The Takapuna houses from the first series of The Block NZ are on their way out. Photo / Michael Craig
The Takapuna houses from the first series of The Block NZ are on their way out. Photo / Michael Craig
Million-dollar do-ups being dumped for apartments.
The four homes from the first season of The Block NZ will be bulldozed to make way for almost 100 high-rise apartments.
The four Takapuna houses were snapped up with $1 million-plus price tags when the DIY show finished four years ago.
But in a move reflective of Auckland's pressurecooker market, they have since been bought by developers who will demolish them in favour of a six-level apartment block.
Ben Crawford, winner of the first season of The Block NZ with his sister, Libby, said it was not a surprise. He would be saddened to see the house he and Libby renovated demolished.
Ben Crawford and his sister Libby Crawford, winners of the first season of The Block NZ. Photo / David Alexander
"I have a bit of an attachment but I can see, because of the size of the land and the density allowed, it was only a matter of time," he said.
"It is the right place for that type of development. If it is done well it will provide lovely homes looking over to the city and back north."
Zen Property real estate agent Jason Smale said marketing of the 97 Sargeson Apartments started this week and numerous contracts had already been drawn up.
"A couple of the big ones have gone and a couple of the smaller ones facing the road as well."
The apartments range from $395,000 for a 40sq m studio apartment to $825,000 for a 78sq m two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse.
The large complex included an outdoor pool and children's playground.
Marketing material described the apartments as the ultimate investment, lifestyle, lock-up-and-leave beach-side pads.
Andrea Rush from QV said the site was the ideal spot for intensification because the area was already built up with mid-level commercial buildings.
"It is also close to public transport and the transport hubs, retail outlets, shops, restaurants and bars," she said.
"The development will offer nice views back to the city and also the ocean to the north."
She said the development would not devalue neighbouring property prices because land in the area was already at a premium.
The Anzac St houses primped and preened by the Crawfords, Rach Rasch and Tyson Hill, Ginny Death and Rhys Wineera, and Sarah Adams and Richard Boobyer, were bought by developers Metro Property NZ over the past six months.
Three of the houses are brick and cannot be moved so will be demolished. The weatherboard house renovated by Hamilton pair Sarah and Richard may be relocated.
All the high-end appliances, fixtures and fittings will be removed from the houses.
