Pukekohe

Professional couples doing up character homes and young families trading up to lifestyle blocks are the trendiest newcomers to Pukekohe.

Many are moving there from Auckland's inner-city suburbs and from Howick and Pakuranga, drawn by the promise of a quieter lifestyle.

Any difference in distance isn't perceived as a disadvantage - after all, they can drive from Pukekohe to the central city in about the same 45 minutes it used to take them to get from Howick or Pakuranga.

Pukekohe's main trunk rail link is a popular option for locals commuting to both Hamilton and Auckland and is a significant factor in bringing new buyers into a town famous for the fruits - and onions and potatoes - of its market-gardening land.

Now a good deal of such land is being reshaped as new subdivisions, bringing average-sized 600 sq m sections onto the market for between $60,000 and $80,000.

A new house-and-land package with three bedrooms, en suite and double garage costs less than $200,000, which compares well as a first-entry price with character villa or bungalow "do-ups".

The most sought-after homes are in the $200,000 to $250,000 price range, while the price of 2ha to 4ha lifestyle blocks varies, depending almost entirely on the quality of the home.

The highest-priced homes fetch around $400,000 and if they're in the best parts of town with elevated views, they may even get a glimpse of the Sky Tower some 55km away.