Families do live in apartments - even in New Zealand!

Families do live in apartments - even in New Zealand!

And, I would venture, more would do so if there were more 3-bed apartments that are well-constructed and built to last with enough space and storage in nice places in good locations at a decent price (by which I mean under $1.3m).

Of Fabric 2 in Onehunga only two 3-bed apartments were offered - they sold before the sales collateral was printed. They are light, bright and spacious with carparking, storage lockers, private decks and shared gardens. Residents speak highly of Fabric and stay for years. The buildings are 4-6 storeys tall and look great. Ten people are on the waitlist for a 3-bed. The rest are 1 or 2 beds.

The Stables Stage 1 offers a New York style development close to Cornwall park. It is around 8 storeys (parking underneath) with 130 apartments, retail, shared workspaces and private pool. Of these 16 are 3-beds (92-96m2) priced at $1.18m. Double grammar zone. It is not clear what ownership means exactly - freehold or leasehold - or the ongoing fees. I would be interested to know how well they are selling because it sounds promising.

Closer in to the city on College Hill/Dublin St, Precinct's high end four-storey/two-storey Pillars apartments have sold four apartments (all three beds) in seven weeks. They are very smart, dual aspect, and not cheap. It seems likely prospective owners already live in the area and are planning on selling their current homes when construction is complete.

There are other mid-rise high end developments in the area and in Parnell/Newmarket that are being confidently marketed too. It is very positive that people with many options are choosing Auckland - but the high end builds are out of the league of most families.

I am particularly interested in holding onto thirty/forty-somethings with kids - because at the moment they are heading off (to Waikato mainly). We are losing too many people that are skilled, mid-career with lots to offer. For them the balancing of earnings, amenities and cost of housing/ transport/ living are not stacking up. What would attract them? How can Auckland offer better bang for buck?

Auckland is a great place to be if you have disposable income and live in a nice home not far from work and the fun stuff. Apartments are an efficient use of space, and there is evidence there is a market for large well-designed apartments, around 100m2 + deck/ storage/parking/ shared outdoor space) in desirable locations that cost half what the stand alone houses nearby do.

I realise that while building costs may not be wildly different in Onehunga or Parnell the sort of offering and price are determined by the location and the market.

So, I'm thinking new builds in primo locations will tend to be pricey but there are locations in Waitemata and across the isthmus/ North Shore that may not be tier one fancy but are fab nevertheless with good transport and amenities that would be perfect for family apartments.

So, if anyone out there can make it happen - yes, please!