Your Comprehensive Guide to the Featherstone Property Information Pack
Buying a new home off the plans can feel overwhelming, but a Property Information Pack makes it easier by compiling all the key details you need. In this guide, we break down what’s inside the Featherstone development’s info pack – from the vision behind the project to floor plans, inclusions, build quality, legal steps, and how to take the next steps. Our goal is to provide transparency so you can make an informed decision about your future home.
Development Overview and Vision
Featherstone at 1 Rathgar Rd, Henderson is a boutique collection of modern townhouses, designed to offer parkside luxury with a community feel. The development sits right next to Featherstone Park, giving residents direct access to green space and a playground for kids. The vision for Featherstone centres on multi-generational living and family comfort – each home is spacious (4 bedrooms with an option for a 5th) and even allows part of the house to function as a separate area for a boarder or extended family. Somerhill Ltd (the developer) focuses on sustainable, long-lasting design and helping Kiwi families build wealth through home ownership. You’ll see this vision reflected throughout the information pack, from the site layout to the home features.
Key location highlights: Featherstone Park is immediately adjacent for outdoor activities, and the neighbourhood offers plenty of amenities within walking distance. Schools (like Waitakere College and Henderson Primary), childcare centres, a fruit & veggie market, bus stops, and the Sturges Road train station are all nearby. Living here means enjoying both convenience and a serene suburban environment – a big plus for first-time buyers, young families, and professionals who want a balanced lifestyle.
Floor Plans and Architectural Design
The Featherstone info pack provides detailed floor plans for each townhouse type, giving you a clear picture of the layout and size of your future home. There are two main configurations in this development:
Standalone 4-Bedroom Homes (with option for 5 bedrooms): These are larger homes on their own section. For example, Lot 1 is a standalone 4-bedroom home with a flexi room that can serve as a fifth bedroom or office. The floor plan (approximately 222 m² total floor area) spans three levels. The ground floor includes an internal garage, a bathroom, laundry, a bedroom or flexi-room, and an entry area. The first floor is devoted to living space – an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room, plus perhaps a media nook – opening out to a balcony. On the second floor are the remaining three bedrooms, including a master with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, plus a family bathroom. This layout is thoughtfully designed to maximise space and privacy, even allowing the ground floor to function as a semi-independent area with its own kitchenette and bathroom (great for renting to a boarder or accommodating extended family). Note the downstairs area does not have a separate laundry or built-in cooking facility, so it isn’t fully self-contained.
Duplex 4-Bedroom Homes: These homes share one wall with a neighbour (two homes per building), which can offer a more affordable price point while still providing ample space. A duplex floor plan like Lot 3 in the pack shows about 172 m² of floor area across three levels. The configuration is similar – garage and one bedroom on the ground floor, main living areas on the middle floor, and three bedrooms on the top floor. The Duplex designs have 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (one being an ensuite). The open-plan kitchen/living area is slightly cosier (one living area instead of two), but efficient use of space ensures comfort. High ceilings and large windows bring in lots of natural light.
Examples of both floor plan configurations are attached in the image gallery at the bottom of the page.
Architectural style: The info pack includes renderings and elevations that reveal a modern, elegant design for Featherstone homes. Expect a mix of contemporary and timeless materials – for instance, the renderings show a combination of sleek light-colored cladding and brick accents on the exteriors. The architecture emphasises gable forms and clean lines, giving each townhouse an inviting street presence. Inside, the design is light-filled and spacious, with open layouts that create a sense of flow. The pack highlights features like quality flooring (possibly hardwood-look laminate or carpet in bedrooms) and large windows for sunlight. Orientation has been optimised so that your living spaces get plenty of sun throughout the day (a common question from buyers). In fact, the development team has carefully considered yard orientation and sunlight, and the design ensures optimal sunlight distribution in outdoor areas so there are no permanently shaded corners.
Each bedroom comes with built-in storage (more on storage in a moment), and bathrooms and kitchens are styled to be both functional and stylish. The info pack’s sample interior images show a neutral, modern palette – think whites and soft grays with warm wood tones, allowing you to add your personal touch. If you are buying early enough in the off-plan process, you may even get to choose certain finishes or colour schemes to customise your home’s interior to your taste (Featherstone offers some choice of design and finishes, like colours, flooring, and layouts).
