Would you rather a new or old home?

[Homed] Hi {NAME}, A few years ago, I did a podcast about getting on the property ladder, [called First Rung](. One of my favourite interviews was with a colleague who bought his first home back in the 70s. It had been a bit of a dunger - a crusty old villa that was all but falling down. But it was affordable, so he decided to save himself a bit of money and do the thing up himself. He set to work doing everything he was legally allowed to - and some things he probably wasn’t. What ensued was an ACC case manager’s worst nightmare - accidents and near-maimings galore. With hindsight, [his DIY catastrophe]( stories are hilarious. He enjoyed the experience, and he ended up with a charming home that, years later, sold for a lot more than he paid for it. My folks took a different tack when they bought their first home in the 80s. They bought brand new. They too got a lot more than they paid for it when they sold a decade later, and had spent a lot less time and money on DIY. These days, buying new is the only way for many first time buyers. Often that’s down to what banks will lend on - they don’t like loaning on a 10% deposit [when the home needs a lot of work]( - but it’s also about having the time and finances to renovate. There are still homes out there that are worth it, however. Pick the right one, where the work is mostly cosmetic, it will pay you back when you come to take your next step up the ladder. Something to think about if you’re hitting the open homes this weekend. At the very least, you’ll have DIY stories to tell your mates for years. If you’re handy enough to pick up a paintbrush, you could win with our partner Resene. Send us a pic of outdoor furniture, or perhaps a mural you’ve painted to brighten up your yard. Details [here](. Have a good weekend. [Kylie Klein-Nixon] Kylie Klein-Nixon Senior Homed Reporter [Kylie Klein-Nixon] Kylie Klein-Nixon Senior Homed Reporter   Enjoying this email? [Check out Stuff's other daily and weekly newsletters.](   [timer][trk_px] [timer][trk_px] property squeeze     [93-year-old feels ‘forced’ to sell]( Albert Andrews owns the last house standing amid a huge supermarket development in Point Chevalier. He turned down a $2.5m offer from Foodstuffs, but says he’s now too “shattered” to sell. [Read more →]( [timer][trk_px]   outdoor dining Queen St kitchen rates This could be just what every workplace needs - an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue cooktop. [Read more →]( for first-time buyers History for under $400k Built as part of a plan to give Kiwis a home for life, this little cottage has been in the same family for 60 years. [Read more →]( inspiring offer Hideaway a boatie’s dream This gorgeous place in Opua could even come with a launch, a yacht and a car. Just not the dog, not this time. [Read more →]( views forever Villa with 360 degree views It's time for the owners to move on after half a century, and a chance for someone new to surf-cast from the deck. [Read more →]( If you find Stuff's Homed useful and inspiring, please consider becoming a supporter. [I'd like to contribute →]( [Discover more at Homed]( You are receiving this email because you are opted in to receive the Stuff Homed newsletter. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your profile]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get the Stuff Homed newsletter in your inbox.]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [TikTok]( [YouTube](