Northcote - An exclusive extract

Including Birkenhead, Chatswood and Hillcrest

Northcote Pt and Birkenhead Pt attract buyers who love old homes generally, and villas in particular. There's been a migration from suburbs like Ponsonby, Kingsland and Grey Lynn as people look for similar character but better value.

There is a lot of trading up here. Families move a few streets at a time as lifestyles and budgets change.

Families like Northcote central for its good schooling. Chatswood's value for money and easy access to the city also appeals. Birkenhead central's apartments are popular for the same reasons.

This area includes a couple of Auckland's niche market gems - Birkenhead Pt and Northcote Pt - with their harbour views and elegant villas.

There's lots of bush (in fact, second only to Titirangi), open space and family-friendly spots. There's a rich Asian influence in these suburbs, as you can see at the Birkenhead shops.

Amenities
Local co-ed secondary schools Birkenhead College and Northcote College have high profiles, with sporting, cultural and academic achievements. Auckland University of Technology's Akoranga campus is in Northcote.

Shopping at Birkenhead Pt is becoming increasingly sophisticated, while Northcote's town centre supports about 80 businesses. Northcote now boasts the largest range of Asian food stores on the North Shore. Northcote Pt has an interesting mix of local shops.

The historic Northcote Point Walk encompasses old villas, coastline and spectacular views. The Harbourside Art Trail through Birkenhead and Northcote visits artists studios and workshops.

The Chelsea Sugar Refinery grounds are a beautiful spot for a picnic. Birkenhead has numerous bush reserves, including Kauri Glen Reserve near Little Shoal Bay. For youngsters there's rock climbing at the Birkenhead Leisure Centre and a skate park next door.

In Akoranga Rd, there's the Takapuna Athletics Club and the YMCA. The well-known Bridgeway cinema is on Northcote Pt.

Trends
Locals wanting clifftop character homes are having to fight off competition from buyers from the city side of the bridge - $1.5 million buys water views you would pay twice as much for in Herne Bay.

Chatswood has come through a spell in the doldrums with renewed interest in family homes that respond well to renovation. Hillcrest's top homes are $500,000. Entry to Birkenhead Pt and Northcote Pt is now close to $600,000 for a basic do-up. Birkenhead Pt streets well back from the clifftop have hit $1 million.

Rental and investment
There's big demand for rental properties, including Birkenhead's investor apartments, and houses in Hillcrest. Homes in Birkenhead Pt and Northcote Pt fetch an extra $30 a week. Clifftop homes can cost $800 a week.

Best streets
Clarence Street, Queen St and Princes St on Northcote Pt; Tizard Rd, Wanganella St and Palmerston Rd on Birkenhead Pt; Puawai St in Northcote; seaward Onetaunga St in Chatswood; Mountbatten Ave and Lynngate Pl in Hillcrest.