Included Appliances and Quality Fixtures
One major advantage of a new build like Featherstone is that it comes with a range of included appliances and fixtures, saving you time and money. The Property Information Pack contains a full list of the chattels (items) that come with the home. Here’s an overview of what’s included:
Kitchen Appliances: Every Featherstone kitchen is equipped with a suite of modern, energy-efficient appliances, typically including:
Oven: A built-in electric oven (multi-function, fan-forced) from a reputable brand.
Cooktop: A sleek cooktop – likely ceramic or induction for efficiency and safety. Induction cooktops are popular in new builds because they heat quickly and are energy efficient (plus easy to clean).
Rangehood: A powerful rangehood is installed above the cooktop to vent out cooking odours and moisture, keeping your kitchen fresh.
Dishwasher: A fully integrated dishwasher is provided, so you don’t need to worry about installing one later. The brand and model will be listed in the pack; many NZ builders opt for trusted brands like Fisher & Paykel or Bosch for reliability. For instance, Fisher & Paykel (a New Zealand-founded company) is known for its high-quality appliances and offers a two-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its products. Having these kitchen appliances included means your home will be move-in ready for cooking and entertaining from day one. Variety is mentioned here because when buying off the plan you have the opportunity to customise or upgrade your specific appliances.
Laundry Appliances: The townhouses also come with laundry whiteware. The pack specifies a washing machine and dryer included in each home, often a front-loading washer and a vented or condenser dryer. These are typically located in the ground-floor laundry area or a dedicated cupboard. Just like the kitchen appliances, the laundry machines will be from quality brands. High star energy ratings are a focus – modern washers use less water and power per load, and heat-pump dryers (upgrade option) are far more efficient than old-fashioned dryers. (For tips on choosing energy-efficient washers and dryers, see EECA’s energy rating tool). Efficient appliances can save significantly on running costs – for example, a washer with a 5-star rating might cost only around $50–$60/year to run, whereas a less efficient one could cost much more.
Refrigerator: Many first-home buyers ask if a fridge is included. In Featherstone’s case, yes, a refrigerator/freezer is included with the kitchen package. This is a huge bonus – you won’t have to measure spaces and purchase your own fridge. The included fridge will be appropriately sized to the kitchen layout (likely a freestanding stainless steel fridge-freezer that fits within a cabinetry surround, as hinted by the kitchen renders). It will come with a good energy rating as well – fridges are one of the few appliances that run 24/7, so an efficient model can make a difference on power bills.
Other Fixtures: The info pack also lists all the fixtures that come installed. This includes lighting (expect modern LED downlights throughout for efficiency), heating and cooling systems (each home will have at least one heat pump/air conditioner installed, typically in the living area, to provide year-round comfort). LED lighting is standard in new builds – LED bulbs use about 85% less electricity than traditional bulbs, which will be reflected in your power bills. Bathrooms are fully fitted with quality fittings: vanity cabinets, mirrors, toilets, shower enclosures (likely glass and tiled), and possibly a bathtub in the family bathroom if it is included in your floor plan. Towel warmers and extractor fans in bathrooms are usually included as well. Kitchens come with engineered stone or high-quality countertops, a stainless steel sink, and mixer tap. All tapware and plumbing fittings are premium water-efficient models. For example, faucets and showerheads might be WELS-rated (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) to conserve water without sacrificing pressure (again depending on customisation options).
Security and Safety: Featherstone includes modern security features like a digital door lock. You can expect smoke alarms (as required by law) and possibly a heat alarm in the kitchen (option). The homes will be built to the latest building code, which means they incorporate strict safety standards (from structural integrity to electrical safety and ventilation). An installed alarm system is also an option.
Overall, the appliances and fixtures included at Featherstone are chosen for quality and convenience. You can move in knowing that your kitchen and laundry are fully functional from day one. And since they’re new, they all come with manufacturer warranties (usually 2 years for appliances and additional coverage for certain parts - varies by appliance as per warranty booklet). If any appliance issue arises after you move in, it’s typically a simple process to have it serviced or replaced under warranty – and Marilyn Apartments can assist in liaising with suppliers if needed, as part of their customer service.
An example of the fittings specification for Unit 1 (standalone) is attached in the gallery below. Note that the Information Pack will have the most up-to-date information.
