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Forrest Hill

Forrest Hill
Forrest Hill was one of the first suburbs to be developed as the North Shore began to boom in the 1960’s and 70’s after the Auckland Harbour Bridge was completed. The Northern Motorway at that time ended at Tristram Avenue, and Forrest Hill soon became a suburb of choice for families wanting convenient and affordable homes.
Now over 5000 people live here, with a growing population of average New Zealanders, of every nationality, with Europeans making up about 50% of the population. You can find out more at Statistics New Zealand.
The area is a haven of average family homes, with the best streets on the crest of the hill, in Grenada Avenue, Catalina Crescent and Longwood Drive. you can see more at Zoodle. Many homes are being renovated as people add value and upgrade these solid high quality homes built using traditional techniques and architecture. There are a few outstanding examples of 1970’s flair, so if you are looking for a little bit of different, this is your suburb!
Transport:
Forrest Hill is well served by public transport, there are two Northern Busway Bus Stations nearby at Sunnynook and Smales Farm. Additioanlly there are great services along Sunnynook  Road, Forrest Hill road and other main roads. Check out the timetable here: www.maxx.co.nz. There is a motorway connection at Tristram Avenue and if you need a cab, try North Shore Taxis.
North Shore City Council is establishing cycle routes on the North Shore and a cycle path is currently (2009) being established along East Coast Road and Forrest Hill Road, especially for students at Forrest Hill Primary and Westlake High Schools.
Forrest Hill has 4 high schools. Westlake Boys HIgh School was established in 1961, while just down the road is Westlake Girls High School, both schools have over 2000 students each. Nearby are Carmel College and Rosmini College, high schools teaching in the Catholic tradition. These four high schools are the only single sex schools on the North Shore, many families choose to live here so their teenagers can attend. These schools are Decile 9, reflecting the affluence of the surrounding suburbs.
Serving these schools in Forrest Hill are two primary schools. Forrest Hill Primary celebrated its 50th anniversary in May, 2009 and Sunnynook Primary has just celebrated 40 years, and the Intermediate Schools of Takapuna Normal, (so called as it was attached to a now closed teacher’s college, and Wairau Intermediate.
Clubs and Sport
Forrest Hill, typically for the North Shore,  has a wealth of sporting and recreational clubs. Heres a selection:
Soccer: Forrest Hill AFC
Tennis: Tennis Northern, a thriving tennis club in Bond Street,
Golf: The Pupuke Golf Club, this spectacular course overlooks the Hauraki Gulf.
Badminton: Badminton North Harbour, The centre for Badminton is in Bond Street stadium.
Parklane Retirement Village:
In Auckland, few retirement villages exist so close to a major shopping centre or are located within a high quality residential suburb. There are 99 villas situated on over 5 hectares.
Shopping:
Major shopping centres and supermarkets are nearby in Milford, Mairangi Bay, Sunnynook, and in Glenfield. Local Shopping is by way of 4 small neighbourhood shopping centres in Raines Avenue, at the top of Forrest Hill Road, in Grenada Avenue and also in William Souter Street.
Medical and Veterinary:
There are a wealth of medical facilities including nearby North Shore Hospital:
Vein and Laser Group: Offers specialist treatment of varicose veins and other skin treatments.
Forrest Hill Physiotherapy; comprehensive physio and rehabilitative treatments.
Hands On Rehabilitation: especially for hand and upper limb injuries.
Forrest Hill Family Medical Centre: at 1/1 Grenada Ave, Forrest Hill, call 09 410 5411.
North Shore Hearing are out to improve your hearing, affordably.
Paisifika Integrated Healthcare is about promoting and supporting people’s health and sustainable wellbeing.
Forrest Hill was one of the first suburbs to be developed as the North Shore began to boom in the 1960’s and 70’s after the Auckland Harbour Bridge was completed. The Northern Motorway at that time ended at Tristram Avenue, and Forrest Hill soon became a suburb of choice for families wanting convenient and affordable homes.
Now over 5000 people live here, with a growing population of average New Zealanders, of every nationality, with Europeans making up about 50% of the population. You can find out more at Statistics New Zealand.
The area is a haven [Read more →]

November 15, 2009   No Comments

Sell Now, or Wait til February?

