New Lynn

Popular with all ages and boasting a vibrant mix of cultures and religions, New Lynn is a fantastic buy for first-timers and families alike. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

The central West Auckland suburb of New Lynn can always be relied upon for its solidity and renowned shopping mall. But there is much more, with access to a wide range of social amenities and industrial activities to service the locale.

New Lynn is popular with all age groups and its residents are as varied as the multiplicity of ethnic groups, cultures and religions existing in the community.

Bordered to the west by Glen Eden and Kaurilands, south by Green Bay, and Titirangi, north by Kelston and east by Avondale, New Lynn is a bastion of West Auckland culture and values. The suburb is currently sought after for its schools and quality suburban housing, which is ideal for family living in a location not too far from the central city.

New Lynn is populated by both local Kiwis and new arrivals and - as with the rest of greater Auckland - it has been the object of considerable interest from property developers constructing townhouses and apartments, and also those looking for larger properties with subdivision potential. While New Lynn has been regarded as an ideal suburb for first-home buyers, many are choosing to stay in the suburb long-term because of the pleasantness of the location and its excellent facilities.

The housing stock now varies greatly in character from the traditional weatherboard and corrugated iron family homes of the 1960s and 1970s through to contemporary brick-and-tile and plaster homes on recently subdivided sites.

Weatherboard homes are particularly popular with family buyers in the suburb, while the apartments and terraced homes cater for the young professionals. Apartments and terraced homes are located primarily on old Crown Lynn Potteries land - the Crown Lynn Condominiums development has around 300 apartments. The number of tenanted homes has also encouraged investors to take the suburb seriously. New residential developments in New Lynn are located close to the transport centre.

Its close proximity to the city has rejuvenated New Lynn's popularity as a destination of choice for many home buyers, with house prices being cheaper than many inner-city areas. For how much longer the prices will remain 'cheaper', however, is anyone's guess.

AMENITIES

A wide range of desirable schools, shops and leisure amenities exist in close proximity to New Lynn. Among the local schooling, Kelston Boys' High School is a big player in the local and international secondary school rugby scene.

Shopping in the area is excellent. Three local shopping malls, including the Kelston Shopping Centre, Glenmall and the widely travelled to Lynnmall means locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to retail therapy. There are regular market days in Glen Eden and the Lynnmall Shopping Centre underwent a re-development a couple of years ago, providing more than 120 shops as a result.

For residents who like to walk as part of their leisure activity, the 2ha Manawa wetland reserve provides a tranquil haven for both wildlife and people to relax in and enjoy. Other amenities include the New Lynn Community Centre in Totara Ave and the Lynndale Amateur Athletics and Harriers Club.

HOUSE PRICES

In keeping with the rest of greater Auckland, New Lynn house prices have witnessed appreciable rises in the past year. Average family home prices are tending towards the $250,000 to $300,000 mark, compared with the average prices of around $200,000 a year and a half ago. Those wishing to enter the suburb will probably be looking at paying a minimum of $200,000. Better properties in New Lynn itself will go for anywhere in the $350,000 to $400,000 bracket, while desirable dwellings closer to Titirangi will go higher still. Houses in this 'New Lynn Heights' area will regularly fetch around the $450,000 mark, with the potential to move even higher.

Terraced homes and apartments are also appreciating markedly. Terraced homes are reaching prices anywhere in the mid to late $200,000 price range, while one-bedroom apartments are moving between $150,000 and $200,000. Some two-bedroom apartments are currently getting into the $300,000s. Standard weatherboard family homes will probably rent at more than $300 per week.