(For further reading on the appliance brands and models, you can visit the manufacturers’ websites. For example, see Fisher & Paykel’s lineup of kitchen appliances at https://www.fisherpaykel.com/nz/ or Bosch Home Appliances at https://www.bosch-home.co.nz/ to get a sense of the quality standards.)
Materials and Build Quality
Featherstone’s information pack devotes a section to the specifications and materials used in construction. Homebuyers often aren’t sure what to look for in a new build’s specs – here are the highlights you’ll find (and why they matter):
Structure and Exterior: The townhouses are constructed with a timber-framed structure compliant with the latest New Zealand Building Code. The external cladding is a combination of durable materials, including modern weatherboard-style panels and brick veneer sections (as seen in the renders). These materials are chosen for longevity and low maintenance – the brick accents add thermal mass and classic appeal, while the weatherboard (or compressed sheet cladding) has a clean, contemporary look. All exterior materials and paints will be designed to withstand Auckland’s weather, meaning they’re resistant to rain, UV, and humidity-related issues.
Roofing: The roofs are pitched gable style, using long-run colorsteel (metal) roofing. This type of roof is excellent for rainwater runoff and is very long-lasting (often with warranties of 30+ years on roofing). Insulation is installed both in the roof space and the walls, exceeding standards. The info pack likely cites the insulation R-values (for instance, ceiling insulation around R3.6 or higher and wall insulation around R2.6 or higher). Well-insulated homes retain heat in winter and stay cooler in summer, which directly lowers your energy bills and increases comfort.
Windows and Glazing: All windows are double-glazed, aluminium-framed windows. Double glazing is a huge upgrade over old single-pane glass – it can reduce heat loss or gain through windows by up to 30% compared to single glazing. This means your home stays warmer with less heating required in winter, and cooler in summer. It also significantly reduces outside noise, contributing to a peaceful indoor environment. In Auckland’s climate, double glazing and good insulation together ensure you’ll have a warm, dry home that meets Healthy Homes standards easily.
Interior Finishes: High-quality finishes are a hallmark of the Featherstone development. Floors in living areas are likely a hard flooring (engineered wood or laminate) that is both stylish and durable, while bedrooms are carpeted for comfort. Walls will be gib board with neutral paint. The kitchen cabinetry is custom-made with soft-close drawers and plenty of storage (for example brands like Blum for hinges and drawer runners). Countertops are typically engineered stone (which is scratch and stain resistant) – giving you that sleek “engineered stone island bench” look shown in the renders. Bathrooms feature tiled floors (for waterproofing and easy cleaning) and floor-to-ceiling tile in shower areas. All sanitaryware (toilets, sinks) are modern water-efficient models. Small touches like under-stair storage closets, built-in shelving, and LED lighting in wardrobes are included – these details speak to thoughtful design, maximising every inch of space.
Energy Efficiency: A big part of build quality nowadays is how energy-efficient the home is. Beyond insulation and double glazing, Featherstone homes incorporate efficient LED lighting throughout (which, as mentioned, uses up to 85% less power than old incandescent bulbs). The heat pump provided is likely a high-efficiency inverter model (check the energy star rating in the pack; many heat pumps have 4-5 star ratings). Hot water is provided via an electric storage hot water cylinder or possibly an on-demand gas/electric system – if it’s a cylinder, it will be well-insulated and correctly sized for a family; if it’s a gas califont or heat-pump water heater, those are even more energy-saving. The info pack will detail the hot water system (and upgrade options) and its energy rating. Ventilation is also considered – new builds often have extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms ducted to the outside, and some even include a home ventilation system for air circulation.
In essence, the materials and build specs in the info pack reassure you that these homes are built to last and to perform efficiently. They comply with or exceed the latest standards for weather-tightness, insulation, and structure. Additionally, the developer’s values emphasise safety and innovation (Marilyn Apartments uses modern project management and even VR for design visualisation), so you can expect a well-executed build. The development is not in a flood zone (the info pack confirms no flood risk per Auckland Council’s maps), so you won’t require extra flood insurance. And because everything is brand new, maintenance costs should be minimal in the first years – no old roof to repair, no aging plumbing or wiring to worry about.
