Costs

How Much Does Building Consent Cost for a Granny Flat in New Zealand?

Colleen Jeffs

Published on: 17/10/2026

A real New Zealand example of building consent cost for a two-bedroom granny flat: around $5,000, plus what was in the consent package and why consent was needed.

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What It Actually Costs to Set Up a Mortgage-Free Lifestyle Block in New Zealand

Colleen Jeffs

Published on: 05/10/2026

A first-hand look at the real upfront costs of setting up a mortgage-free lifestyle block in New Zealand, including excavation, power, a $29,000 caravan, and professional help.

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How Much Does It Cost to Live in a Caravan While Building a Home in New Zealand?

Colleen Jeffs

Published on: 05/10/2026

A real New Zealand example of caravan living costs while building a home, including purchase price, setup costs, and what we spent so far.

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What We Paid for 2 Hectares of Bare Land in New Zealand

Colleen Jeffs

Published on: 04/10/2026

We paid NZD $230,000 for 2 hectares of bare rural land in New Zealand after negotiating $5,000 off the asking price. Here’s how we found it, bought it and started our mortgage-free build.

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