Thanks for the replies! My wife suggested we talk to a local real estate agent, so i think that is a good idea... just that Im not sure how helpful they are likely to be if we arent selling yet :) As for saving for our dream house, I dont disagree, however if doing this up nicely over the next ~5 years or so while we live here nets us some extra in the eventual sale, then that of course will help us as well. Interesting thing happened today actually. I got a knock on the door and one of the older neighbours asked if he could take some lemons from the tree. I of course said yes. Anyway he was telling me he had lived in the street for 40 years. I asked him if the house had always looked like this, and he said no that ~30 years ago the old old owner did a massive renovation and pulled off the timber and put up the bricks and gutted the inside of the house. Interesting stuff!

This made me laugh: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/seagull-turns-orange-after-falling-into-vat-of-chicken-tikka-masala I couldn't copy the picture, but it's hilarious.

New decking with a boardwalk feature and generous platform stairs have transformed this narrow unused back garden into the highlight of the home. Specimen trees and perennial plantings in green and white complete the look. Amazing change - even in the middle of winter! BEFORE: AFTER:

The owners of this property were completing a full renovation of the house to provide a home for their young family for the next few years. Removing the overgrown existing garden completely, we started with a blank canvas approach to complete a fresh functional outdoor area that maximises every inch of space and provides an attractive setting for the home. Built in bench seating provides the perfect area to sit and watch the children and artificial turf ensures the children can get outside to play all year around. New gates at the entrance provide a secure and attractive entry to the property and ensures the long driveway can be used for toddler's bikes and ride on toys safely. A new storage shed is incorporated on the driveway. Paving down the side of the house provides an attractive outlook from the kitchen, additional storage and easy access to utilities. Planting was kept minimal but with a focus on subtropical plants that will provide interest through colour and foliage texture all year round. Before: After: Before: After: www.ivyandbloom.co.nz