KEY POINTS:
Richard Doherty, 40, a financial recovery expert, and his fiancee Debbie Ross, 30, know the feeling of having to cast the house-hunting net far and wide.
Two months ago the former North Shore couple took the plunge - after an 18-month search - and bought their first home in Ranui, West Auckland.
It was a big leap of faith for the couple. "Initially, our friends were a bit sceptical because of the [poor] reputation the area has," said Doherty.
Indeed, Ranui has more than a few run-down properties and a population with a lower socio-economic status.
But the couple had been house hunting for more than a year and were frustrated by the exorbitant prices of property on the North Shore.
"By the time we wanted to buy we couldn't," said Doherty. "So we had to extend our vision."
With a budget in the mid-$300,000s, the couple were able to buy a three-bedroom weatherboard home with a substantial garden on an established street at a private sale.
"We're bloody lucky," said the proud new homeowner.
A subsequent valuation has the property worth almost $70,000 more than they paid.
Although the commute to work takes an hour, Doherty isn't complaining.
"It hasn't made that much difference as far as amenities go, and the shopping is far better."
He said it was "insane" some of his peers were taking on huge debts to live in trendy suburbs.
"Mine and the coming generation want everything for nothing," he said.
"They're not prepared to do hard graft.
"It's a matter of knuckling down, paying your debts off and having some sort of savings to put yourself in a position of strength when you do buy."
Doherty urged would-be first-home buyers to consider moving on out. "Expand your horizons."