Importantly, New Zealand law provides implied building warranties: the builder/developer must stand behind their work. For up to 10 years after completion, you’re protected against structural defects – if something was not built right, they have to fix it. Many developers also offer a more formal 10-Year guarantee (e.g. a Master Build Guarantee). While the info pack will outline any specific guarantee offered, rest assured that by law your purchase is safeguarded. In the first year, any minor defects or issues that pop up (common in any new build as materials settle) are typically fixed by the builder promptly – this is often called a 12-month maintenance period. Featherstone’s team will provide you with contacts for reporting any issues post-move-in, ensuring your home meets the quality promised.
Renders (artist impressions) of the finished townhouses are in the gallery below, showing the intended exterior materials.
Legal Documents and Purchasing Process
The Property Information Pack isn’t just floor plans and pretty pictures – it also includes the key legal and process documents you’ll need to review before purchasing. Here’s what to look for and what it means:
Draft Sale & Purchase Agreement: This is the contract you would sign to purchase a townhouse at Featherstone. The info pack will have either a draft copy or a list of the terms and conditions. It’s crucial to read this and have your lawyer review it. It will detail the purchase price, deposit amount, expected completion date, and your rights and obligations. For off-the-plan purchases in NZ, a typical condition is that you pay a deposit of 10% of the purchase price upon signing. Per the agreement, this deposit is usually held in a solicitor’s trust account (stakeholder) until settlement, which protects your money. Featherstone follows this norm – only a 10% deposit upfront, with nothing more to pay until the homes are completed. The contract may also include a Sunset Clause (a date by which if the project isn’t completed, you can cancel and get your deposit back) – this protects buyers in case of unforeseen delays. Make sure to note any such clauses in the agreement, which is typically 12 months from the estimated completion (as this timeframe is required by the construction funders, and is normal for off-the-plan sales).
Title and Land Information: Since these townhouses are new, the property titles may not be issued until completion (they are intended to be freehold titles for each unit, pending final survey). The pack might include a proposed title plan or site survey showing the lot boundaries, any shared driveways or easements, and the legal description of the property. It will also mention the land zoning (Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings Zone, as 1 Rathgar Rd is zoned for intensive residential use, which is how this development is possible). Any easements or covenants will be disclosed – for example, shared driveway agreements (if any units share access) or common area maintenance arrangements. Featherstone’s standalone houses and duplexes likely each have their own driveway or paired driveways, with minimal shared space (mostly just being adjacent). The developer has confirmed there are no public rights of way through the property, so you have privacy. Some services run under the driveway to the rear units, and there is shared access to the driveway.
Specifications and Inclusions List: Legally, what is written as “included” in the contract is what you will get, so the pack’s list of specifications (appliances, fixtures, finishes as discussed above) is important. It ensures that things like the exact appliance models, the type of flooring, and any extra features are committed to in writing. If there are any optional upgrades or choices (for instance, maybe you can upgrade to a premium appliance package or choose a different colour scheme), those will be noted along with any price implications or deadlines to decide.
Building Guarantees and Warranties: The pack mentions what warranties come with the property. As a new build, at minimum, you have the 10-year structural warranty by law. Additionally, the contract will reference the Building Act implied warranties which cover workmanship, materials, compliance with the plans, etc., for 10 years. You don’t need to do anything to get those – they’re automatically in place.
Estimated Completion and Timeline: The info pack and contract will state the expected completion date or settlement date. Featherstone is targeting construction completion in mid 2026. This means if you sign now, you’d likely settle (pay the remaining balance and take ownership) around that time. Off-the-plan buying gives you time to prepare your finances and also potentially benefit from any market value increase by completion. The timeline might include stages like when the roof is finished (roof shout!), when the interior fit-out starts, etc. Often, developers send progress updates to buyers. The pack invites you to subscribe to construction updates.
The Buying Process Steps: Usually, the steps to purchase are:
Expression of Interest or Reservation: You fill out a form to reserve a specific unit (sometimes with a small refundable fee). This gives you a set time, usually 10 days to take advice, arrange your deposit, and to get ready to sign the sale & purchase agreement.
Sign a Sale & Purchase Agreement: This is done through your solicitor. At signing, you pay the 10% deposit into their trust account.
Conditional Period (if any): Some contracts allow a short due diligence period or finance approval period - for example if additional time is required to access kiwisaver. The contract is otherwise unconditional apart from development completion.
