Takapuna

Takapuna is the seaside suburb that has come of age. The palm tree-lined streets, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants are the focal point of the casual, yet sophisticated, lifestyle that attracts visitors from the four corners of Auckland.

For some, it's the desire to live closer to Albany's private schools that draws them from Remuera and Epsom to the more laidback living on offer at the first waterside suburb beyond the Harbour Bridge .

For the increasing number of ex-patriate Kiwis buying property here, it's the favourable exchange rate and the appeal of living close to the beach and the central city.

Overseas buyer interest in the area is typical of that in other water's-edge suburbs throughout Auckland, which always increases at this time of the year as the Northern Hemisphere heads into winter and holidaymakers return to live.

More buyers are being attracted to the heart of the suburb by the new Spencer on Byron development of serviced apartments. Meanwhile, the Lakelands Tce development and the new Killarney Bay apartments continue to bring young and retired buyers into the area, which is proof that Takapuna isn't just for big budgets.

Townhouses and units, although slower to sell, are priced from around $200,000 to $400,000, while homes on full sites range from $450,000 to $900,000, depending on size and location.