We are coming over in Feb and have been doing a lot of research into the whole property market.
Because of the bad press on New Zealand housing we have decided to buy a section and get a home built to our own specification. we have even asked a couple of estate agents their opinion of whether to buy an existing house or a section and they both had said that personaly they would buy a section then you could be sure to get exactly what you want.
Marie P is certainly doing the right thing. Obviously we would have to check that we got the right builder..
I would be interested to hear from people who have bought their own existing home and whether they would have rather had bought a section and also from people who bought a section and how they have got on

All the best

Dave and Caroline