Donna McIntyre: Sea views clinch deal

15B/2 Eden Crescent. Photo / Supplied

While its convenient location was the paramount reason Martin Lloyd bought this inner city penthouse apartment, the harbour view was what clinched the deal.

He purchased the Argent Hall unit on the 15th level about 13 years ago. Travelling between New Zealand and Samoa, he wanted a central Auckland base that could easily be locked and left, and was close to motorway access.

And he wanted a view that would uplift and inspire.

"I was looking for somewhere handy to downtown but I didn't want to look out only at another building. Having heritage buildings around me on the north side means the view is protected as the buildings are protected.

"This unit isn't big but it is convenient. And it does get a lot of sun."

Other pluses were being close to the university, and the security living in an apartment building provided.

The corner apartment, looking north and west over the city and the harbour, is freehold. "I still have to pay the body corp but it means I am not subject to leasehold ground rents which can increase.

"And I can lock up and leave and go to the airport without having to arrange someone to cut the lawns while I am away. I had spent most of my life in Milford on the North Shore so this was very different. "

It's an easy walk to the inner city's bars, cafes and restaurants without having to find a park and then drive home.

"Or you can eat in, as there are convenience stores and the supermarket all within easy walking distance. It's also nice looking out to Emily Place, and having that greenery in the middle of the city."

If he wants to go shopping in Newmarket or attend the races at Ellerslie, he catches the train there from Britomart.

Martin says the building has undergone remedial work to address watertight issues. While this was a "rollercoaster affair", those issues have been resolved and the code of compliance has been issued. The upshot is he lives in a practically new building — cladding and joinery have been replaced and windows are all now double-glazed.

His apartment has an entry hallway with the bathroom on the left, the bedroom on the right and then opening to the living area and kitchen, with the balcony off the lounge.

A bay window frames the view of the Sky City tower. Below the apartment is the greenery of Emily Place Reserve.

He is selling because he is using the apartment less and less each year. Last year he rented out the apartment through Quinovic most of the time.

"I would like to hold on to it but I come back to New Zealand less and less and I am not getting the enjoyment out of it. I also have projects in Samoa and I could use the capital for that."

He hopes the apartment will be sold to an owner-occupier.

"There is a market for serviced apartments but it would nice if it goes to someone who lives in it and enjoys it."

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