Panmure

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

Panmure is more than the perceptive property buyer might expect and, given recent proposals for Auckland's transportation systems, it's likely to become even more sought-after.

Panmure is a diverse suburb with a range of housing stock to satisfy an assortment of tastes and requirements. It lies between Glen Innes to the north, Mt Wellington to the west and Pakuranga to the south. This places the suburb within an eclectic mix of practical services and aesthetic features, including Mt Wellington, the Panmure Basin and the Tamaki River.

The housing ranges from turn-of-the-century villas to renovated bungalows, but is predominantly 1960s and 1970s family homes and some state housing dating from the late-1950s. Many of these state houses are now privately owned. Section sizes tend to be large (between 600sq m and 950sq m) and are ideal for families.

Along the Tamaki River front and on the hill heading towards Pakuranga, there are many desirable homes with views towards St Kentigern College, Farm Cove and Mt Wellington. These properties tend to be the most sought-after and fetch high prices. Indeed, one of the remarkable aspects of Panmure is the variance in real estate prices - properties on the Tamaki riverside, especially near the boatyard end, may fetch around the $1 million mark.

The market for investor buyers is hot, with a large number of keenly contested rental properties on the market. Adding to the array of properties available is a number of exciting new apartment developments appearing at attractive locations in the suburb.

Examples of the types of houses currently for sale are as different as the suburb itself. New townhouses with lagoon views command anywhere from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$500,000 mark. Typically, these are four-bedroom family homes.

Executive-style apartments with three bedrooms and two bathrooms plus mod cons and views of Mt Wellington will sell from the late-$400,000s to the early $500,000s.

Typical of Panmure, however, are classic three-bedroom family homes - many brick and tile or weatherboard ex-state houses on full sites and selling in the late-$200,000s through to the mid-$300,000s. Often renovated, these homes can provide classic wooden floor environments and sections over 600sq m, ideal for young families.

Two-bedroom units will sell from the late $100,000s to the mid-$200,000 mark. These properties are often demanded by young professional couples as well as retirees.

Panmure is close to major retail outlets along the Mt Wellington Highway and has its own developed local shopping strip. The popular Lagoon Gymnasium (formerly Swimarama) is close by and Panmure Lagoon is host to many maritime activities and has a pleasant walking track.

While Panmure has formerly been a haven for first-home seekers, the dynamics of the suburb are definitely changing as the desirability of many of the properties in the area is becoming more