10B/4 Short Steet. Photo / Supplied
Rory and Helen Price waited three years to buy this unit in the Short St Seaview Apartments building.
"Seaview is unique and among all of the buildings we have lived and worked in, this has by far the best community atmosphere. All who live here speak highly of this, especially those who are new to apartment and city living," says Helen.
They bought the north-facing freehold apartment in 2016. "It is a great location at the bottom end of Anzac Ave," says Rory. "That brings the whole of the downtown area within easy walking distance.
"We are talking Britomart, Viaduct, ferries, Saturday markets, Spark Arena, Queen St, the hospital and university.
"The Green Link bus service, Britomart train station and motorways gives easy access to all the major shopping hubs ... nothing better than getting the train to Silvia Park," he says.
From their tenth level, Rory and Helen get views across harbour to Rangitoto, and the sun steams into their apartment from early morning to mid-afternoon.
"We love the indoor/outdoor flow with outstanding views of the harbour to Waiheke."
The Seaview Apartments Alucobond building was built in 1998. There are 43 apartments on 11 floors, and residents have use of the gym.
"The gym is well equipped with weight machine, rowing, treadmill, elliptical trainer, cycles and even a table tennis table," says Helen.
The couple say the mix across the apartments is 70 per cent owner-occupiers, 30 per cent rental.
Their apartment has two large bedrooms, a bathroom and separate toilet, open living/dining, plus a study/office. The master bedroom opens to the deck through a ranch slider and the lounge has access through bifold glass doors.
They say their balcony is large enough to entertain and, being north-facing, it is not affected by too many prevailing winds.
"Sitting outside in fine weather with the barbecue going and watching the cruise ships is without peer," says Rory.
The sale includes one car park space.
"The apartment is a great size for an inner-city dwelling plus has a full kitchen," says Helen. "There are only four apartments per floor, and as the owners all own a share of their respective floor therefore they tend to look after that area.
"The layout has the bedrooms separated by the bathroom and, so, once again the noise transfer is low. The large windows not only give a great view but also contribute to the airy and spacious feeling. The soundproofing between the apartments is excellent with no noise transfer."
"Body Corporate Services is one of the better around the city," says Rory. "Our experience is as building managers, so we can comment with some authority. We manage this building and up to the end of February managed three other apartment buildings in the area."
They think their "fantastic apartment" stands out from the many others because the rooms are a generous size, the location is great and there are "awesome residents".
"We leave reluctantly," says Rory. "We are moving out of Auckland for work."