Seventh Avenue, Beachlands. Photo / Supplied
It was not all that long ago that if you mentioned Beachlands, the response of most Aucklanders would be "Where's that?".
Locals, however, know all about the attractions of the seaside suburb on the Pohutukawa Coast near Maraetai, South Auckland.
They have been quick to snap up new homes being built in the fast-growing area, which started out as a holiday spot populated with baches in the 1920s.
Mike Greer Homes is one of the companies that recognised Beachlands' potential, and has built 31 townhouses there.
The firm's general manager for South Auckland, Stu East, says of the 25 homes sold so far, around 80 per cent have been bought by people who live locally.
"There's been a lot of interest from young couples who have grown up around there and want to stay, and also older couples who are looking at downsizing but don't want to have to move away from Beachlands," says Stu.
One of the main drawcards of the area is that, as the name suggests, there are several nearby beaches to chose from.
There is a marina five minutes drive away at nearby Pine Harbour, where ferries make the journey to the CBD on week days.
"It only takes 30 minutes, which makes commuting to the city very easy," says Stu.
Thanks to the ferry service, Beachlands residents have the best of both worlds - an easy trip to and from work, and feeling as though you're in a resort town when you get home, he says.
Also popular with locals are the nearby Omana and Duder Regional Parks and the Maraetai and Whitford Forests, which have mountain bike tracks.
For golfing fans, the Formosa Golf Club is a short drive away, and it is also easy to get to Botany Town Centre.
The Mike Greer homes is adjacent to the new Pohutukawa Coast Shopping Centre, which includes a just-opened Countdown supermarket, gym and cafe.
A French-style market is held every Saturday morning at the Pine Harbour Marina, selling fresh produce and gourmet foods.
The two-storey houses have proved popular, and there are just six left. There are four styles, with three, four and five bedrooms.
There's just one of the five bedroom homes left, which has four bedrooms in the main dwelling, and the fifth, complete with en suite, above the double garage.
"This could be used for guest quarters, or a teenager, or you could use it to work from home," says Stu.
The four-bedroom home is similar in design, but three bedrooms in the main house.
There are two layouts for the three bedroom homes, with the major difference being the location of the kitchen. In one it is in the centre of the living area; in the other it is at one end.
Buyers can choose from a selection of colour palettes and houses come with full landscaping, top-of-the-range fixtures and fittings - including Grohe tapware, Smeg appliances and stone benches in the kitchen - and the latest in lighting, security and technology.
"We're providing Morepork security systems for all the units," says Stu. "You can do self-surveillance from your smartphone or tablet, take photos of what's going on inside the house...there are all sorts of options."
The houses will all be turn-key ready.
"You just have to turn up with a suitcase and you can move in and start living."
The first five homes have already been handed over to their new owners and more will be ready over the next few months. All houses will be completed early next year.