The Truth About Asbestos Ceilings — and How We Sold One in Papatoetoe for a Great Result

If you own an older home in South Auckland, especially around Papatoetoe, Manurewa, or Māngere, there’s a good chance it was built during a time when asbestos was common in construction.

Back in the mid-20th century, asbestos was used for ceilings, eaves, and exterior cladding because it was durable, fire-resistant, and affordable.

Back in the mid-20th century, asbestos was used for ceilings, eaves, and exterior cladding because it was durable, fire-resistant, and affordable.

But here’s the reality: asbestos isn’t automatically dangerous or a deal-breaker. It’s all about how it’s managed..

• Untouched asbestos is safe. It only becomes risky when disturbed through sanding, drilling, or demolition.
• Testing is simple and affordable. Within a few days, you can confirm if asbestos is present and in what condition.
• Removal doesn’t need to break the bank. We work with trusted South Auckland contractors who quote fairly and complete the work to full compliance standards.
• Education changes everything. Once buyers understand what they’re looking at, fear turns into opportunity.

I always tell my clients:

“Don’t panic, and don’t try to hide it. Just know the facts — and handle it properly.”

One of my most memorable sales this year was 20 Franklin Avenue, Papatoetoe, a solid 1940s weatherboard home with character you can’t recreate today.

Like many homes of that era, it came with asbestos ceilings.

The owners were upfront about it. They’d lived there comfortably for years and hadn’t done any major interior work. Instead of avoiding the topic, we got the ceilings tested, confirmed they were stable, and shared those results with buyers right from the start.

We also went one step further, securing removal quotes from a trusted local company so buyers knew exactly what it would cost if they decided to renovate later. That transparency turned potential hesitation into confidence.

Come auction day in March 2025, the home drew strong competition and sold under the hammer for an excellent result.

The owners were thrilled, and we even helped the new buyers connect with our removal contractor after settlement so they could proceed with renovations safely and affordably.

In today’s market, honesty sells.

Buyers are willing to pay more when they feel informed and supported, not blindsided.

By addressing the asbestos issue early and framing it clearly, we built trust and competition, not fear.

That’s how a 1940s home with “dated ceilings” became one of our strongest Papatoetoe results this year.

When I come across older homes with materials like asbestos or textured ceilings, I don’t see red flags, I see opportunities to manage smartly.

I work with local specialists for testing and removal quotes, educate buyers directly, and make sure every question is answered before it becomes an objection.

Handled the right way, asbestos doesn’t define your property, it’s simply part of its story.

And with the right strategy, that story can still end with a “sold” sticker and happy clients, just like at 20 Franklin Avenue.