When I first walked through the gates of this stunning Clevedon lifestyle property with the owners, I could immediately understand why they’d fallen in love with it fifteen years earlier.
The rolling paddocks, mature native plantings, and that sense of peaceful seclusion while still being connected to the city – it represented everything that draws families to rural living.
Having been through the property investment journey myself, I know that selling a lifestyle property isn’t just about square metres and price per acre.
It’s about finding someone who truly appreciates what makes rural living special – the morning mist across the paddocks, the space for children to roam freely, and the genuine sense of community that defines places like Clevedon.
The owners were naturally concerned about achieving the right price in a shifting market, but more than that, they wanted their beloved property to go to a family who would cherish it as they had.
This case study walks you through our strategic approach that ultimately resulted in a record-breaking sale, but more importantly, connected the right buyers with their perfect lifestyle property.
I’ll share the specific strategies we used, the challenges we navigated together, and the communication approach that kept everyone confident throughout the process.
Meeting Sarah and Michael – Beyond the Initial Consultation
Sarah and Michael’s story reminded me of my own journey into lifestyle properties – that moment when you realize you’re not just buying land and buildings; you’re investing in a completely different way of life.
During our first conversation, they shared their vision of raising their young family somewhere with space to breathe, but they were genuinely concerned about practical considerations like water supply, septic systems, and the realities of rural internet connectivity.
What struck me most was their thoughtful approach to this decision.
They weren’t rushing into anything; they understood that finding the right lifestyle property in Clevedon meant balancing their dreams with practical necessities.
Having navigated similar decisions, myself as a property investor, I could see they needed someone who would listen to both their aspirations and their concerns without dismissing either.
Over the following weeks, we spent considerable time discussing what life in Clevedon actually looks like – from the seasonal variations in access during winter months to the close-knit community dynamics that make this area so special.
I connected them with local contractors I trust for property inspections, shared insights about bore water quality in different parts of the district, and even arranged for them to speak with other families who’d made similar moves.
This wasn’t about pushing them toward a quick decision. My experience has taught me that the best relationships start with genuine understanding, and lifestyle property purchases require even more careful consideration than standard residential moves.
Sarah and Michael needed to feel confident about every aspect of rural living before we even began looking at specific properties.
Understanding What Makes Clevedon Special
One of the things I love most about working in Clevedon is helping people discover what I’ve come to understand about this unique corner of Auckland.
It’s not just the rolling hills or the proximity to beautiful beaches – though those certainly matter.
What makes Clevedon truly special is how it manages to feel like a genuine rural community while still being connected to the city.
When I’m working with families considering a move here, I always take time to explain the seasonal rhythms that define life in this area.
Winter brings those misty mornings across the paddocks that make you appreciate a good wood burner, while summer offers endless opportunities for children to explore safely.
The local school has that small-community feel where teachers know every child’s name, and the weekend farmers’ markets become genuine social gatherings rather than just shopping trips.
From a practical perspective, Clevedon properties often come with unique considerations that city buyers need to understand.
Water supply systems vary significantly between properties – some rely on bore water, others on tank collection, and understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions.
The mix of clay and lighter soils across the area affects everything from septic systems to garden planning.
What I find most rewarding is connecting families with properties that match not just their budget, but their vision of rural life.
Some clients want the full farming experience with multiple paddocks, while others prefer a smaller lifestyle block with established gardens.
Each property tells its own story, and understanding what makes Clevedon special means recognizing how different families will connect with different aspects of this wonderful community.
Strategic Positioning – More Than Just Marketing
When working with lifestyle properties, I’ve learned that positioning goes far deeper than attractive photographs and clever descriptions.
The families drawn to Clevedon aren’t just buying square metres or land area – they’re investing in a vision of how they want to live, and our approach needed to reflect that understanding.
Rather than focusing solely on the property’s features, we developed a strategy that told the story of what life could look like on this particular piece of land.
This meant highlighting aspects that city buyers might not immediately consider: the established fruit trees that would provide seasons of family memories, the natural spring that ensures reliable water supply even during dry summers, and the gentle slope that offers both privacy and those stunning rural views without the maintenance challenges of steep terrain.
My experience with rural properties has taught me that buyers in this market take time to envision themselves in a space.
They need to understand not just what they’re buying, but how it will work for their family’s daily rhythms.
So we created opportunities for them to experience the property at different times of day, in various weather conditions, and with their children present to see how they’d naturally use the space.
The positioning strategy also involved connecting with my network of local families who’d made similar moves. These weren’t formal testimonials, but genuine conversations where prospective buyers could ask real questions about rural living – from practical considerations like school bus routes to the social aspects of becoming part of the Clevedon community.
This patient, relationship-focused approach meant we attracted buyers who truly understood and appreciated what made this property special, rather than those simply looking for the lowest price per hectare.
Navigating Challenges – When Due Diligence Gets Complex
Rural property due diligence often reveals complexities that can catch even experienced buyers off guard, and this sale was no exception.
