Takanini

Ripe for development, the area is attracting interest from a broad range of buyers, both young and old.

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Truly representative of Auckland's southern urban fringe, Takanini has something for everyone looking for both authentic suburban living or lifestyle alternatives. The area is currently ripe for subdivision and residential development, and consequently has attracted much interest from investors and developers alike.

Between Manukau Harbour and the Hunua Ranges, Takanini is approximately 25 to 35 minutes south of central Auckland by car and offers a great lifestyle with hints of town and country living. Takanini forms part of the rolling farmland and native forest backdrop to Papakura, which, with its great eateries and shopping facilities, is close at hand.

The area is easily close enough to the CBD to commute daily and, with its parks and reserves boasting fine examples of some of New Zealand's famous native plant and tree species, it is an exciting place to live for young and old.

The area generally attracts residents escaping the busy life closer to Auckland's heart who "want to live where town meets country", as described by one resident.

The Papakura region was first settled in the 1850s and a school and small chapel were established on the site of the present crossroads. The area has lost many of its government-funded operations, including a teachers' college, psychiatric hospital and army base, but the genuine rural feel of the location acts as a true lure for many.

Much of the real estate for sale in Takanini is advertised as having future subdivision potential, and a lot of residential development similar to that experienced in the Manurewa area is anticipated over the next decade. Indeed, there have already been numerous new housing projects in the region.

Typical of properties currently for sale are five-acre blocks for around the $1 million mark. Examples of recent housing stock include three- to four-bedroom family homes on large sections selling in the $350,000 to $400,000 price range. Houses in the Addison subdivision are selling in the mid-$300,000 price bracket. Takanini is still one of the city's more affordable suburbs however, where it's possible to pick up reasonably modern, large family homes upwards of $270,000.

There is no shortage of amenities for local residents, with the Papakura region including Bruce Pulman Park - a large sporting/recreation centre with netball courts, sport grounds for soccer, cricket, rugby, etc, and a gym - Massey Park Swimming Complex with its heated indoor pool, wave pool and 50m outdoor pool, a BMX track and many other sports grounds and clubs. Plenty of public and private schools - notably Strathallan - also serve the region.