Three Kings

Affordable by Auckland standards, the area is attracting a range of buyers - from first-timers to families. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Three Kings is a centrally located suburb that retains much of the character, charm and appeal of Mt Eden and Epsom, yet avoids the corresponding price-tag. This is not to say, of course, that the area has been immune from recent happenings in the Auckland residential real estate market. Although just a few minutes further down the road from Mt Eden and a bit more elevated, Three Kings is an area with tradition and a peaceful atmosphere.

The area is home to a wonderful shopping centre. Three Kings Plaza has a superb range of shops, a supermarket and a library. The supermarket has been around for a long time and was once the culinary destination of choice for many eastern suburbs shoppers.

Now, the centre includes a trendy cafe to cater for the coffee lovers in the area and the younger residents who are flocking to the vicinity with an eye at moving closer to the city at some stage.

THINGS TO DO

The quarry site has interesting walks up to the Three Kings Reserve. And it is well worth your while as the views from the top are marvellous. The suburb caters well for sport lovers, too, with successful soccer and athletics clubs.

WHO LIVES HERE?

The makeup of residents is shifting with new terraced housing blocks and infill housing being built. The old state housing area is now a mix of owner-occupied housing and tenanted homes, with many trendy renovations being done to the very popular ex-state houses. These solid homes are being snapped up as soon as they hit the market and are attracting an influx of young working couples and professional singles to the area.

WHY ARE PEOPLE MOVING HERE?

People are moving to Three Kings because the house prices are still relatively affordable, compared to its expensive neighbours. Only 20 minutes from the CBD, residents are also close to the airport and Manukau, Onehunga and the Industrial Edge and West Auckland. Families are moving to the area for the schools. As debate continues in many of the surrounding areas and with zones constantly reviewed, people feel settled by knowing the school zones in Three Kings are reasonably constant.

As 33-year-old resident Rebecca states: "Three Kings has everything families could desire with close proximity to excellent schools, including Three Kings Primary and Mount Roskill Grammar, as well as easy access to the city and other good shops."

PROPERTY PRICES

House prices vary, from the state housing areas with two-to-three-bedroom houses selling from $200,000 to $350,000 to elevated properties with views selling for $400,000 to $500,000. And one-, two- and three-bedroom terrace houses can start at the low $200,000s.

There are some very large, modern family homes, ranging from five- to seven-bedroom houses, on full sites. These houses are selling for $500,000 to $800,000.