Couple happy with new home

SOLD: Ken Craig, pictured with real estate agent Sue Baker, has bought a house in the popular suburb of Utuhina. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Utuhina is a "hidden gem", according to one of its newest residents.

Ken Craig said he and wife Marie moved back to Rotorua from Gisborne this year and recently bought a house in the suburb.

Mr Craig said he had no idea that Utuhina was such a sought after area.

"It is just a nice, quiet neighbourhood. The buildings are very solid in this area, and a lot of them are owner occupied. It's a safe area for people with children, too," he said.

"We had lived out in Ngongotaha before, we love Rotorua. It's such a friendly place to live. It really is a hidden gem. We moved from a lifestyle block into town, and it's like a bird sanctuary around here with all the birds and the big trees. It's lovely."

Mr Craig bought his property through agent Sue Baker at The Professionals McDowell Real Estate.

Mrs Baker said there was a good mix of owner occupied homes and rental properties making Utuhina a sought after area.

"This was a bargain waiting to be snapped up. The area is very popular, houses around here don't tend to last long on the market."