Buying with Confidence: What’s the Cost to Own a Featherstone Home?

Kia ora!
At Featherstone, we believe the buying journey should be as welcoming and straightforward as the homes themselves. If you're wondering what it costs to buy a new home here at 1 Rathgar Rd, Henderson, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through it clearly — no hidden fees, no nasty surprises.

Transparent Pricing: No Hidden Fees or Surprise Costs

When you purchase a townhouse at Featherstone, the price you see is the price you pay.
We work differently from traditional developments:

No real estate agent commission added to the buyer's side
No administration or "sales fees" sneaked in later
No hidden marketing charges

Instead, you’re buying direct from Somerhill Ltd, the development company behind Featherstone, with the support of Marilyn Apartments for marketing and buyer assistance.
This means fewer middlemen, more transparency, and better value for you.

What’s Included in Your Featherstone Purchase

The advertised price for your Featherstone home includes a full turn-key package:

  • The fully completed townhouse — designed for quality and comfort, ready for you to move in.

  • The freehold land title — no body corporate fees and no vertical shared ownership hassles.

  • Council consents and Code Compliance Certificate — all legal compliance sorted.

  • Landscaping and outdoor finishes — driveways, fencing, lawns, and gardens (as per plans).

  • Fixtures, fittings, and appliances — modern kitchens, bathroom fittings, heat pumps, and more.

  • GST included — no surprise 15% tax added later.

You’re buying a finished home, not a “barebones” package with expensive add-ons later.

🛠️ Bonus: Because of the excellent planning around Featherstone, you'll also enjoy a leafy, open outlook protected by covenants on your neighbouring property — preserving your sunlight and privacy​.

External Costs You Should Budget For

While the home itself is a complete package, it’s smart to budget for a few external costs associated with any property purchase:

  • Legal Fees:
    You’ll need a solicitor to review your Sale and Purchase Agreement, confirm the freehold title, and handle settlement. Typical Auckland property legal fees range from $1,500 to $3,000.

  • Mortgage Costs (if applicable):
    Bank application fees, valuation fees, and early interest payments. Some banks also require registered valuations for brand-new builds.

  • Home Insurance:
    Required before settlement if you’re getting a mortgage.

  • Council Rates:
    Annual property rates, set by Auckland Council, based on your home’s value.
    (Indicative range: ~$2,000–$2,500 annually.)

  • Moving Expenses:
    Moving company or truck rental, connection of utilities like power and internet.

These are standard buyer expenses and are not charged by Featherstone or Marilyn Apartments — they are simply part of purchasing a home anywhere in New Zealand​ .

Why Buying Direct from the Developer Saves You Money

In many developments, the advertised price is just the starting point — buyers can be hit with:

  • Agent commissions baked into the sale price

  • Additional upgrade costs to achieve the home they thought they were getting

  • Unexpected development levies or hidden settlement fees

At Featherstone, we’re different:

  • We sell directly to you.

  • No developer mark-ups for "extras" — your home is complete and ready.

  • We disclose everything upfront.

It’s a simpler, more cost-effective way to buy, and it keeps more money in your pocket for furnishing your beautiful new home!

A Smooth, Straightforward Buying Journey

Buying a home should be exciting, not overwhelming. That’s why we:

  • Provide clear documents showing exactly what’s included.

  • Offer one-on-one support to answer your questions.

  • Help connect you with trusted mortgage advisors or lawyers (if needed).

Featherstone isn’t just a place to live. It’s a carefully planned community where everything — even the buying process — is designed to be easier.

✅ No public rights of way cutting across your land​
✅ Protected open views thanks to neighbouring covenants​
✅ New lifestyle amenities across the road​
✅ Private, peaceful, and family-friendly streetscape

Welcome to an easier, clearer way to buy your dream home. Welcome to Featherstone.

Sources used in the article include:

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Privacy Assured: No Public Rights of Way at Featherstone, 1 Rathgar Rd

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Your Future Neighbours at Featherstone: Quiet Streets, Open Views, and a Thriving Community