Thinking About Relocating a Villa? Here’s What You Need to Know
At The Relocatable Home Co., we receive a lot of enquiries from people interested in relocating classic Villas onto their sections. And it’s easy to see why – these character-filled homes offer timeless style and charm that’s hard to replicate with new builds.
Relocating and renovating a Villa can be a rewarding project, both aesthetically and financially. But like any major renovation, it comes with its own set of challenges, costs and considerations. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key things to know before embarking on your Villa relocation journey.
💰 What Does It Cost to Relocate a Villa?
One of the first things to note is that Villas are big structures. Due to their size, they often need to be moved in two parts, with the roof folded down for transportation. That alone can add to the complexity – and cost – of the move.
To transform your relocated Villa into a comfortable, livable home, you’ll need to budget around $350,000 to $500,000 or more for the whole project. This typically includes:
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Purchasing the Villa
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Transport to your section ($100,000 to $200,000, depending on the size of the home and the distance it needs to be moved)
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Building consents & council fees
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Development contributions (if applicable)
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Utility connections (power, water, plumbing)
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Initial renovation and repairs
🛠️ Renovation Considerations
Once your Villa is relocated to your site, there are several key considerations to ensure it’s ready to become a comfortable, livable home. From painting and repairs to structural checks, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
1. Exterior painting & council bonds: After the Villa is on your site, it will likely need a fresh coat of paint. Local Councils often require an upfront Bond when applying for Building Consent to ensure issues like wood rot are addressed, and that weatherboards and baseboards are properly reinstated. Given the size of these beautiful homes, an exterior paint job can be a significant cost.
2. Interior work & electrical updates: Along with exterior work, interior work may also be required. Due to the age of the Villa, you may need to rewire or replace some of the interior fittings to meet modern standards and ensure safety.
3. Fireplace dismantling & reinstallation: During the relocation, fireplaces are always dismantled. This involves removing all the bricks from the chimney, from top to bottom, as well as any surrounding brickwork. While it’s the new owner’s responsibility to reinstall the fireplace, the roof will be made waterproof after the chimney removal to prevent any leaks.
4. Scrim & match lining: a hidden opportunity: Many older Villas feature scrim and match lining (fabric over wooden boards) rather than modern GIB lining, which can sometimes be hidden under wallpaper. While this might seem like a challenge, it’s a perfect opportunity to upgrade insulation as part of your renovation.
5. Upgrading for modern comfort: Many villas have single-glazed windows, which can be drafty. Adding double-glazing could be a worthwhile investment, even if it slightly changes the original appearance.
🏠 Maintaining and Restoring Villa Features
For those passionate about maintaining the original character of their villa, preserving key features that add charm and historical value will be a consideration. Here are a few standout elements you might want to restore or protect:
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Stained glass windows: These beautifully intricate windows are often a hallmark of villas, adding colour and character to any room. Restoring stained glass can be a delicate process, but it’s worth the effort to preserve their timeless beauty.
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Ornate ceiling roses and mouldings: Villas often feature stunning ceiling roses and detailed mouldings that are hard to replicate. Restoring these intricate designs requires skilled craftsmen, but the result is well worth the investment, bringing back the elegance of the original design.
By carefully restoring these features, you can retain the authentic charm of the villa while ensuring it stands the test of time.
🔍 Finding Materials & Restoration Items
While most Villas today have had their original fittings removed, if you’re after authenticity – there are plenty of options:
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Bungalow & Villa – Mouldings, timber doors, light switches, fireplace surrounds & more
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Trade Me – Great for sourcing vintage doors, windows, and fittings
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Local demolition yards – Often have hidden gems perfect for restoration projects
Looking for some visual inspiration? Check out 11 Stunning Villa Renovations in New Zealand on the Archipro website for some beautiful ideas!
🏆 The End Result Is Worth It
Relocating and renovating a Villa isn’t a small undertaking—but for those with a passion for heritage homes and character-filled design, the end result can be truly spectacular.
At The Relocatable Home Co., we’re always looking for beautiful Villas to list. If you know someone looking to sell or relocate one, we offer rewards for successful referrals.
👉 Contact us today by giving us a call on 0508 4 RELOCATE to learn more, or get in touch by completing the form below: