CONTACT:
Steve Miles, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 021 988 440.
Watching progress on this smart new development with quality dwellings at entry-level prices is especially interesting for the land's former owners Dianne and Ivan Rosandich, whose home overlooks what was once their family orchard.
It was here that they worked hard growing a variety of fruit, particularly producing top quality Granny Smith apples for export.
"We have many good memories of those times. We worked hard and the kids had a great life playing among the trees," says Dianne. "But things have changed and I think there are going to be 29 happy families here in a few months."
Developer Paul Gray is pleased with progress so far.
"These are going to be well-built houses, with insulation, double glazing and 10-year Master Builder guarantees.
"I'm especially excited that it's a designated shared zone so kids will be able to ride their bikes around and play on the streets, just like we did in the good old days."
Each of the 29 three- and four-bedroom freehold homes will be constructed in one of four distinctly varied designs: three-level terraces, assorted split-level terraces and duplexes, and one free-standing property.
Standing tall, in order to make best use of space, all dwellings will enjoy excellent indoor and outdoor living.
Simple, fresh crisp interiors have been designed to let buyers add their own stamp in terms of furniture and accessories, or maybe even a wallpaper feature wall or change of interior paint colour.
The living and dining is open-plan and spacious in each of the designs.
Kitchen joinery, fixtures and fittings are of good quality as are the separate baths and showers in the bathrooms.
Each property will enjoy a single internal access garage plus an external parking space.
While Paul can easily imagine the streets here at Sunhaven filled with happy residents, holding street parties and barbecues while children stream in and out of one anothers' houses, Dianne Rosandich points out that there's plenty to do in the surrounding neighbourhood, too.
"Though it's just five minutes from Henderson town centre and the railway station is within walking distance, you still feel as if you're in the country," she says.
"It takes less than half an hour to get to Piha."
At Parrs Park across the road, there are hockey fields and a swimming pool.
The monthly Oratia Farmers' Market is a magnet to locals looking for fresh produce and organic goodies.
Being right in the middle of West Auckland wine country, there's always somewhere to sip a cool chardonnay or sauvignon blanc nearby.
Image 1 of 2: Quality development in a great location is an opportunity for first-home buyers
There are about 20 schools within 4km of this development, so the choice is extensive.
And all of this comes at price offerings that will excite first-time buyers, especially those who can cash in their KiwiSaver to get on the property ladder.
The first homes will be ready for their new owners halfway through 2015 and Paul aims to have completed the project by the end of next year.
"It actually feels good to be giving people this chance. As a parent myself, I know how frustrating it is for the sons and daughters who do save hard and still can't seem to get anywhere.
"These homes are going to be really attractive and well-appointed and I'm sure that first-time owners will be very proud of them."
