Ponsonby

Including Herne Bay, St Marys Bay and Freemans Bay.

Ponsonby is a unique part of the city, where sportspeople, celebrities, patrons of the arts, captains of industry and icons of Auckland's gay subculture rub shoulders in trendy cafes.

Herne Bay has been high class for a long time, thanks to its harbour views, grand old homes and gracious leafy streets. St Marys Bay has better views than Herne Bay, but smaller sections, and running beneath it is the motorway. Freemans Bay has city views, but a reputation for losing the sun early.

Typical dwellings

Villas and bungalows are snapped up as soon as they come on the market, irrespective of their state of repair. Although do-ups are becoming rare, there is still renovating potential here.

Herne Bay has larger villas and more stately homes. Small section sizes mean many Ponsonby, St Marys Bay and Freemans Bay properties don't usually have off-street parking.

Amenities

The area is well served by primary schools, but there's a dearth of secondary schools. Zones include Auckland Girls Grammar and Western Springs College but many of the moneyed residents send their kids to private schools or buy in Auckland Grammar zone when their sons reach high school age. There are two Catholic secondary schools.

This area is famous for its shopping. Ponsonby and Jervois Rds are lined with trendy specialty stores selling designer clothing, homewares and jewellery. There are plenty of restaurants catering to all tastes and styles, and there are new supermarkets in Richmond Rd and College Hill. Many local parks, including Victoria Park, Western Park, Grey Lynn Park and Cox's Bay, are good places to get some fresh air.

Residents enjoy being close to the zoo, Motat and Western Springs Park. The historic Pt Erin Baths are well frequented, as are a collection of little beaches along the waterfront.

Real estate

Trends

This area will always attract buyers, due to its closeness to the city, colourful residents and fabulous cafe culture. Now that the market is quieter, some higher-end properties are sitting unsold for longer. You won't get much change from $1 million for a modest home on a decent section.

Rental and investment

This area is popular with renters and prices tend to remain fairly constant.

Best streets

Marine Parade, Sarsfield St and Argyle St in Herne Bay; Vermont St, O'Neill St and Summer St in Ponsonby; Dunedin St, Hackett St and London St in St Marys Bay; and Arthur St, Paget St and Hepburn St in Freemans Bay.