By ROBYN WELSH
Once merely a holiday destination for city folk, the Hibiscus Coast is becoming an increasingly sought-after lifestyle destination for city-bound commuters.
The extended Northern Motorway has put the CBD within more favourable reach of residents from Orewa and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, and this is starting to change the flavour
of the area.
Orewa and Red Beach are becoming popular with North Shore buyers wanting to move further north, as well as Whangaparaoa Peninsula residents moving closer to the motorway.
The demand for family homes is also changing, with larger houses being sought. Twenty years ago, a three-bedroom home was considered large, whereas today, homes with two living areas and a fourth bedroom that can also be used as an office are the preferred choice.
Two-bedroom brick-and-tile units are harder to sell, but are still popular among buyers of retirement age, especially those within walking distance of the beach and shopping centre.
Some older homes on full sites are, where the price and zoning permit, making way for new larger townhouses to meet the market. Apartment developments are popular and any waterfront land fetches top dollar, especially in the blue-chip Tindalls Bay area and on Orewa beach, where properties can sell for more than $1m.
