub of a thriving rural area, with Ohakea Air Base and Linton Military Camp, there’s Massey University, UCOL and IPU on the academic front. Fonterra Research and Development Centre and Plant and Food Research attract researchers and scientists from around Australasia.
It’s the national distribution centre for Ezibuy, has Toyota’s national customer centre … the list goes on. Add to all that is its central position at the crossroads of the North Island, only two hours’ drive from Wellington and with its own airport. The area is known for its great scenic walks along the Manawatu River and closeness to both surf beaches and ski fields. Nearby picturesque Feilding has been voted NZ’s most beautiful town 16 times. Here’s our pick of homes for sale in the area:
1. Golf anyone?
This townhouse in popular Hokowhitu is perfect for those wanting to spend their weekends on the fairways of the nearby Manawatu Golf Club, rather than doing chores around the house.
The open plan living area offers lots of flexibility with internal French doors and opens to a compact courtyard.
Update the colour palette of the living and bedrooms and this property will be a very comfortable home for years to come.
2. Family first
Designed for easy family living this four-bedroom Palmerston North house has plenty of space for everyone. The open plan kitchen and living opens to a generous fully fenced, paved courtyard just waiting for weekend entertaining.
The generous master has the convenience of an en suite and a spacious family bathroom and fitted separate laundry takes care of the morning rush.
There’s an internal access garage and the bonus of being an easy walk to the station. This is a great opportunity in a peaceful cul de sac in an up and coming suburb.
3. Big block
Light and bright this Highbury brick and tile beauty benefits from the outlook over a neighbouring reserve as well as being sited on a 858m2 block.
The open plan kitchen/family area is supplemented by a separate lounge and there’s great indoor-outdoor flow from many of the rooms.
A fenced spa area could be revamped to become a welcoming space for relaxing and there’s plenty of options for al fresco entertaining. Ensuite master and fitted robes complete the picture.
4. Just move in
This immaculate façade of this three bedder in Awapuni is a taste of things to come — there’s nothing to do but unpack and enjoy this lovely home.
There’s a paved area in the fenced backyard for the barbecue and the double garage has the bonus of a work area. Inside, the neutral colour scheme is a blank canvas for you to decorate and the white herringbone-tiled kitchen adds a touch of flair.
Relax fireside and congratulate yourself on a welcoming home updated for modern lifestyles.
5. So central
This beauty is in a central location, close to Bulls and Ohakea Air Base and only 20 minute’s drive to Palmerston North, but offers a taste of rural charm with its whopping 2024m2 section.
The smart kitchen and bathroom are up to the minute and open plan living flows to a terrace and sweeping lawns.
This three-bedroom home has been immaculately maintained and all you need to do is bring your own personal touch to the décor, and green fingers to the grounds.
Words by: Sarah Beresford.
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