Nothing feels better than achieving one of life's big goals. Buying your first car, getting married, taking that holiday you've been looking forward to - these events can be big or small and come in all different forms, each important and rewarding in their own way. One of the most common goals that people strive to achieve during their life is that of owning their own home. With New Zealand's economy the way it is at the moment and the property market always turning in a new direction, it can be a bit of a struggle to get there too!

While some might be content with a simple property purchase, there are those who dream a little bigger and aren't able to sit still until they've gotten all of the ideas out of their head, onto paper and built their dream home from scratch. It's a little bit harder and a whole lot more work, but having a house designed just for you is something truly special.

Before you jump into the design and planning for your dream home, consider a few of these questions and make sure you're ready to take on such a huge project and commitment.

Can you afford it?

Talk to your bank about your budget and get pre-approval for a loan before you go looking for a block. Remember to prepare for the build by leaving a 15% gap between your projected costs and what you can afford.

Does a build fit in with my future plans?

Many people get over-eager when it comes to building. Don't rush into something when plans for your future might change. Thinking about moving in a few years for your career or starting a family? Wait until you're settled before building - the extra costs involved will make it harder to sell for a good return.

Is the market right?

Buying any property in a seller's market or during a real estate bubble is a bad idea, but when you've got the added expense of a build you want to ensure you're making a purchase during ideal conditions. Talk to your agent about the right time to buy and exercise a bit of patience to get it right.

Deciding where to build

It's true that it is getting harder to own your own home and that building in New Zealand is a bit more out-of-reach than it has been in the past, but it definitely isn't impossible. A lot of Kiwis are looking outside the main centres for the ideal lifestyle and more affordability - cities like Gisborne offer opportunities that you can't find anywhere else.

The first city to see the sunrise every day with close 2,200 sunshine hours every year and a beautiful beach along Poverty Bay, Gisborne is a fantastic place to build with a view over the water. High quality secondary schools like Gisborne Boys' and Girls' High, Campion College and Lytton High are just a small part of why the city is fantastic for families - the laidback lifestyle and calm, seaside suburbs make Gisborne perfect. Home builders in Gisborne can help you create the perfect place to live - build when the market is right and take advantage of life in one of the best cities in the country.