195 days ago

Buying a Home when you have Kids? Here’s What to Look For

Matt from Matt Wineera - Thats Real Estate with Matt Wineera

House hunting is always a big deal, but when you have young kids, it becomes even more important. You’re not just looking for a house—you’re searching for a safe, happy place where your little ones can grow, explore, and make memories.

So, what should you keep in mind when choosing a home for your family? Here are some key things to look for:

A Safe and Practical Layout

An open floor plan can be a game-changer, letting you keep an eye on the kids while cooking or working. Look out for steep stairs, sharp corners and tricky spaces that could be safety hazards. And think about how easy it’ll be to baby-proof!

Bedrooms on the Same Level

Middle-of-the-night wake-ups are much easier when everyone’s on the same floor. If you’re considering a multi-level home, check how far the master bedroom is from the kids’ rooms—especially if they’re still little.

A Safe Outdoor Space
 A fenced yard?
Yes, please! Look for a backyard that’s secure, with plenty of space for running, playing and making the most of the fresh air. If there’s a pool, make sure it’s properly gated for peace of mind.

Close to Schools & Parks

A great school nearby is a win for the whole family and having a park within walking distance is perfect for after-school playtime and weekend adventures. Location really does make a difference!

Plenty of Storage

Kids come with a lot of stuff. Extra closets, built-in storage, or even a dedicated playroom can help keep the chaos under control. Trust me—future you will thank you!

Kid-Friendly Flooring

Hardwood looks gorgeous, but is it practical for tiny feet and inevitable spills? Durable, low-maintenance flooring (or soft rugs in key areas) can make life a little easier.

The right home is about more than just square footage and style, it’s about finding a space that works for your whole family, now and in the years to come.

Need help finding that kid friendly home in Tauranga? Let’s chat!

Image
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?

(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image
22 hours ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

Image
Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.9% Yes
    41.9% Complete
  • 31.7% Maybe?
    31.7% Complete
  • 26.4% No
    26.4% Complete
356 votes
19 days ago

We want to know: Have you thought about cutting your insurance cover to save costs?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Senior business reporter Rob Stock tackles a big question many of us have wondered about: “What are the pros and cons of cutting back on insurance?”

So we’re curious… What are your thoughts on trimming your insurance cover? Have you ever considered it?

Want to dive deeper? Rob Stock has the full breakdown.

Image