Ponsonby

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Can any suburb further define the vibrancy of the city more than Ponsonby? The essence of Auckland's lively, multicultural cosmopolitanism, the suburb simply delights in its magnetism for all that is trendy and becoming.

There are few suburbs in the city where professional sportspeople, media celebrities, patrons of the arts, captains of industry and icons of Auckland's gay subculture (and possibly combinations of all the aforementioned) rub shoulders with each other in the cafe settings of Ponsonby Rd. Moreover, there is no shortage of willing potential inhabitants waiting to be Ponsonby people with Ponsonby lives.

Simple economics states that where demand exceeds supply, prices will rise - and Ponsonby's real estate values admirably verify this theory. The villas and bungalows of a bygone age disappear as soon as they appear on the market, irrespective of their state of repair. Villas requiring a complete overhaul will command $750,000 plus, even if on tiny sections.

The area is a textbook illustration of urban renewal and gentrification - moving from glory to dilapidation and back to glory again. As 10-year resident Tamsin states: "Ponsonby is all I could possibly want from a suburb, and more. Where else can I access my employment, my friends, the city's best restaurants, cafes and shops - all within walking distance from home." Tamsin's partner, Roger, agrees. "Today's work atmosphere is unforgiving enough without the ability to unwind - if it wasn't for the diversity of Ponsonby Rd, I would literally lose my mind!"

Residents are an eclectic mix of all ages and sexes, and families, too. Being a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities and lifestyles makes Ponsonby a sociology student's dream. Real estate prices make many balk, however. Small single-bedroom apartments will sell for upwards of $220,000. Apartments with good city views will, of course, go for much more. Lavish two-bedroom apartments are in the $250,000 to $400,000 price bracket, while three-bedroom apartments could go for anything from $350,000 to $900,000, and beyond.

Villas in the suburb are unlikely to sell for less than $650,000 and will probably be located on a section of less than 400sq m. Other larger and more modern dwellings could easily fetch $1 million to $1.5 million, and higher. Character homes will effortlessly obtain their price premium in Ponsonby.

The amenities contribute to the suburb's high value. Many desirable primary schools cater well for the area; however, the secondary schools are currently not so prevalent. Retail is a major drawcard. Ponsonby and Jervois Rds have a number of specialty boutique stores. Local icons, such as Ponsonby Pies and Glengarry, enjoy popular patronage from locals and visitors alike, as do the local restaurants, which cater for all tastes and styles.

A number of parks, including Victoria Park, Western Park, Grey Lynn Park and Coxs Bay - contribute to the local ambience. Numerous views of the city and harbour are also obtainable. The famous local rugby club sharing the suburb's name now plays just down the road in Western Springs.