Are you considering whether to  sell now or wait until the market “kicks” back in after Waitangi Day? A few of my sellers are trying to decide when to sell. We are in a good market now, maybe it will be even better in February.

Buyer motivation has to be a very important and overlooked consideration. Christmas is looming closer and many buyers want to conclude purchasing prior to the summer hiatus. We find that buyers are choosing homes that are close to or in the School zone of their choice. Buyers making a decision buy will be well prepared for settlement in late January in time for the school term. In the new year the buyer pool will change.

Over the Christmas break the next pool of buyers is deciding to move basing their decision on their new job or simply a New Years resolution to change their life style. They come back to Auckland around mid January looking for the first issues of the Property Press. New properties are usually listed around the 10th of February at the earliest. Those properties that go to Auction or a Set Sale will most likely do so after 3 to 4 week campaigns taking the sale date out to early March. With a settlement period of around 60 days, it is not until May that they can move in.

If you are considering a move and want settlement before April, best give me a call!

October 30, 2009   No Comments

Cream of the Crop Weekending 6 November 2009

Money Making Opportunity | Browns Bay | Auction

Money Making Opportunity

Money Making Opportunity

You’ll love this! Another 1960’s character do up and right next to Bay’s Christian Fellowship!
: Deceptively spacious with 3 bedroom plus study and more!!
: Separate guest accommodation or work from home
: Full site of 809m2 with flat garden
: Situated in such a handy location close to buses and in Rangi Zone
: Great buying for the astute investor or large families on a limited budget
: Must be sold as owners are relocating!!

Spectacular Views | Castor Bay | Auction

Spectacular Views in Castor Bay

Spectacular Views in Castor Bay

This huge brick and tile family home is waiting for you to work your magic! Bring your ideas and paintbrush and the results will be hugely rewarding.  Designed for the spectacular views; relax in the spacious lounge, cook in the spacious kitchen, barbecue on the deck and admire the city lights. Ideal for the whole family, boasting 4 spacious double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, huge internal access double garage and heaps of parking. This well located property has huge potential! If you are seeking a solid home where your creative touch will enhance, then here’s the opportunity – Will be sold on or before auction day!

Entertainers Oasis | Sunnynook | $588,000

Entertainers Oasis

Entertainers Oasis

This attractive home is an entertainer’s delight in a quiet private cul-de-sac. Full sized section featuring a large deck and barbecue area with a good sized pool and separate spa pool. Three bedrooms, modern lounge kitchen and bathroom. One car lock up garage with off street parking for two more cars. Handy to motorway and supermarkets and in zone for Westlake Schools. Vendors on the move south and need to see an offer ASAP!

Birdlovers Paradise | Northcote | Auction Sunday

Birdlovers must call

Birdlovers must call

First time on the market for 41 years, substantial block and weatherboard family home in a quiet cul-de-sac, with city views! All on an easy care 622sqm site. Upstairs boasts 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Enjoy the flow from the spacious living room into the family open plan dining and kitchen area or just sit on the deck where you can gaze at the stunning city views. Downstairs a separate spacious self-contained level boasts a double bedroom, bathroom, open plan lounge and dining area: Great for teens or extended family with its own separate entrance. A multitude of options with this home- bring the kids and the parents there’s space for everyone .

Affordable Opportunity | Glenfield| Auction Sunday

Affordable Opportunity

Affordable Opportunity

Now here’s an opportunity you can afford, first home buyers and astute investors come and steal great value with a 3 bedroom 1970’s cottage that simply must be sold! Close proximity to Glenfield Mall, local schools, transport facilities and the motorway, the home benefits from a separate lounge, a covered entertaining deck, separate toilet/bathroom and has the potential to refurbish and add value. Vacant and waiting this is a red hot buying opportunity not to be missed…Will be Sold

