23 Hillcrest Road, Kaikohe, Far North, Northland

Our instructions are to get under contract before the painters move in early January - great news if you're a large family as this property has a lot to offer. For Investors, it has its Healthy Homes Compliance certification and around a 7.5% return.

Conveniently situated on the corner of Hillcrest and Tawanui Roads, as you would expect with a house built in the 1920s, some beautiful woodwork features are lovingly crafted in native timber. One of these is a wood-panelled foyer, which creates a nice transition from the outside world to the calm of the inside.

The original part of the house has 4 large bedrooms, a lovely big lounge with a brand-new heat pump, and the main bathroom. The kitchen and dining area are situated near the rear of the house, and there's also a 5th bedroom or a 2nd lounge area, a 2nd bathroom, and the laundry.

A couple of renovation options I see are to combine the front bedroom and existing lounge to make a large open-plan living area. That would allow you to create a large master bedroom at the rear with an ensuite and a large office or second lounge area. Or, create a fully self-contained Granny flat out of the rear. Either way, you are only limited by your imagination and of course any Council planning permissions.

Outside there's a large private rear section with plenty of room for the whole family and an old ivy-covered garage - resurrect or replace!

Yes, it needs some TLC Yes, it has some quirks Yes, it will need some investment over time

But right now, it's very liveable and the long-term tenants would ideally like to stay. Currently paying $530.00 per week + $20 per week for water, it suits their large family down to the ground.

Don't judge this house till you've seen it - call Leigh now on 0274 911 840 to arrange a private viewing, and experience firsthand the special nature of this house and see why it has stood the test of time.