WHAT IT COSTS
(and what we've learned)
We're documenting the real costs of turning 2 hectares of bare land into our mortgage free home in New Zealand.
Click on each stage to see the full cost breakdowns, photos and what we learned along the way.
Explore The Costs By Stage
We've broken our build into key stages. Each article includes the costs, what worked (and didn't) and the lessons we've learned.
Land & Site Prep
How we found our 2 hectares, what we paid, and the costs for access, driveway, excavation and preparing the shed pad (so far).
Power & Services
Getting electricity (our builder's pole) and internet on site and what's next for water & wastewater.
Our 9 x 12 Shed
The kit, windows, insulation, garage door, concrete slab and everything we've spent to get our shed built.
Temporary Living
Our caravan setup while we're building, including the purchase price.
FOLLOW THE BUILD BY MAIL
The website gives you the practical information.
The Homestead Letters is the personal story behind it.
Each month we send a physical letter from our home in New Zealand, sharing what's happened, what we've learned, and the things that don't always make it onto social (including my homestead recipes that travelled with me around the world when we travelled for 3 1/2 years as a family of 4).
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ADDRESS: PO Box 28, Alexandra Otago 9340, NZ
email: [email protected]
© 2026 The Homestead Letters
