Weymouth

The seaside suburb offers some rich real estate pickings. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

"Weymouth is where I like to be. I almost feel as though I'm in an idyllic maritime suburb living here"

Resident Sharee Foster

Approximately 25km from Auckland's CBD, Weymouth forms a peninsula into the Manukau Harbour and in recent years has been one of Manukau City's premier growth areas.

The suburb has witnessed much refreshment and urban renewal in the form of new housing - especially owing to recent Universal Homes developments - and is a pleasantly amenable part of greater Auckland, attracting young families as well as a large cross-section of Aucklanders. The housing is often very desirable and affordable.

As Helen Kay and Simone Anderson of Barfoot & Thompson's Manurewa office say: "Weymouth by the sea is an ever-so-popular seaside community, a place to walk the dog, paddle about in boats, go fishing, enjoy a coffee and gossip at the Trendy Cafe Te Akau. The community is noted for its inhabitants moving around but not out. Being a short drive to the airport, Manukau and Manurewa, Weymouth is, in a nutshell, a coastal environment with friendly and caring neighbours."

Long-term resident Sharee Foster says: "Weymouth is where I like to be. I almost feel as though I'm in an idyllic maritime suburb living here. My children love their school and the people here are just so friendly and hospitable. The shops are not far away and I really feel safe here."

Effectively being part of greater Manurewa, Weymouth characterises an eclectic mixture of both upmarket and less desirable areas. The seaside location acts as a magnet for many potential purchasers, however, and the positive family feel has contributed to the area's fortunes. Numerous reserves and bush spots combined with waterfront parks add to the family-friendly location. Weymouth has become one of Manurewa's more desirable locations and this is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.

The majority of the housing stock is post-1960s, however there are some classic brick and tile homes providing their characteristic robustness. Otherwise, it's weatherboard family houses of hearty construction. The availability of rental properties has proved a lure for investors - largely because the Manurewa region has a sizeable population on the lookout for reasonably priced rental accommodation.

With Clendon Park and Manurewa South to the north, and Mahia Park and Wattle Downs to the east, there are numerous choices of housing available. The Mahia Park and Wattle Downs areas - especially those with sea views - command higher prices. Weymouth, Clendon Park and Manurewa South, however, are a lot cheaper, and good value for money can certainly be obtained. Solid three- to four-bedroom family homes on 600sq m to 850sq m sections will sell in the mid-$200,000 to $350,000 price bracket.