Sandringham

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Sandringham is a characteristic depiction of the contemporary close-to-the-city Auckland suburb. The area comprises something old, something new, partly gentrified yet providing examples of wonderful untouched older homes of grandeur - and it's very cosmopolitan.

Not to mention, of course, the array of modern townhouse developments that have become popular with many recent arrivals, young families and professionals.

As with many of the city's historical suburbs, trams encouraged earlier development through the 1920s and 1930s. The neighbouring suburbs of Mt Albert, Mt Eden and Avondale pursued similar patterns. Consequently, house buyers hunting for the genuine Kiwi villa or bungalow should include Sandringham in their search at all costs. Cynics might refer to Sandringham as a poor man's Mt Eden, but do not be fooled. Sandringham has properties of stateliness every bit of the same quality as Mt Eden and Ponsonby - and easily mirroring the economic dynamics of their more illustrious neighbours.

Liz Rigby, of Cahill Real Estate, says she loves working in Sandringham because it has a vibrant, buzzy, colourful core, which services a big slice of city fringe, stretching from Mt Albert Rd to Eden Park and Kingsland.

"In my time with Cahill, Sandringham has evolved from suburbia to city edge. Loads of young people are finding that we have the wonderful character homes of Grey Lynn and Ponsonby to work on and add value, but with lots more space to park cars and garden."

Typical of homes for sale in Sandringham are classic older colonial houses. Their prices reflect similar houses of this type and style throughout the greater city. This would mean anywhere from $550,000 to upwards of $750,000 for a renovated villa. Investors eagerly snap up rental properties. Two-bedroom units in need of some tidying up will sell for around the $200,000 mark, while solid brick and tile units fetch anywhere between $250,000 and $300,000. Elsewhere, real estate prices reflect a number of modes - solid ex-state homes on reasonable-sized sections are selling for around $450,000. It is possible to find renovated villas and bungalows for between $400,000 and $500,000; however, these tend to be on smaller sections.

Never underestimate the closeness of local amenities as a drawcard to the suburb. Westfield St Lukes is a perennial favourite for many Aucklanders as a shopping destination. Eden Park is also a major attraction. Much of the local strip shopping has gained favour with local residents, as well. In addition to trendy retail facilities, a burgeoning assortment of cafes and restaurants are appearing for local consumption.

Liz says her favourite eateries include Cafe WKA, which serves Allpress coffee and has live jazz performances for Saturday brunch, and Cafe Morello, which is famous for exquisite German pastries.

A local Asian flavour in many shopping and food outlets is noticeable with many international students choosing to live in the area. The Indian temple on St Lukes Rd is a local icon. Educational facilities are also in abundance with a number of quality primary and intermediate schools to choose from. The prestigious Mt Albert Grammar School and Hebron Christian College provide secondary education, while Auckland Institute of Studies St Helens and Unitec Institute of Technology offer quality tertiary education.

And, the last word. Says Liz: "There are great schools, St Lukes is recognised as the best shopping facility in NZ (now boasting a cinema complex) and with its easy access to city and arterial routes, Sandringham is thriving! Watch this space."