Two Auckland property developers like their latest apartment buildings so much they are moving in.
Andrew Krukziener and David Henderson already live in downtown penthouses but plan to trade up to the most valuable pads in the city.
Mr Krukziener is building the tallest residential building in New Zealand, the38-level, 350-apartment Metropolis, rising in the central city.
He is keeping the top three levels for office and residential use. A city real estate agent says their combined value will be about $15 million.
Mr Krukziener at present lives on top of Quay West, in Albert St.
"I love it. I still get blown away by the views, especially the twinkling lights at night.
"But when it is in a serviced complex, it's like living in a five-star hotel.
"I might be out with friends, for example, and decide we will have dinner at home. I can pick up the phone and order a meal to be ready in an hour, even have the place tidied up before we get there."
Four levels near the top of the Metropolis will contain 21 penthouses, due for occupation in February. The most expensive is $1.8 million (plus $50,000 for each car park) for a standard interior layout. Twelve have been sold.
Two buyers have bought two apartments each, one paying nearly $3 million for a combined 180 sq m, intending to use one for himself and the other for an office and guest accommodation.
Mr Henderson, director of Kitchener Group, which is building 300 apartments on Princes Wharf, lives with his four children in a 451 sq m penthouse that he kept when his Highgate Towers went up in Howe St three years ago.
The family will move early next year to something even bigger on the wharf - 750 sq m on the northeast end, and probably worth twice as much as a smaller neighbouring penthouse he has sold for more than $2 million.
Mr Henderson sees bigger penthouses on the Auckland waterfront as an investment.
"They have the views, are close to the heart of the city and are secure. You can lock up and go out of the city or overseas and you don't have to worry.
"You don't need a quarter-acre section to bring up today's kids," he says. "Overseas experience shows that."
