With an outdoor pool, play area for children and a petanque court in the shared outdoor space, Takapuna's Shoalhaven Apartments complex offers residents more than many other entry-level apartment buildings.
The apartments are also close to Takapuna's shops, schools and beach and a short walk from the bus stops at Akoranga and Takapuna as well as being close to the motorway for anyone commuting to the CBD.
Apartment B301 owner Myma says the solid construction - a combination of structural steel, precast and reinforced concrete - of the freehold apartments is appealing, and she especially likes having a balcony area that stretches across the front of this third-level apartment with enough room for a barbecue and a couple of comfortable chairs. The apartment looks out to the landscaped communal area with pool.
The renovated apartment's layout has a line-style kitchen with a Foster oven, Omega benchtop elements and Indesit dishwasher.
The kitchen shares the open plan living space with the dining and lounge which open to the covered balcony through a ranch slider.
Left from the kitchen, there is a laundry cupboard with washer and dryer, another storage cupboard and a study nook in the hallway before it turns 90 degrees to lead to the two en-suite bedrooms, both of which access the balcony.
You can also get to one of the bedrooms directly from the lounge.
The apartments were built in 2007 to 2008 and this one faces northeast, which treats it to afternoon sunlight. Its design, including windows and ranch sliders at the front, brings in a lot of natural light.
"It is a nice aspect," says Myma. "Takapuna is so close and this is a nice area, there are quite a few million-dollar houses around here."
The bedrooms and lounge have been newly carpeted and internal walls painted.
The Shoalhaven Apartments, made up of three blocks, have an onsite building manager.
"They are wonderful and the upkeep is great.
"She and her husband treat the property like it is their own; they are always washing walls down, clearing away any toys left by the pool and they are so helpful," she says.
"It is such a family-oriented place and people are friendly. You don't feel like you are in an apartment.
"This apartment is open and spacious, there are two good sized bedrooms with en suites, and having the study nook in the hallways is great. There is good storage in this apartment, and you have two secure car parks. It's an ideal lock-and-leave property. You need a swipe card for all areas."
Shoalhaven is popular with owner occupiers and investors, and includes a mix of first home buyers, young executives, families and retirees.