October 30, 2009   No Comments

42/44 Spencer Road | Sold at Auction

Last night marked the moment of truth for the marketing of 42/44 Spencer Road.
After 4 weeks on the market, with over 50 groups visiting the open homes it was time to auction the property. On Saturday last, a pre auction offer was made at $930,000, tempting to say the least. An offer that is close to the mark is always hard to resist. But with  half a dozen bidders patiently waiting for the auction on Wednesday the owner decided to wait. A nerve racking few days for sure but worth it in the end.
A number of buyers had contacted my recommended builders, Jennian Homes and finance brokers Edge Mortgages and many had visited the council investigating the property, so I knew we had serious parties.
Rob Tulp, an auctioneer with experience in both Australia and New Zealand led the auction. bidding started at $600,000, and the six bidders pushed the price beyond the sellers expectation to $1,050,000. This was a terrific result!
Afterward the Mumm was uncorked and an ecstatic owner gave me many hugs and kisses. Off to a restaurant for dinner!

October 29, 2009   No Comments

Westlake Zone | Surprise Package

Fastidious owners / Westlake Zone

Fastidious owners / Westlake Zone

Finding an affordable family home in a great school zone is not easy, especially when you want a single sex school. On the North Shore of Auckland there are only two single sex high schools, Westlake Girls and Westlake Boys. Both high schools have a terrific reputation, click on the links to find out more! All the other high schools are co-ed. Being close by is a must for many families and this home fits the bill. You can secure your entry into the highly prized Westlake School Zone with this easy-to-own Forrest Hill home, now!

You can tell a well cared for property by the little things, take a close look at this home and you will see careful and fastidious owners. They have outgrown their beautifully presented property and offer it to the market to be sold.
The living rooms open out to a north-facing deck, overlooking the neatly landscaped garden and lawn. This area is ideal for Kiwi outdoor summer living. Enough room for a bat and ball, space to entertain friends.
Separate living rooms, three spacious bedrooms, walk-in master wardrobe and ensuite are all on the upper level, while a double garage, laundry and storage space occupy the ground floor. Currently the garage is a family or rumpus room but easily converted back if you prefer.
Be quick to view – you’ll be impressed! there’s more information here, you can view at the Open Home or call Tony on 0800 61 8888.

Auction

27b Becroft Drive, Forrest Hill

Open Home Times

Sat 31-Oct 2-2:30PM,  Sun 1-Nov 2-2:30PM

Auction Date

24-Nov-2009 6:30PM, On Site

October 29, 2009   No Comments

Do Up Opportunity

Great Do Up Opportunity in forrest Hill

Great Do Up Opportunity in Forrest Hill

The minute I walked down the drive and across the flagstones I knew I was about to see another classic do up opportunity in the heart of
Forrest Hill.

Why do so many families want to live here? Well it’s pretty simple. This is a family friendly affordable suburb, with local schools only a few minutes walk or cycle away. Westlake zone homes are always sought after, not just because of Westlake Boy’s and Girl’s High being so close but also Carmel and Rosmini Schools. And 221 Forrest Hill Road is you classic kiwi home. Privately positioned down a right of way, on a large 900m2 flat site this is a perfect family home for those who want their children in these great schools!

Definitely in need of an update, the bricks, tiles, and construction standards of the 1970’s mean you can’t go wrong. There are 3 bedrooms, a huge double garage, and rumpus room on a separate level just wating for a bunch of teenagers or extended family. The rumpus has a kitchenette for convenience. It’s all a little utilitarian, but with your flair and design sense you can transform this home into a modern gem.

Double garage, with views to the city give this home “good bones”, underlying value and oportunity just waiting to be realised. Call me!

Sizeable Family Home | Forrest Hill | By Negotiation

Privately situated on a 900m2 freehold level section, this 3 bedroom plus rumpus brick and cedar home will impress. Well suited to families with older children or those who require space for live in extended family. Westlake School zoned. This home is a bit of a do up and could be a real bargain for someone who wants a big private site with real potential. The rumpus is on its own level, with a second kitchen and offers some interesting possibilities.

