By ROBIN WELSH
Steady sales against a backdrop of stable prices is a feature of the market in Kohimarama, where houses sell for between $350,000 to more than $1 million.
A total of 88 residential properties were sold in the first six months of this year, marking a 50 per cent increase
on the same period last year, with buyer interest extending across all price ranges.
Kohimarama's water's edge cafes and restaurants, its proximity to the CBD and vast choice of new townhouses, apartments and big homes on rambling sections are popular with ex-pat Kiwis who want to secure a base with the exchange rate in their favour.
In addition, families relocating from Wellington and Christchurch seek homes close to the popular Kohimarama and Glendowie schools.
These factors contribute to a shortage of family homes in the area, to the extent that it's not unusual for property to change hands quickly.
Interest from retired people in new townhouses and homes near Melanesia Rd is also evident, with many moving from surrounding suburbs.
Many of the suburb's long-term residents prefer to stay in their family homes to be close to the shops and beach, with the bulk of sales falling in the $350,000 to $600,000 bracket. This includes townhouses and homes on full and sub-dividable sites.
