A bank in Wairoa, a modest apartment or leasehold house in Napier's affluent suburb of Ahuriri or a four-bedroom home on two acres of sheltered land on "Dannevirke's golden mile" all have one thing in common - they each could be yours for $300,000.
With the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand figures showing the median sale price in Hawke's Bay last month was $272,500, Hawke's Bay Today looked at what $300,000 could buy you across the region.
The most recent QV average values for Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke's Bay are $293,487, $318,630 and $219,739 respectively.
While the values are up slightly on the previous quarter and the same time last year, they are still massively down on the property market's 2007 peak (down over 6 per cent in Napier and Hastings, and a whopping 18 per cent in Central Hawke's Bay). So just where can you get the greatest bang for your buck? Taking your money up to Wairoa, $300,000 could buy you the bank, or alternatively a three bedroom seaside home on a large block of land.
Overlooking the river on Wairoa's Marine Parade, the old bank comprises a three bedroom "stylish and convenient apartment" upstairs, a one bedroom flat at the rear, a relocatable sleepout and commercial premises at the front.
The property is advertised as an investment, or as a home and income for someone who wanted to live conveniently.
Meanwhile, those looking for the ultimate slice of beachside property could buy three sections totalling 4045 square metres on Mahia Beach.
With a rateable value of $440,000, the combined sections are a steal at $295,000.
Taking your money to the Art Deco capital of Napier will set you up in a three-bedroom 1920s villa on 417 sq/m of land with ceiling and floor insulation.
The central Owen St home also boasts Kauri ceilings, a heat pump and an open fireplace.
While $300,000 won't buy much more than a modest apartment or leasehold house in Napier's affluent suburb of Ahuriri, you could pick up a "good old Kiwi bach" for $140,000, or a two-bedroom house close to the beach in Westshore for $255,000.
Heading over to Havelock North, $295,000 could buy a two-bedroom "spacious village townhouse" or a "tidy" 1980s three bedroom home.
At the other end of the scale in Flaxmere, $300,000 could buy you two modest three-bedroom homes with money to spare or a six-year-old property with "outdoor living to match anything you might see in a magazine" for $270,000. Heading down to Central Hawke's Bay, $300,000 could buy you a four bedroom 1920s character home in Waipukurau, or a four bedroom home with $70,000 to spare in Waipawa.
Or across in Dannevirke, you could set yourself up in a four-bedroom home on two acres of sheltered land right on "Dannevirke's golden mile".
Or perhaps you could opt for a solid brick four-bedroom home "built with the best materials" in the 1980s.
Boasting "beautiful leadlight windows throughout the house," a hothouse and fenced-off veggie garden, the house is listed $30,000 below its RV at a price of $295,000.