New Zealand television personality Jayne Kiely has sold her Whangamatā bach for just under $3 million, marking an emotional end to a decade-long chapter for the Location Location Location co-host and her family. The sale, which concluded over the weekend, saw considerable interest, with four bidders competing for the property and an opening bid of $2.6 million – significantly exceeding the property’s registered valuation of $1.925 million.
Kiely, who is also a Ray White Remuera real estate agent, described the sale as bittersweet, acknowledging the cherished memories created at the beach house over the years. “It’s a big chapter of our lives that we’ve absolutely loved, so we wish them all the best,” she said, adding that the buyers have a long-standing connection to Whangamatā through friends and family.
The property, located on Rangi Avenue, attracted a crowd of around 60 people to the auction, following over 115 groups attending open homes. Kiely purchased the property in 2016 for $875,000, recognizing its potential despite its initial state. At the time, she described it as a classic Kiwi bach with a “rickety gate and an unassuming little house,” featuring a blue kitchen and orange benchtop. She and her family undertook renovations, transforming the space while retaining its character.
“We knew we could do something special with it,” Kiely explained. “When you’ve got young boys, or teenage boys, they could all have their friends here with tents, so many tents, so many people staying, so it was just a brilliant spot for teenagers to hang out all summer. It wasn’t a flash house or anything, and we just loved it.” The renovations included rearranging rooms, adding a guesthouse, and updating the interior while preserving the relaxed, beachside atmosphere.
Kiely’s decision to sell comes as her sons have relocated to London, and she acknowledges a shift in how frequently the family utilizes the property. “I’m busy in Auckland. Not only am I doing real estate, but I’ve been filming Location, Location, Location, and we’re just not getting down here as much,” she stated. “This house needs a family again.”
The process of preparing the property for sale presented a unique challenge for Kiely, given her professional role in the real estate industry. She recounted a recent experience at the supermarket, where she was recognized despite being casually dressed and focused on preparations. “I’m looking at every leaf that blows in here and going, ‘Oh, my God, get that leaf out of here’ like a crazy woman,” she said, highlighting the attention to detail required in presenting a property for sale.
Kiely previously described the bach as a sanctuary, a place where she could escape the demands of her public life. “You come down here, and you don’t wash your hair for a couple of weeks, and you don’t put your make-up on, and you get the sand between your toes; you’re not wearing high-heeled shoes,” she shared. “As soon as you drive into town, into Whangamatā, it’s such a great vibe.”
The sale of Kiely’s Whangamatā property reflects a broader trend of classic Kiwi baches being sold as property values rise along the Coromandel Peninsula. While Kiely’s bach has found new owners who appreciate its connection to the area, the future of many similar properties remains uncertain as they face increasing development pressure.
Looking ahead, Kiely plans to take some time before embarking on her next property venture, hinting at a potential move closer to Auckland. “We’ll take a breath and then look for something else, maybe closer to Auckland,” she said.
