Pt England

Realistic property prices, open spaces and good amenities make the area an attractive prospect for first-homers and investors. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Pt England is one of those Auckland suburbs developing into a desirable location for young families and urban sophisticates alike.

Delightfully maritime with its stretch along the Tamaki Estuary - providing some marvellous views through to Buckland's Beach and Pakuranga - there is much on offer in the form of park-like settings, schools and retail facilities, not to mention some attractively priced housing.

Pt England nestles neatly between Glen Innes to the north-west and Panmure to the south-east. It is not out of place with its surroundings and has some charming residential real estate on offer, particularly for investors and first-home purchasers. In fact, about 60 percent of dwellings in the area are rentals. There is much ethnic diversity in the suburb, including Pakeha, Maori, Pacific Islander, Asian, Arab, Albanian and Ethiopian. And Auckland University's Tamaki Campus has attracted a number of students into residential accommodation in the area.

Prior to the Second World War and the construction of a number of state houses, the area was mainly paddock and farm land. Many of these former state homes are now privately owned. Community initiatives, such as tree planting and extra lighting, have helped to make Pt England a safer neighbourhood. Its major strength is the high level of social cohesion and community involvement among local residents.

Pt England is a "happy" suburb to live in, says one long-term resident. "There is much love and kindness in this suburb, I would not give up living here for anything," she says.

Examples of bungalows can be found - many have been renovated and redecorated. This tasteful restoration also applies to a number of state houses, as well.

The recently proposed Eastern corridor is having a huge impact on real estate trends in the surrounding area. It may well prove that the time to purchase a bargain is now, as the dynamics of the local countryside could soon be changing dramatically. Prices are already trending upwards from the mid-$200,000s through to the late $300,000s for some properties - particularly those with sea views.

Local amenities are ample, with plenty in the way of primary and secondary schools. Good quality local gyms, parks and shops, including supermarkets, are available.