Te Atatu

By ROBYN WELSH

Once the poor relation of its southern namesake, the northern end of Te Atatu, on the peninsula, is undergoing a revival of interest among young professionals and North Shore buyers wanting to bypass the harbour bridge.

The focus is on both new housing and retail developments, as well as the existing group homes (built during the 1960s boom) and ex-State houses now in private ownership which are ripe for renovation. New developments include the Harbour View Estate on the water's edge looking towards the city, Waimanu Bay, and the 31-unit Harbour View Mews, a mix of two and three-bedroom terraced houses about to be marketed for $235,000 to $259,000 each.

Despite not having true water's edge properties, the peninsula coast riparian reserve offers the chance to buy sea views from $250,000 to $400,000. Properties overlooking Henderson Creek to the west are fetching higher prices for their views as well.

A planned shopping complex will supplement the older strip retail area serving Te Atatu North.

Te Atatu South has traditionally been higher profile (and had a reputation for better value for money) with larger established homes popular with more affluent residents.