How quickly Ponsonby has bounced back from the Covid-19 lock-down I must admit that as we - as a community and nation - worked our way down the Covid-19 levels from four to three to two to one, I thought our re-emergence from enforced social hibernation would be gradual and somewhat timid. Particularly in my field of expertise – being real estate.
From a ‘high street’ perspective, I’m picking that energy simply mirrors the core of Ponsonby’s neighbourhood vibe.
We are a pretty social lot around here - whether it’s out shopping, eating and drinking, or simply taking the dog for a walk.
Under level two our retail and food and beverage scene certainly blossomed back into action, and then when level one kicked in, boy did hospo’ come back with a vengeance.
A quick retail survey I conducted on the first full weekend back in level one – okay, I walked down Ponsonby Road during the middle part of the evening – was an eye opener. It was like the week before Christmas. The usual suspects were packed to the gunnels with customers back out enjoying life to the fullest.
And it’s been the same with real estate in Ponsonby and its surrounding neighbourhoods too. Rather than a gradual lifting of activity, for many of my vendors at least the return to levels two and one has been at breakneck speed.
During the first two weeks of lockdown level four, I received 10 offers for homes listed on my books. Two of those offers were from expatriate Kiwis who had never viewed the properties before but were keen to get back ‘home’ to New Zealand.
And since the first day of life under level two in mid-May, I have sold more than $18 million worth of homes in Ponsonby and its neighbouring suburbs.
This swathe of successful transactions has included:
• A fully refitted character 180 square metre home in 23 Rose Road, Grey Lynn.
• A spectacular designer home at 14 Crummer Road – complete with designated and fitted-out commercial office space for a small business/enterprise.
• A two bedroom/two bathroom/two living area home at 34 William Denny Avenue, Westmere, which sold art auction.
• A restyled four-bedroom bungalow – complete with fully functional sleepout space – at 20 Albany Road in Herne Bay which had an asking price of $2.65 million.
• An entire boutique apartment complex in Crummer Road consisting of three two-bedroom residences – one of which is the dual level penthouse suite – and a separate ground level commercial space.
As some of these sales were by negotiation, and are therefore deemed private, I can’t reveal the exact sales price at this stage until that is officially registered with the Land Information office.
Like Ponsonby’s retail and hospitality sectors, I’m keen to keep the business momentum racing along – and while I still have a good number of residential properties for sale, I have an ‘overhang’ of buyers who missed out on some of those homes which sold in the past two months, and who are keenly looking for other alternatives in the locale. (Blair Haddow)
www.facebook.com/BlairHaddowResidential
9 Franklin Road, Freemans Bay
Elevated and delightfully renovated, this classic villa is ready to live in or take to the next level. Generous open plan living, dining and kitchen opens out onto an extensive rear deck with panoramic city views. Stairs lead down to the private, manicured lawn. The large master suite includes an ample walk-through wardrobe and ensuite, whilst the remaining two bedrooms are both generously sized and share their own separate hallway with the family bathroom. Leave the car at home in the off-street carpark and walk to Ponsonby Road. Franklin Road is very special and homes here are tightly held. This is an absolute must view.
www.bayleys.co.nz/1671317
102/25 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn
Part of the boutique Nexus block, this stylish two bedroom architect-designed apartment is on the doorstep to Ponsonby Road’s cafes, boutiques and nightlife. Entertain in the expansive open plan kitchen, dining and living area, which boasts floor to ceiling doors that open up to provide an unparalleled sense of space and light and spectacular views over Grey Lynn. High spec amenities include double glazed windows, underground carpark, secure entry, a fully equipped kitchen and luxe master suite. Spend your time enjoying life and secure your own central cosmopolitan oasis.
www.bayleys.co.nz/1671315