Te Atatu

This fast-growing area in west Auckland offers a mix of real estate options - from palatial peninsula abodes to more modest family homes. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Te Atatu is fast becoming one of west Auckland's premier suburbs. Known for its prestigious peninsula real estate, good motorway access and rugby league club, the suburb has boomed in popularity over the past three to four years. Te Atatu itself has become truly cosmopolitan, with an exciting mix of immigrants of all nationalities now living there.

The peninsula, in particular, has attracted numerous new arrivals in search of large, modern, low-maintenance homes. A number of houses fitting this description have sprung up in recent years, many with sea views and outlooks to the city. The image of low-cost housing from the 1950s and 1960s has been replaced by luxurious contemporary four- to five-bedroom family homes on decent-sized sections.

Typical of what is available on the Te Atatu Peninsula are five-bedroom-plus-study family homes with numerous bathrooms and en suites, plaster or brick cladding and floor areas over 300sq m. The landscaped sections are usually more than 650sq m. Of course, prices now reflect this, and you should expect to pay from $600,000 for the privilege of living in these modern mansions.

Several homes are selling in the $800,000 to $950,000 bracket. In fact, houses with these lavish specifications and sea frontages, particularly in the exclusive Waimanu Bay area, and with city and harbour views may command prices approaching $2 million. Bare sections on the peninsula awaiting development are now selling for anything from $500,000 to $600,000, possibly more.

Te Atatu South remains an area that many first-home buyers pick as their preferred location. However, the price rises have taken hold and a number of character homes of various styles, ranging from bungalows to 1950s brick and tile dwellings, are now very sought after.

Buyers in Te Atatu South would be lucky to pick up a reasonable-sized family home for less than $330,000, and many houses in the southern part of the suburb are selling in the $400,000 to $500,000 price range. Plenty of these houses are on large sections, anywhere from 650sq m to over 900sq m, and some have potential for subdivision. More modern family houses constructed in the late 1990s and 2000s could sell for upwards of $550,000.

Along with much of Waitakere City, Te Atatu is well served with open park land, schools and numerous sporting and recreational facilities.