The balcony's large ranch slider glass panels bring in plentiful natural light and Grace liked that Quadrant Hotel & Suites was a well-regarded building with pool and gym as shared facilities.
Grace bought the apartment in 2012 and Phillip lived here while studying law and business.
It was important to Grace that she could buy in a freehold building and that the body corp fees were affordable. Both factors made it desirable while her son was living here, but also were what made the apartment value for money if she needed to rent it out once Phillip moved out.
"The body corp fees are about $2700 year," she says. "There is a site manager, and 24 hours reception, so you can also order room service food."
Waterloo Quadrant is in the city's legal and residential district near to the University of Auckland, Law School and the High Court.
While close to the CBD and its food, entertainment and shopping, this is still a quiet area with a mix of historic and modern buildings.
Phillip says the apartment is "convenient and close to universities and some of the most happening places in Auckland'.
"It is a modern hotel with friendly staff, and a gym and spa."
The apartment has street views over the buildings and greenery of the area's trees towards the harbour, the views stretching as far as North Head and Rangitioto.
Phillip thinks the apartment will appeal to students and professional workers.
Supermarkets, cafes, parks, waterfront and the Britomart transport hub and nightclubs are within easy walking distance.
"I would go to a nightclub down the road; the university library. I watched movies at Imax."
Having the outdoor space on the balcony was a bonus, he says. "I would listen to music on it; basically I used the balcony for relaxation."
Grace is selling the apartment as Phillip has graduated.
The apartment has been painted in Resene Black White. Carpet and laminated flooring are new and lighting is new LED.
"He has got his double degree. My family and I moved to Australia at the beginning of this year. We are selling this apartment in order to buy a property in Australia."
820/10 WATERLOO QUADRANT, AUCKLAND CBD
• 1 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 0 parking spaces.
• House 22sq m.
• Price: Early $300,000 range (2017 CV $290,000).
• Body corp: $2769.50 a year
• Inspect: Sat/Sun 12.30-1pm.
• Schools: Bombay School, Pukekohe High School.
• Contact: Luke Shi, Barfoot & Thompson, 021 137 6845; Alexander Kramarenko, 021 049 4824, barfoot.co.nz/760512
