‘We left the UK for New Zealand. Eighteen years later, we’re back’

Emigration to New Zealand

Driven by a job opportunity for the husband, a building surveyor, the couple sold their UK home and relocated to New Zealand in 2007. They initially rented before building a home in Greytown, Wairarapa, later selling it to move to the US to assist their son.

Return to New Zealand

After assisting their son in the US, they returned to New Zealand, purchasing a beach house in Papamoa, Tauranga. This coastal life was idyllic, yet family ties in the UK prompted their eventual return.

Return to the UK and Current Life

The pandemic served as the catalyst for their return to the UK. They sold their New Zealand property at a profit and, after a brief period in a rental, settled in West Mersea, Essex, near the family. They purchased a new-build home and enjoy the proximity to the beach and family.

Key Details:

• Initial move to New Zealand: 2007
• New Zealand home in Greytown (sold): Approximately £200,000
• New Zealand beach house in Papamoa (sold): Approximately £335,000, sold for a £155,000 profit
• UK home in West Mersea: Approximately £425,000
• Wairarapa house resale value: £940,000