From Foreign Streets to Familiar Shores: How Tommy’s Helped Global Grandparents Find their Perfect Home Surrounded by Family.

Tommy’s helped find a home that was just right for the couple, in a great location close to both the beach and their grandchildren.

Planning to live in the UK for two years, Jan and Malcolm Tait ended up staying for eight, but were drawn back to Aotearoa by family commitments, elderly mother, new grandchildren, and business opportunities. 

Can you describe the moment you knew you had found the right home with Tommy’s?

Malcolm – I was born and bred in Lower Hutt and our twin daughters live here in Petone, so Petone was ideal for us. Being in the UK during Covid and doing managed isolation twice to come back into the country, it really brought home to us how far away we were when we needed to be there for family.

Jan – We were renting a house which we were comfortable in, so we were waiting for something that really grabbed us to consider buying. We first saw the house in December 2023, and we were immediately drawn to it. There was an internal double garage, which is hard to find in Petone, it had great bones, and light streaming through the house.

We didn’t want a large family home and these 3 bedroomed houses was just right for us. It needed some work, but our agent showed us the great potential the property had. It just felt like it had our name on it.

How has your life changed since moving into your new home?

Malcolm – We are smack bang in the middle of our grandchildren’s school and Daycare centre, so we see much more of the grandkids, and I often walk them to school.

Jan – Our friends are popping in more – Mitre 10 is just around the corner so they call in after shopping there! We really enjoy feeling like we are more central.

Can you share a special memory or milestone that took place in your new home?

Malcolm – When we can get the car into the garage it will be a milestone, as right now it is full of boxes. We’ve had people staying and things happening one after the other since we moved in, so we are looking forward to having some time to properly unpack and relax over summer.

Jan – Another milestone for us was painting the walls white from the previous light pink and taking the carpet out of the ensuite bathroom. These were touches that made the house feel more like us.

What made you choose Tommy’s over other estate agencies?

Malcolm – They had some great listings, a good reputation in the Wellington housing market and Linda had already done a great job selling my parents their place in 2014, so it was a natural choice.

What advice would you give to someone looking to buy a home with Tommy’s?

Jan – Build a relationship with one of the agents, because that is the most important thing, that they actually understand what you want. Some of the estate agents we worked with in London were just about the sale and didn’t get to know us properly. You have to have an agent who has their finger on the pulse, and Tommy’s agents definitely do.

Can you describe the feeling of stepping into your home for the first time?

Malcolm – Excited at finally owning our own place again – as a handyman I was thrilled that I could get to use some of my tools again.

Jan – It’s been a long journey for us – we cracked open a bottle of champagne to celebrate with my sisters.

In what ways has your new home positively impacted your family’s life?

Jan – Now the grandchildren drop off and pickup is incredibly easy, and the kids love to bike or scoot over to our place. We are very happy with the house, and we are enjoying putting our own stamp on it – it just works for us!

Malcolm – We pinch ourselves that we found something that suited us so well. We have an entire upstairs section with its own bathroom where family can come and stay. We have outdoor areas where we can sit and have coffees, and the kids love to kick a ball around in the backyard. We are looking forward to doing it up for summer to entertain.

For Tommy’s team, not for publication

How did Tommy’s team support you throughout the buying process?

Malcolm – Linda was so personable and she was unflappable – it was never stressful.

Jan – We weren’t particularly straightforward purchasers, but she was never stressed – she’s really friendly, approachable and professional. She worked hard for us too, the vendors had quite a different figure in mind to what we did and she helped us with how to negotiate. She worked hard on this and we settled the house quickly, it was very efficient.