When Sarah and Michael’s building inspector discovered an undisclosed easement affecting part of the northern boundary, I could see the concern in their eyes.
Having navigated similar situations in my own property investments, I understood their worry about potential future restrictions.
Rather than minimizing their concerns, I immediately arranged meetings with both the council and the neighbouring property owner to clarify exactly what the easement meant for their long-term plans.
The process took three weeks longer than anticipated, but ensuring they had complete clarity was far more important than rushing toward an arbitrary deadline.
The septic system also required additional investigation when soil tests revealed different percolation rates than expected.
This meant bringing in a specialist consultant to design a modified system that would work effectively with the site’s unique clay composition.
These aren’t the kind of issues you encounter with city properties, but they’re part of ensuring a lifestyle property purchase will truly deliver the experience families are seeking.
Throughout these challenges, I maintained regular communication with both the buyers and sellers, explaining each step and managing expectations realistically.
My experience has taught me that transparency during these complex phases builds trust that lasts well beyond settlement.
What could have derailed the entire sale instead became an opportunity to demonstrate the thorough due diligence that protects everyone involved.
By the time we reached settlement, Sarah and Michael felt completely confident about their investment, knowing we’d addressed every potential concern properly.
The Negotiation – Building Trust on Both Sides
Negotiating lifestyle property sales requires a different approach than city properties, and I’ve learned that building genuine trust with both parties often matters more than aggressive tactics.
When Sarah and Michael’s initial offer came in below the asking price, I could understand the sellers’ disappointment, but I also knew this family had done their homework and genuinely valued what made this property special.
Rather than simply presenting numbers back and forth, I arranged a conversation where both parties could share their perspectives directly.
The sellers explained their emotional attachment to the land they’d nurtured for fifteen years, while Sarah and Michael described their vision for raising their children in this beautiful setting.
This wasn’t about manipulation – it was about creating genuine understanding between people who shared similar values about rural living.
The breakthrough came when we addressed the practical realities that influenced the buyers’ initial offer.
The additional costs for septic upgrades and boundary clarifications weren’t just negotiating tactics; they represented real expenses that would affect the family’s ability to settle comfortably into their new lifestyle.
By working through these details transparently, we found creative solutions that honoured both the sellers’ expectations and the buyers’ financial planning.
My experience has taught me that successful rural property negotiations happen when everyone feels heard and respected.
The sellers ultimately accepted an offer that reflected the property’s true value while accounting for necessary improvements, and Sarah and Michael felt confident they were making a sound investment in their family’s future.
This collaborative approach meant everyone walked away feeling positive about the relationship, not just the outcome.
Settlement Success and Ongoing Relationships
Settlement day arrived smoothly, but for me, that’s when the real relationship often begins rather than ends.
While most agents consider their job complete once keys change hands, I’ve learned that families moving into rural properties often need ongoing support as they navigate their new lifestyle.
Three months after Sarah and Michael settled into their Clevedon property, I received a call about connecting their rural internet service – something we’d discussed during the buying process but hadn’t fully resolved.
Rather than referring them elsewhere, I was able to connect them with a local provider I’d worked with before who understood the unique challenges of servicing properties in our rural areas.
Six months later, when they were considering adding a small barn for their children’s ponies, they called to discuss council requirements and recommended contractors.
These weren’t transactions for me – they were opportunities to continue supporting a family whose property journey I’d been part of from the beginning.
My approach has always been that selling someone their dream lifestyle property creates a responsibility that extends well beyond settlement.
Rural living comes with learning curves that city properties simply don’t have, from understanding seasonal access changes to managing bore water systems effectively.
The sellers, too, have stayed in touch. They’ve since recommended me to two other families in their network who were considering lifestyle property moves.
This ongoing connection with past clients has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my work – knowing that the relationships we built during what can be a stressful process have grown into genuine, lasting connections within the Clevedon community.
This is what I mean when I say it’s about relationships, not just property sales.
Conclusion
This Clevedon success story demonstrates what becomes possible when property relationships are built on genuine understanding, thorough communication, and patient guidance through every complexity that rural living presents.
Whether you’re considering a move to lifestyle properties or thinking about selling your current rural home, the principles remain the same: taking time to truly understand what matters most to you and your family.
My experience as both a property investor and agent in areas like Clevedon, Whitford, and Brookby has taught me that every family’s journey is unique.
The technical aspects of rural properties – from water systems to council requirements – matter enormously, but so do the emotional considerations that come with changing how and where you live.
I’m available 24/7 to discuss your property aspirations, concerns, or questions about rural living.
This isn’t about pushing toward a quick decision; it’s about starting a conversation that helps you navigate your options with confidence.
Let’s start a conversation about your property goals – whether you’re just beginning to explore rural living or ready to take the next step toward your ideal lifestyle property.
I’m here to listen and guide you through every consideration that matters to your family’s future.
