Mt Wellington

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

House prices, while viewed as being reasonable for Auckland, are now facing the same upward pressures as other inner city and surrounding suburbs.

Mt Wellington is one of those Auckland suburbs that many people have heard of, but few know anything about. Nestled between Panmure to the east and Ellerslie to the west, the suburb is bordered by Otahuhu to the south and is close to the affluent areas of Glendowie and St Heliers to the north.

The suburb itself is an eclectic mix of modern townhouses, family dwellings and state housing (much of it now ex-state). But it also throws up a delightfully surprising range of older character villas and bungalows - many in original condition, just waiting for keen renovators to move in.

The obvious landmark is the mount itself, providing excellent panoramic views of the surrounding Auckland countryside and harbours. This spot is popular with both visitors and locals, keen to walk the dog on the weekend, as well as capture some of the city's history. The hill itself, while tackled by many keen runners, hikers and bikers scaling their way to the top, offers a reasonably flat and easy stroll at the summit.

One of the noticeable views from the summit is the ex-Winstone quarry, now known as Mt Wellington quarry. As this industrial site reaches the end of its depreciable life and is restored to its former landscape, the view to the future is higher-density housing with this area - along with Newmarket, Glen Innes, Panmure, Otahuhu and Avondale - being earmarked by Auckland City Council as a pole for growth.

Other views from the summit include the impressive array of local amenities, starting with the superbly landscaped University playing fields for rugby, cricket, tennis, netball and soccer on Merton Rd. Across the road from the University sports fields is, of course, the Tamaki campus itself. The campus caters to students pursuing some of Auckland University's modern degree offerings.

This institution adds to an already attractive area for investors wanting to secure good rental properties. For an average family home one can expect to receive more than $300 a week rent.

House prices, while viewed as being reasonable for Auckland, are now facing the same upward pressures as other inner city and surrounding suburbs. For example, nicely renovated, older character houses on decent-sized sections are commanding up and around the late $300,000s, possibly more. Recently, in nearby Ellerslie, a renovated stucco bungalow sold at auction for $590,000. With these prices, one can only imagine what might happen to some of Mt Wellington's more sought-after character homes.

On average, a unit will sell upwards of $150,000 and a contemporary three-bedroom dwelling should fetch in excess of $350,000.

Shopping has improved in the area with numerous high profile chain stores including Rebel Sports, Harvey Norman, The Warehouse, Michael Hill Jewellers, the Plastic Box, Briscoes and Ezibuy, which complement the already existing array of DIY outlets, including PlaceMakers, Stone & Water World and numerous trade related services.

One should never forget the fantastic walk around Panmure Lagoon, the strip shopping in Panmure and the local swimming pool and gym.