During Construction: You mostly wait. This is a good time to get your mortgage formally lined up (though drawdown is only on completion). The developer will keep in touch. You may be invited to view the site during construction, and you may be invited to meet your new neighbours at a cafe near completion.
Pre-Settlement Inspection: Once the home is built (around mid 2026), you’ll be invited to inspect it. You can check that everything is per the plan and spec. Any small defects noted will be fixed prior to settlement.
Settlement/Closing: This is when the title is issued and Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is obtained from the Council (meaning the home has passed all inspections). You pay the remaining 90% via your solicitor, and the property is officially transferred to you. You get the keys and can move in!
The info pack provides contact information for the sales team to guide you through these steps. Stephen McIntyre, the Director of Marilyn Apartments (will be your point of contact, as you’ve seen in the email correspondence), and his sales consultants are available to answer questions. The pack likely ends with a friendly note: for any further questions or to proceed with purchasing, please contact us. They’ll include a phone number and email, and you can also use the “Contact Us” form on the Marilyn Apartments website (Marilyn Apartments is engaged in marketing the townhouses for the developer). Don’t hesitate to reach out – they are used to helping first-home buyers and can walk you through things like applying KiwiSaver funds or First Home grants if applicable, arranging site visits (or VR tours), etc.
Next Steps and Getting the Most Out of the Info Pack
After reading the Featherstone Property Information Pack, you should have a solid understanding of what’s on offer. Here are a few suggestions for next steps:
Make a list of questions that come to mind as you review the pack. For example, you might want clarification on the exact dimensions of a room, or whether changes (variations) to the plan are possible, or how the extra border income for the ground floor could help with mortgage affordability. The Marilyn Apartments team is happy to answer these – they even create blog articles based on buyer questions (as you may have noticed!).
Visit the site or area if you can: While the homes are not built yet, a drive by 1 Rathgar Road will let you see the location, the neighbouring houses, the park, and the general environment. You can envision where your townhouse will sit on the corner section overlooking the park (the expansive corner position means some homes will have views of the park’s greenery). This context, combined with the site plan from the pack, helps make the development real for you.
Compare with other developments: It can be helpful to compare Featherstone’s info pack with others on the market to appreciate the value. You’ll likely find Featherstone stands out for including appliances, having large floor areas for the price, and the park adjacency. Many new Auckland townhouses might not include fridge/washer/dryer, etc., or might be smaller. Knowing this can give you confidence that Featherstone is a solid offering. (Do still ensure it fits your personal needs and budget, of course!)
Consult your mortgage adviser or KiwiSaver provider: Since settlement is a ways off, you might not need a mortgage approval until closer to 2026, but it’s wise to discuss your plans with a financial adviser. They can advise on how to structure your deposit and what to prepare for. The fact you lock in today’s price is a big benefit – any market rise is to your advantage, and you have more time to save up. Just be sure you’re comfortable with the timeline and have a plan (e.g., if you’re renting in the meantime, your lease timeline vs. completion timing).
Review the legal documents with your lawyer: This is a must-do before signing anything. A property-specialist lawyer will check that the contract is standard and fair (which it should be) and explain your rights. They’ll double-check things like the deposit stakeholder clause, sunset date, and any build variations. Having legal peace of mind is important when buying off-plan.
Finally, reach out and stay engaged. If you decide Featherstone is the right choice, the team will keep you updated with construction progress newsletters and possibly on-site milestone visits (wearing a hard hat to see your home’s frame go up can be exciting!). Even if you’re still undecided, you can subscribe to Marilyn Apartments’ blog or emails for updates – for example, they send out an email sequence answering common questions (you’ve likely seen some of those answers already).
In summary, the Featherstone Property Information Pack is your go-to comprehensive guide for this development. It paints the full picture: the vision (family-friendly, high-quality homes in a great location), the design (floor plans and beautiful renders), the inclusions (appliances, finishes – all the goodies that come with the home), the build quality (materials and standards ensuring a warm, safe, efficient house), and the buying process (what legal steps to expect). Take your time to digest it, and don’t hesitate to ask Marilyn Apartments any questions that arise. With transparency and helpful information, we aim to make your journey to owning a home at Featherstone as smooth as possible.
