Papatoetoe

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Papatoetoe is one of the city's older suburbs - steeped in history and grandeur.

As an historic suburb, Papatoetoe's roots lay in rural servicing of the growing Auckland urban area - rich in fertile soil and active in farming activity. A lot of the suburb's history is shared with neighbouring Otahuhu. Today, of course, Papatoetoe is a suburb itself, part of bustling Manukau City, yet having its own distinct culture and appeal within the urban metropolis.

Much of the charm of the area lies in its practicality - close enough to commute to the central city and even closer to other service areas such as Manukau City, Otahuhu and Auckland International Airport. Papatoetoe has a bustling shopping and commercial centre, and space for agricultural blocks as well.

Many delightful older homes of Auckland's past peacefully coexist with modern brick or plaster & tile family homes in recently constructed subdivisions.

The housing includes a large number of solid 1950s family homes on large sections. Examples of houses currently for sale include three-bedroom brick and tile homes on sections over 1000sq m - and prices are affordable when looking at Auckland city as a whole.

Prices vary from the mid-$200,000s through to the mid-$500,000s for large four- to five-bedroom family houses on generous sections. These homes vary in age from construction in the early 1950s to the early 2000s. A six-bedroom family home with views through to the Sky Tower and with excellent potential for investors or families alike will sell for less than $370,000. Modern executive-style three-bedroom houses will sell for around the $350,000 mark.

Exclusive properties will sell for between $600,000 and $900,000, however, with there being a number of old homestead-style homes and sections available.

An elegant family character home with five bedrooms, two lounges and great indoor-outdoor flow to a huge private deck for summer entertaining, including double garaging and on a full section, will sell for approximately $375,000.

Papatoetoe has quality schooling in the shape of Papatoetoe High School - which is viewed as the grammar school of south Auckland. Regarded highly by commentators, many families from out of zone are attracted to this school. A number of parks and reserves also exist and are popular with locals for recreational activities. The area also has a number of recreational and fitness centres, including rugby, league and bowls facilities, the Centennial Pools and a skating rink.