Property Report: Suburb's turn to be the star

The suburb offers access to fine cuisine, cafes and shopping close to St Lukes. Photo / Zoe Puttick

A great central location, character homes, established streets and good school zones, Sandringham is a suburb that is really coming into its own, discovers Graham Hepburn. FREE PROPERTY REPORT IN TODAY’S NZ HERALD: VALUATIONS FOR 420 SUBURBS

Having just finished playing a role in the reality TV series The Block: Villa Wars, Sandringham has become a star turn in its own right when it comes to real estate values.

Previously overshadowed by more fashionable neighbouring suburbs such as Mt Eden, Mt Albert and Kinglsand, Sandringham is coming into its own thanks to its central location, character homes, established streets and good school zones.

Jonathan Sissons, branch manager for Bayleys Mt Eden and Sandringham, says home buyers are drawn to the suburb's mature neighbourhood environment and multicultural population.

He says: "Sandringham central could be described as "Little India" with its many Indian and Bangladeshi eateries. Close by is Balmoral's "Chinatown" with multiple restaurants competing for the title of best dumpling. And there are more fabulous cafes and bars only a few kilometres away in Mt Eden and Kingsland.

"Alternatively, for those who like combining retail therapy with dining, there's the fast food court at St Luke's shopping mall, which has also a multi-screen cinema complex."

Sissons says the rising popularity of Mt Albert Grammar School is also proving a strong magnet for families.

"MAGS is now one of Auckland's best sports schools -- easily eclipsing the likes of many private schools for the number of nominations at the annual ASB Young Sportsperson of the Year awards this year in numerous categories, and outclassing the likes of traditional 'powerhouses' Auckland Grammar School and Epsom Girls' Grammar School. Mt Albert Grammar is now dominant in the likes of cricket, rugby, football, athletics, netball, rowing, and softball -- in both boys' and girls' disciplines."

Sandringham is handily situated. Just a short drive -- no pun intended -- to the excellent golf courses at Titirangi, Akarana, Maungakiekie or, for beginners, there's Chamberlain Park.

With a range of housing stock -- villas, character bungalows, solid ex-state houses, blocks of units and newer townhouses -- Sandringham caters for a diverse ethnic population and age range. As neighbouring suburbs have become more expensive, buyers have turned their attention to Sandringham.

John Stempa, of Custom Residential says: "It appears to me that the whole range of properties have seen increases, as Sandringham was once the poor cousin to Mt Albert and Mt Eden but is now achieving similar premium sales. A lot of owners have redecorated and added extensions to improve the size and values of their homes in the area."

For commuters, the suburb has a good bus service and many residents are a short walk away from Kingsland train station.

Sissons says that having sports ground Eden Park within walking distance is also a big drawcard for some residents. He adds, tongue in cheek: "So if the Blues are playing up to their usual standard, you can leave at half time and be home in time to watch the second half on TV from the comfort of your couch."

Golfers are also well catered for, Sissons says.

"Sandringham is handily situated. Just a short drive -- no pun intended -- to the excellent golf courses at Titirangi, Akarana, Maungakiekie or, for beginners, there's Chamberlain Park."