The NZPA reports that a large 1980s house in the Auckland suburb of Lynfield with many defects and faults - including leaks - is being demolished by its owners, who say it is easier to start again than fix it.

The owners of the house, a Taiwanese family, have endured many years of problems. They are reported to have said that the 255sq m house was badly designed, wet and cold.

Problems were so widespread that it was not even worth removing the house from the site for resale, the New Zealand Herald reported.

None of the windows had flashings to keep out rain, the walls were not insulated, and - because the house faced the sea - water came in through the lounge and largest bedroom windows in wet weather.

The family had no legal redress via the state-funded system which helps leaky-home owners because the house was built in the 1980s.

As migrants, the family said they were not aware about getting a building inspector's report before they bought the house in the 1990s.

It was only when a family member met a builder that they discovered the extent of the problems.

QV has the house listed as being worth $600,000: $310,000 for the house and $290,000 for the large site.