Papatoetoe

By ROBYN WELSH

Omana Mews, which is the only terrace housing development in Papatoetoe, has proved popular among local buyers wanting to trade up without leaving the area.

Only a few of the three- and four-bedroom units are still on the market in the 40-unit complex that overlooks The Grange Golf Course.

Central Papatoetoe, which is known locally as the golden circle, is the most sought-after area in the suburb, with homes set among leafy trees selling for between $200,000 and $250,000.

A typical executive, three/four-bedroom property comes complete with a double garage and the traditional quarter acre (1012 sq m) of land. Many more homes range from $150,000 to $200,000 and have around 800 sq m of land.

Quarter-acre sites were once the norm in Papatoetoe, as they were in city suburbs across the country. Compared with other parts of Auckland, however, fewer of these larger sections in Papatoetoe have been sub-divided for in-fill housing, which has helped to make it a popular family suburb.

It is also popular among younger generations of Polynesian families living in neighbouring Otara and Mangere, who are choosing to buy their first homes close to their parents and grandparents.

Papatoetoe is ideally placed for people working in the industrial area of East Tamaki, and it is only a short train journey to the CBD