Howick

By ROBYN WELSH

Howick is continuing its rapid expansion, fuelled by an increasing demand for property from professionals, older couples and young families.

The huge development of the past 15 years has seen homes, apartments and shopping centres extend beyond the suburb's original borders to Dannemora and Botany Downs. Residents have the pick of the shopping areas, with Manukau City, Pakuranga and the Picton St shops to choose from.

In the early days, Howick's Fencible soldiers were given land in return for their military service, with soldiers of the highest rank offered property close to Howick Beach.

The few remaining servicemen's cottages are now highly sought-after and rarely change hands.

The five-bedroom family homes with three-car garaging are among the most expensive selling from $750,000 to $800,000, while some properties top $1 million.

Most houses sell around the $500,000 to $750,000 mark, with first-entry, three-bedroom properties with a double garage on a full site available from $250,000.