Australasia, a region of Oceania, comprises Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, and adjacent islands in the Pacific Ocean. New Zealand consists of two main islands, North Island and the larger South Island, together boasting over 9,400 miles of fabulous coastline.
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, was recently placed third in Mercer’s 2017 Quality of Living rankings. Ideally located between two picturesque harbours, with easy access to New Zealand’s renowned natural beauty and with a business-friendly environment and infrastructure, it’s no great surprise. The average property price in the Auckland region for 2016 was NZ$975,691, with 94.5% of sales reported to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) selling for under NZ$2 million. Quality properties start at about this level, depending on location, with some properties selling as for as high as in the NZ$20 million plus range according to Real Estate Institute of New Zealand statistics. Barfoot & Thompson is Auckland’s leading real estate agency, family owned since being founded in 1923 and a member of Leading Real Estate Agencies of the World. Managing director, Peter Thompson, advises,
“Suburbs with harbour views or proximity to beaches, such as Herne Bay, St Heliers, parts of Takapuna and Devonport, tend to be highly sought after and some of Auckland’s most luxurious homes are found in them. Older established suburbs with large homes on substantial plots are also popular with overseas buyers, as are some of the more modern lifestyle properties on acreage to the north and south of the city.”
With just 29 properties (0.1%) reported to REINZ as selling in the NZ$7.5 million plus range in 2016, if you’re looking for property to suit your needs in the region, it may pay to have some eyes and ears on the ground.
“We have over 1,800 agents in our Auckland and Northland network,”
says Mr Thompson,
“a number of whom speak a second language (English is the main language in New Zealand). They’re well placed to advise clients as suitable properties come to the market.”
Aitken Farm, South Island, New Zealand
Stunning oceanfront estate in Kenepuru Sound in the heart of the Malborough Sounds at the top of South Island. It features an impressive deep water mooring, and offers residents the chance to enjoy sailing, diving, boating, fishing, hiking and quality wineries. The property of 400m² includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 238.06 hectares of land. It also boasts impressive equestrian facilities, self-sustaining attributes and outstanding views of the entire valley. Accessible by road, boat or air, Aitken Farm is only a 25-minute flight from the capital.
£1.9m / €2.2m / $2.4m
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty
www.ipmag.link/2oyZhcV
Te Rere Cove Estate, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Just a short helicopter or boat ride from Auckland, Te Rere Cove is a French Colonial Plantation style home with views across the Hauraki Gulf. The 1,800m² residence features columned verandahs leading out to 34 acres of lawns and formal gardens and a vineyard. Occupying two titles, there is enormous scope to build further accommodations for a boutique resort enterprise or a caretaker’s home. The ground floor of the main home includes a designer kitchen, alfresco dining area, conservatory, indoor heated swimming pool, home theatre and air conditioning. There is also a self-contained wing with four bedrooms, a kitchenette lounge and home theatre/media room for visitors. Upstairs in the main house is the master bedroom suite with balcony, two en suite bathrooms and dressing rooms, a kitchenette and concealed library/TV snug. A place for the discerning home owner who values space and privacy in a beautiful, safe, secluded location.
£11.9m / €13.8m / $15m
Barfoot & Thompson
+64 27 322 0989 – n.dayal@barfoot.co.nz
www.barfoot.co.nz/586400
Life ‘Down Under’
Turning our attention to Australia, Michael Pallier, managing director of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty, reports that its coastal regions are the most popular areas. They also prove the most difficult areas in which to acquire property.
“In the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, properties are surrounded by the world-famous Sydney Harbour, local beaches such as Bondi Beach, and also secluded harbour beaches which are very popular. Buyers look to buy in close proximity to these areas as it offers them the ultimate Sydney lifestyle.
“The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney are considered to be an affluent area where the majority of high-end properties are located. Some of the key suburbs are Bellevue Hill, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Double Bay and Point Piper. In addition, Wolseley Road in Point Piper is famous for being one of the most expensive streets in Australia. In these suburbs, it is not uncommon for prices beyond AUD$20m to be achieved.”
It’s interesting to note that those purchasing high end properties in Sydney are roughly 25% Chinese buyers and 75% local residents and expats. As to the future, Mr Pallier concludes,
“We predict that property prices in Sydney will continue to increase. This is due to Sydney’s predicted increase in population growth and low mortgage stress in these areas.”
Sylvania, Sydney, Australia
This property is in an exceptional waterfront setting with a private jetty, mooring and views that stretch across the water. The property includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a deluxe kitchen as well as a pool and expansive terraces. Featuring magnificent interiors, it has large windows, hardwood floors and manicured gardens.
£3.2m / €3.7m / $4m
Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty
www.ipmag.link/2oyZhcV
Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, Australia
The former home of Australian actor and Oscar winner Russell Crowe, Berthong is one of just a handful of freestanding residences on Elizabeth Bay, an exclusive harbourside suburb. Built in 1886 as a ladies’ college, this historic estate occupies a 1,662m² waterfront plot. The property includes five colossal en suite bedrooms, including a private guest wing. Its living spaces are both grand and abundant with soaring ceilings, ornate cornices and a colonnade of arched windows. Contemporary comforts include ducted air conditioning and state-of-the-art security with CCTV cameras. Outside, the tropical-style garden features a sandstone, lawn and pool at the water’s edge.
£22.4m / €25.9m / $28.2m
Christies International Real Estate
www.ipmag.link/2ptO6zC
Bedarra Island, Australia
This gorgeous villa for rental is on the east of the private island of Bedarra – the closet place to a tropical paradise in Australia. Set on a private two-acre estate, it is surrounded by palm trees and has the Great Barrier Reef literally on the doorstep. The property, which consists of a main villa and studio, sleeps up to eight and is on a white sand beach, right by the water’s edge. The studio was built by prominent artist Noel Wood in the early 20th century, and has since been renovated maintaining many original features, including a stone fireplace, bamboo paneling and a collection of original, handmade bamboo furniture. A large openplan lounge/dining space expands out to a large deck and all rooms have stunning views of the beautiful coral sea and distant islands.
From £5,895 / €6,817 / $7,420 for a week’s self-catering rental
Avenue Property
www.ipmag.link/2osYcDh
