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Before buying your first investment property in the Cook Islands, here are 4 tips to help you succeed in finding your ideal investment.
Your reasons for buying property in the Cook Islands and the lifestyle you’re after will determine where to search for your new investment. A secluded private haven with stunning mountain scenery, a stylish retreat with wide panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean or a gated waterfront property with direct access onto an absolutely pristine white sandy beach.
If you will be renting out your Cook Islands property part of the time, you will want to buy in a tourist-friendly location. Certain areas are known to be busier with tourism, such as the southern and western coasts of Rarotonga.
Additionally, if you will be buying a holiday home or renting the home out as a short-term let while you’re not there, your property will be more competitive if you are located within a short distance from the beach and close to amenities. Think about easy access to public transport, restaurants, tourist activities, and other conveniences. A private home nestled in the interior of Rarotonga may be charming, but if you will be far from amenities and without something special such as a swimming pool, you may feel too secluded.
You may also wish to consider renting your home out as a mid-term or long-term let if you are planning to be away for a few months at a time. Self-contained units and stand-alone homes are currently in high demand, particularly near Avarua commercial centre, schools, hospital, airport, and other places of employment.
Homes in the Cook Islands come with an assortment of features and useful upgrades:
- Traditional homes may be renovated using modern, high-quality materials while retaining many of their original features.
- New builds are modern, functional and stylish, some are prefabricated kitset homes, others created by architects to a high quality finish.
- When it comes to conveniences, you will commonly find open-plan interior living, fully equipped kichen with modern appliances, large outdoor space, master bedroom with private ensuite, insect screens, solar hot water, and air-conditioning with ceiling fans.
- Outdoor features range from expansive deck areas to private swimming pool with barbeque area and gorgeous landscaping.
It’s helpful to decide the essentials you’re looking for (number of bedrooms, for example), and decide which are the most important elements to you.
Also ask yourself, 'would guests love to stay here?'
Consider how much of the time you will be living on the property and how often you plan to rent out the property, or if you plan to do both at the same time, then how can each area be privatised?
- Is there a locked storage cupboard to store your belongings while you are away?
- Is there an area to store linen or wash & dry laundry on-site? also cleaning materials and supplies?
- Can one bedroom be converted into a private guest lounge with tea/coffee making facilities and small fridge?
- Can a private deck and summer kitchen be added, or a swimming pool, as an attractive feature to entice guest bookings?
When properties come up that you’re keenly interested in, plan to view before moving forward with the sale. This is especially important if you’ve never been to the Cook Islands where you’re buying property. Of course you will want to inspect the property, but you’ll also want to live like a local for a few days to get a feel for what life will be like.
View the property you are most interested in during different times of the day, and stay in the immediate vicinity if possible so that you can walk around the area and familiarise yourself with the closest amenities.
There are a number of questions to ask when deciding to buy property in the Cook Islands.
- Which way does the property face? Will your home enjoy good sunlight or will it be shaded most of the day?
- What are the boundaries of the property? Which outbuildings and land are on the property, and has the property been recently surveyed and pegged?
- How many years left remaining on the lease, and what is the annual rental payable to the lessor?
- Where is the common accessway to the property, and whose responsibility is it to maintain it?
- What type of water and sewage systems does the property have?
- How does the home connect to electricity, heating and Internet?
- Where and what are the nearby amenities, including transportation, shops, conveniences and tourist activities? As you tour the property, you’ll likely come up with more questions. Consider setting up a second viewing, possibly with a certified builder for a full inspection report.
For more expert advice for first-time buyers or for help with professional rental property management, please get in touch.
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For more expert advice on buying or renting property in the Cook Islands, contact us
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Disclaimer: It is our intention to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our website which has been obtained from various sources, however all information is subject to independent review and verification.
We cannot recommend strongly enough that you complete your own full due diligence before making major decisions. Although all reasonable care has been taken in preparing this checklist guide, we make no warranty about the accuracy and completeness of its content. Any reliance on any information in this guide shall be at the reader’s own risk.
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