Happy farewell to bright lights of the city

Nicki Williams likens her home to a saving fund. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Nicki Williams has no regrets about making the shift from inner-city renter to suburban homeowner.

The 30-year-old events manager bought her two-bedroom unit in Te Atatu South last year for $297,000.

After living in Kingsland for three years, Williams was looking for a nicer flat to rent and decided it made more sense to buy.

"If I wanted to live by myself I was going to have to pay $300 a week plus," she said. "I thought if I'm going to pay that much renting, I'll look at what it costs to buy."

The shift to West Auckland meant a lifestyle change.

Her five-minute commute to work in Grey Lynn now takes 45 minutes, and mortgage payments and other expenses swallow most of her pay packet.

"There's all the extra costs that go with it, like rates, and if anything happens it's my responsibility," she said. "But I have the security. I consider it like a savings fund. I'm happy with the choice I made."