Albany

Albany's development as the undisputed commercial, retail and light industrial CBD of the North Shore continues unabated.

Sure, Albany village is still quaint, saved by the new motorway north heading off in another direction, but most of it is shiny and new. Greenhithe has kept its rural charm. There are new houses and roads but this bush-clad waterside spot remains idyllic. Brookfields and Northwood, are more established, while North Harbour is predominantly commercial. Paremoremo has its share of big lifestyle properties ... and a maximum security prison. 

Universal Homes has a mix of some 50 townhouses and duplex homes in its Greenbough development and its Aintree Heights development features 50 standalone gracious country homes.

Amenities

Huge population growth has been matched by good schooling. In 2005 Albany Junior School opened to Year 7 students. Oteha Valley Rd's new primary school opened in 2004 and Greenhithe's second primary school is due to open in February 2006.

Aside from the private schools of Kristin and Pinehurst, older pupils travel out of the area for secondary schooling.

In a very short time, Albany has become a shopper's dream. Not only is there the Mega Centre selling everything imaginable, but Westfield is to build a mega mall here. Despite the burgeoning subdivisions, there are plenty of reserves in the area, including Lucas Creek Reserve, Wainono Park and the Albany Scenic Reserve.

Horses are part of the rural scene, with pony clubs and equine centres aplenty. For golfers, the North Shore Golf Club borders Albany Highway. 

Real Estate Trends

With a ready student market and long-term capital gain in mind, ex-pat Kiwis are buying investment properties in Albany. Affordable townhouses and homes in the middle price brackets are eagerly sought by campus academic staff.

Greenhithe buyers see the big houses on large sections as good value for money - but water views command top dollar.

Rental and investment

The highlight of an Albany landlord's year is the seasonal influx of tertiary students. A variety of apartments are available at a range of rents.

Greenhithe attracts few renters because of the traffic bottlenecks and the disruption caused by motorway and bridge construction.

Best streets

Oak Manor Dr in Albany; Vanderbilt Pde in Brookfield; Sycracuse Pl in Northwood; Rame Rd and Kingfisher Gr in Greenhithe and the new homes in Kitiwake Dr.