Balmoral

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Vibrant and arty is the best way to describe Balmoral. Although it is a suburb in its own right, the area is considered part of Mt Eden and is clustered around Dominion Rd.

Like its funky neighbour, many do-ups have already been transformed into stylish family homes, making it an area where properties are only on the market for a short time.

Emulating Mt Eden's bohemian flavour, this area is ethnically diverse and never short of community spirit.

Home to many villas and bungalows, Balmoral is the place to be for up-and-coming Aucklanders who relish Mt Eden's fab cafes, bars and restaurants, which are just up the hill. And once the eating and drinking has taken its toll, parks and volcanoes abound for a spot of leisurely exercise or for the more serious sweat-induced variety.

Mt Eden and Balmoral's makeup of residents has changed during the past decade and now the area has mainly owner-occupiers instead of renters. This has gentrified the area and definitely improved the condition of the homes and their front yards - gone are the rusted-out old cars and piles of rubbish. This in turn has seen many home conversions being transformed back to their former glory - gracious family residences.

Being close to major shopping centres and bus and commuter routes to the city, Balmoral's older-style homes on slightly larger sections are always popular with discerning urbanites.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

The cosy village of Mt Eden is bustling and it is a great place to buy more specialist and boutique items. Whereas, for general shopping the new and improved St Lukes shopping centre has all the mainstream chain stores, supermarkets and cinemas.

The Philips Aquatic Centre has a great wave pool, or for the more serious swimmer there is Mt Eden swimming pool.

At Christmas, Potters Park is brimming with locals enjoying carols by candlelight and during the year there is a Teddy Bears' Picnic.

And who can forget Eden Park - home to cricket in summer and rugby in winter.

WHO IS BUYING HERE?

Attracted by its proximity to the city and the local cafes, bars and restaurants, young professionals, many returning from overseas, are flocking to the area.

Balmoral is also popular with families who move here for the great schools. There are heaps of good primary and intermediate schools, and if you pick your street you could be in zone for Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar schools.

HOUSE PRICES

The area includes home units, bungalows, villas and new townhouses. Prices vary according to the size of the section and proximity to Mt Eden.

Generally, houses and townhouses will fetch from $300,000 and home units from $150,000.

Homes in the more sought-after areas, around Maungawhau and Balmoral Primary Schools, cost more. Here, fully renovated bungalows are upwards of $400,000s with homes between Mt Eden and Dominion Rds selling for up to $600,000.