Finding Home Again: A Returning Kiwi’s Story

After years of living abroad, Stephen Moore and his family were ready to return home to New Zealand. But re‑entering the property market from overseas felt overwhelming, especially in a fast‑moving, unfamiliar landscape.

“We really had no clue what to expect,” Stephen recalls. “Prices had gone up dramatically, and there were so many new suburbs. We didn’t know where to start.”

Stephen joined an online seminar hosted by Kea, where he connected with Brendan Goodwin. Goodwins is Kea’s real estate partner, supporting returning Kiwis as they navigate Auckland’s property market.

What followed was a trusting partnership: Brendan acted as the family’s buyer’s agent, helping them explore dozens of homes, understand market trends, and ultimately secure the perfect apartment, just before it hit the market. With a background as a solicitor and property law specialist in Auckland, Melbourne, and London, Brendan brought a unique perspective that proved invaluable.

“Without Brendan, I doubt we would’ve come across that unit. We were overseas, but he knew exactly what we needed. His experience, insight, and patience made all the difference,” says Stephen.

Brendan believes this is a particularly good time for returning buyers. “While headlines focus on uncertainty, we’re seeing smart opportunities, especially for those with long‑term plans to return home or invest. The key is local insight and early access to listings.” He also recognises that many in the Kea network are time‑poor and juggling the logistics of moving jobs, families, and possessions. “That’s why we not only offer advice on buying property but can also help with rental options to make the transition back to Auckland life smoother.”

And yes, if you’re the kind of person who secretly scrolls real estate sites at midnight while dreaming of pohutukawa and Vogel’s toast, Brendan’s current listings might just fast‑track those daydreams into plans. As a buyer’s agent, he’s often scouting homes that don’t make it to the public listings, which means sometimes, like Stephen’s family, you get to see opportunities before everyone else does.

Brendan even mentioned a certain clifftop home in St Heliers that sounds more like a film set than a house, complete with views for days, a cinema, and (believe it or not) its own putting green. We can’t promise it comes with Vogel’s toast, but if you’re curious, it might be worth a peek.

🔗 Take a look at what Brendan’s bringing to market shortly
🔗 Get in touch with Brendan and the Goodwins team