Panmure - An exclusive extract

Including Mt Wellington, Sylvia Park and Tamaki.

A relatively affordable suburb fairly close to town, Panmure appeals to first-home buyers.

Mt Wellington is seen as an aspiring man's Ellerslie, while Tamaki is fairly scruffy with lots of renters. On the flip side, there are some very expensive homes, especially near the estuary.

Many migrants also live here, attracted by the lower prices and major employment areas in Mt Wellington and further south.

The townhouses and terrace blocks around the Panmure Lagoon and near the shopping centre attract young professional couples seeking reasonably priced modern accommodation.

In Panmure and Tamaki, the University of Auckland's Tamaki campus attracts students and lecturing staff to live nearby.

The types of houses in Panmure are as diverse as the suburb itself. There are turn-of-the-century villas and renovated bungalows, but the houses are predominantly 1960s and 1970s family homes and state houses.

With many sizeable sections (between 600m2 and 950m2), it's an ideal spot for families. Spacious executive-style houses can be found along the Tamaki River, and on the hill heading towards Pakuranga, where they have views towards St Kentigerns College, Farm Cove and Mt Wellington.

Amenities
There are at least eight primary schools in this low-decile area as well as Portland House Montessori and the special needs Somerville School. Tamaki intermediate is popular and shares grounds with Tamaki Primary.

While Panmure is well stocked with primary and intermediate schools, parents will need to look elsewhere for a suitable secondary school.

If you're a southern motorway motorist, you just can't miss the emergence of the 24ha, $538 million Sylvia Park shopping centre near the south-eastern highway off-ramp.

Blocks of shops will progressively open (stage one opened in June 2006) during the next few years. Panmure's main street is full of shops and a bustling place at any time of the day. Major retail outlets are also dotted along the Mt Wellington Highway

Stage one of the new Auckland Netball Centre at Ngahue Reserve in Mt Wellington (total cost $13 million) is now complete, with 26 outdoor and three indoor courts.

Stage two will add another 20 outdoor and five indoor courts. The popular Lagoon Gymnasium is well patronised and the lagoon itself is host to many maritime activities as well as being pleasant to stroll around.

The landmark of Mt Wellington provides panoramic views of Auckland and its harbours. This spot is popular with both visitors and locals, keen to walk the dog at the weekend.

Trends
Traditionally not terribly desirable, the area is showing signs of increasing value. It's still affordable but has good access to the water, is close to desirable eastern suburbs and reasonably close to the CBD. It's still a viable option for the investor, with a good number of established tenants.

Panmure's downfall is its schooling, with a steady exodus of families when their children reach secondary age.

Best Streets
Bridge St in Panmure; Marine Lane in Mt Wellington and Dunkirk Rd in Tamaki.