October 17, 2009   No Comments

The Cream of the Crop Weekending 23 October, 2009

Character and Charm

Character & Charm | Murrays Bay | Auction

Are you looking for a home to pull at the heart strings? Then look no further. Spacious, modern and dedsigned to capture the spectacular views. With large living spaces, a kitchen the cook in the family will love, and decks to soak up the sun and view, entertaining will be a breeze. The master suite which is large enough to hold a party, a formal dining room (currently used as a nursery), an office, a cloakroom and guest toilet complete the down stairs. Upstairs two further bedrooms, a bathroom, study nook and second living area complete this gorgeous home. Elevated, stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf to Whangaparaoa and beyond are the icing on the cake. The grounds, which include a separate studio, are fully fenced and accessed via electric remote controlled gates. Excellent school zones with Rangitoto College a short walk away. Fantastic family home that your family deserves to live in. This is an opportunity not to be missed- be quick to view.

Good opportunity to add value here!

Sizeable Family Home | Forrest Hill | By Negotiation

Privately situated on a 900m2 freehold level section, this 3 bedroom plus rumpus brick and cedar home will impress. Well suited to families with older children or those who require space for live in extended family. Westlake School zoned. This home is a bit of a do up and could be a real bargain for someone who wants a big private site with real potential. The rumpus is on its own level, with a second kitchen and offers some interesting possibilities.

Another absolutely perfect family home.

Weatherboard Wonderland | Milford | Auction

Located down a right-of-way you will find a gem of a home. This 1950’s 3 bedroom weatherboard bungalow has been renovated to a high standard and includes modern conveniences such as gas central heating and an HRV system. With an extra large lounge with space for an office, and a rumpus which is attached to the separate garage, this home is bigger than most bungalows. With decking galore and low maintenance landscaped grounds your weekends will be free to be enjoyed. With the home being well off the road, having excellent indoor-outdoor flow and a fenced section it’s a winner for families. In a quiet location with great neighbours, this tasteful family home is a must view. Motivated owners are committed to selling.

Single level- Stroll to Milford Village

Yes – Single Level | Milford | Auction

Very rare opportunity to obtain a single level home withing walking distance to Milford village. After 20 happy years the owners are moving to retirement and sadly but definitely are  leaving their 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home just a few minutes stroll to the shops. We have many requests for this type of home, so don’t delay, huury and give me a call to view!

October 17, 2009   No Comments

Family Home | Westlake Zone | Viva la Vida!!

Entry to Private and Secluded Home

Entry to Private and Secluded Home

Every day we see many homes and all have features that, as a real estate agent, I can make the best of. But the reality is that many homes are not that different from the last so it is a relief when you find a home that’s different, yet completely livable and in a superb location. It’s a bit like finding a silver peso in a piece of plum pudding-you get so excited about the home that you forget, for a moment, that you are in a quiet suburban cul-de-sac only moments from Milford Village and Beach.

As you approach and enter through wrought iron gates to a wide atrium you know that you’ve arrived in a private home, somewhere where you can express yourself without having to be concerned what anyone else is thinking. Somewhere you can relax naked in the spa in the sun-drenched courtyard with only birds for company. Somewhere where your family can feel safe and secure with barely a care for  the modern world which is only moments away if you need it.

It’s a true seventies classic, with a Spanish feel, chic, stylish and generously proportioned. Plastered masonry construction and aluminium joinery provide the peace of mind so rarely achieved with modern low cost building standards. But DVS, heat pumps and warm fire provide healthy, flexible living, in several large living spaces complemented by vaulted ceilings.There’s space to work from home, entertain guests indoors and out and room to accommodate your growing family. The fourth bedroom could accommodate friends, family or an independent teenager, or be your work from home solution.

The owners came to me asking that the property be sold by Christmas as they wish to explore new options. While they are committed to the auction, if you come early and make an offer they would certainly sell early if you wish! Settlement terms are flexible, either before the holiday season or perhaps well into the New Year.Why not call me or visit the property website here for open homes and auciton times.

This lovely home is situated at 8 Prestige Place, Milford. Auction is on 11 November at 6.0pm. For open homes and more information visit the property website here.

October 15, 2009   No Comments