Silverdale

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

The Hibiscus Coast is one of greater Auckland's poles for growth and a premium example of this expansion is the suburb of Silverdale. Located off the northern motorway at the juxtaposition turn-off to Orewa and Whangaparaoa, the area has traditionally been a service point for local farms; however, it now acts as a magnet for rural block lifestylers as well as those looking for family homes on large sections not too far from the urban rigour.

Admittedly, the homes are on sections a bit larger than large - most of the properties available are on blocks of five acres or more. It is true that Silverdale represents the rural face of the Hibiscus Coast, but the locality is never far from maritime activities or countryside pursuits. As Jennifer Thomas, of Impact Realty, says: "It is a pleasure to live and work at Orewa and around the Coast, with easy-flow traffic, beautiful beaches and reserves. There is excellent shopping, many cafes and restaurants, and on sunny days you can drive along the coast with spectacular sea views, walk along the beach and in the country, where you feel miles from the city, but you're only 35 minutes from the CBD."

Margery Mansfield, of Barfoot & Thompson, supports this view, with the area having lots of sea views and beaches, "just far enough out of the hurly burly of Auckland traffic but close enough to hop on the motorway and reach anywhere in a short time. We have a wide range of shops and many cafes. A very popular area, the Hibiscus Coast, many people from overseas are coming straight to our area to look for their homes. Silverdale is ready to go-go-go over the next few years."

The Silverdale shopping strip is a treasure of its own - indeed, shoppers can experience the small village atmosphere while uncovering famous brands at discounted prices. There is much for sale in the way of fashion and lifestyle clothing, shoes and gifts. The designer-label factory shop outlets are something of a mecca for the fashion conscious.

Saturday morning markets are ever popular with the locals, and bargains may be uncovered with an abundance of local fare. The Silverdale Historic Village is an attraction for out-of-towners wanting to experience the historical homes - dating back to the 1860s - and the museum.

Buyers in Silverdale are coming from other parts of greater Auckland - particularly those desiring an escape from suburbia close to the city. Family buyers are looking at the Hibiscus Coast in general as a haven with decent schools yet less-than-exorbitant prices. Orewa College has a growing reputation as a quality secondary school. The new northern motorway - far from reducing the importance of local settlements such as Silverdale and Orewa - has, in fact, increased their attraction to visitors and wannabe residents alike.

Lifestyle blocks in the area are selling particularly well - prices for bare land may range from under $500,000 for land around the two acre mark, while areas greater than 10 acres can sell for anywhere from $850,000 to around the $2 million level. Family homes on full sections will probably sell for anything upwards of $350,000.