Westmere

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

Westmere is another of Auckland city's truly cosmopolitan suburbs close to the city and now far removed from its working class roots.

Near to that melting pot of cultures - Grey Lynn - Westmere is now the suburb of choice for many interesting and varied residents. It has witnessed numerous face changes, from an almost ghetto suburb and home to many students, to its more recent life as a base for trendy go-getters wanting to live in the right part of Auckland. Being a waterfront suburb has added a new appeal for many aspirants seeking to live in Westmere - despite long-term locals always being aware of the fact.

Simon Damerell, manager of Ray White, Ponsonby, says Westmere is a small, well-defined suburb, confined by the harbour and the Grey Lynn ridge. "The houses are uniformly bungalow in style and the sections are of a good size and well maintained."

Within easy reach of the city, the popularity of this area has driven house prices sky high, and even if prospective buyers are lucky enough to discover there are run-down do-ups, they are likely to fetch good prices at auction. The current high price levels are propelled predominantly by professional, discerning buyers in pursuit of the right address.

The area is a great place to live and many residents are staunch in their determination not to move. In fact, it could be argued the value and charm of Westmere has been underrated for many years. The suburb has deservedly come into its own over recent years as many now appreciate the true value of a unique inner-city suburb bounded by a water frontage and appealing family parks - as well as other recreational amenities. Of course, the cafes and eateries associated with other sought-after sophisticated locations are not far behind either.

Says local resident Jessica White: "Westmere has the advantages and qualities of Ponsonby and Grey Lynn but often seems further removed from stress and other urban hustle and bustle because of its maritime air. I find access to the city easy in peak hour traffic and am always confident I have a true destination to return home to - and that's not bad for a truly urban location."

Wayne Bulog of Unlimited Potential, Herne Bay, adds that Westmere is still attracting a great deal of attention as a preferred suburb to live in. "A very large percentage of these buyers are young couples that either have young children or are planning a family. They see the area as offering a great location along with a little more serenity and space perhaps than other areas may offer."


You are close to the Grey Lynn Foodtown as well as numerous other local retail outlets. Auckland Zoo, MOTAT and Western Springs are also a stone's throw away.

If you're thinking about buying in this area, you can expect to pay from $250,000 to over $400,000 (possibly nearer $500,000) for an apartment or unit, from $450,000 to $800,000 for a townhouse and anywhere up to $1 million and over for a three- to four-bedroom villa or bungalow.

Says Damerell: "Regardless of any market influences, there are never many properties on the market and there is always a surplus of buyers. In simple terms, Westmere offers great real estate."