Otahuhu

Multicultural and full of history, the suburb boasts a range of house prices to suit a variety of pockets. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Otahuhu is one of Auckland's prouder suburbs, rich in the grandeur of regional history and now regaining its former glory through the renovation of turn-of-the-century and early 20th century villas and bungalows. Otahuhu played a major part in the early settlement of Auckland city and the northern Waikato region.

Today, the suburb accommodates a highly varied multicultural population exemplified by the colourful presence of Polynesian markets and Sikh temples. The suburb also houses one of the city's oldest and proudest state secondary schools in Otahuhu College and one of the country's most prestigious private schools in King's College.

One of the best public parks in the city exists at Sturges Park - home of one the city's premier rugby clubs and donated by the first mayor of Otahuhu, Alfred Sturges. Mt Richmond Domain houses another one of the city's proud sports clubs in the Otahuhu Rugby League Club. Much of the surrounding land is volcanic and very fertile.

The suburb is abundant with historical landmarks, including a number of original Christian churches, the Peppertree Inn (which was originally the home of Alfred Sturges and then a maternity hospital before becoming a motel and restaurant) and the Mounted Soldier monument donated by the Trenwith family as a memorial to soldiers who died in the First World War.

Other landmarks include the Nixon Monument - dedicated in 1868 to the memory of Colonel George Nixon, who led the militia during the Waikato Land Wars, and was mortally wounded in a skirmish at Te Awamutu - and the Lange Home, the family home of former Prime Minister David Lange.

Another notable point of interest in Otahuhu are the Portage plaques - two plaques in Portage Rd which designate the shortest route between the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours.

The house prices of Otahuhu trend in the lower range of Auckland's continuing property boom, however this hides the fact that many villas and bungalows are being purchased in original condition for renovation purposes. Being one of the few remaining areas in Auckland where older houses can be purchased in mint condition has enticed buyers from all over the region. More than one commentator has viewed Otahuhu as the new Onehunga and even Ponsonby, in terms of urban gentrification potential.

Examples of the type of housing stock available for sale in the area include beautifully renovated four-bedroom bungalows on full sections close to schools and other amenities for the mid-$200,000s.

Properties of all types and ages exist in Otahuhu. A typical modern four-bedroom brick and tile home with an en suite and double garage and on a full section will ask in the early- to mid-$300,000s. Large four- to five-bedroom riverside properties offering home and income potential and large family-sized sections are asking for the mid-$400,000s to mid-$500,000s. By recent Auckland standards, however, Otahuhu provides some bargains for large family homes on big 700sq m to 1,500sq m sections, with asking prices ranging from the early $200,000s to mid-$300,000s.