THE BLACK BOOK | current to 8 September 2020

Current to 8 September 2020

THE

BLACK BOOK.

Bright, Beautiful, Boutique The labour of love in the heart of Grey Lynn

Online Auctions

O% Interest Rates?

Meet Matt Corin

The new way to shop online

Ashley Church shares his view

10 and 10 in 10

R AY W H I T E N OW

Introducing Ray White Now, an insight to provide clarity to all our customers on what is happening in the market now.

If you are considering selling we explain how you can take advantage of the current conditions to achieve the best possible sales outcome.

The resilience of the New Zealand housing market has never been more evident than over the past three months. Most New Zealanders would be surprised at the level of activity and prices achieved, even though it has operated under restrictive operating conditions.

As Australasia’s largest real estate group, we are uniquely placed to provide our clients with the most relevant and timely information and data to assess current market activity and outlook. And as a family-owned and led business with 118 years of experience including operating through two world wars, the great depression and recessions, we know that we can deliver you the highest quality solutions in the current market.

C L I C K H E R E TO R E A D T H E L AT E S T I S S U E N OW

The Black Book Editor Matty McLean

Design Ryan Teece

Black Group Realty Ltd.

hello.

Heather Walton 021 432 167 heather.walton@raywhite.com

Franchise Owner

I know it probably feels like 2020 is the year that just won’t end - January certainly feels like a lifetime ago.

Mark Bycroft 021 968 946 mark.bycroft@raywhite.com

But someone in our office piped up with something that put a smile on my face this week. Daylight Saving starts in a month!

Dust off the barbeques. Fish out your jandals from the back of the wardrobe. Pour yourself a rosé. Summer is approaching.

Sales Manager

But before all that, there is a lot to get through. Auckland is stuck in Level Three for a few more days yet. The good news, though, is that we’ve been here before, and we’re prepared for it.

Our agents have been flat tack changing their open homes to private viewings to comply with Level Three guidelines. And our auctions have been moved back online. But, as we found during the last lockdown, both our team and the general public have been incredibly quick to adapt.

In fact, our online auctions have been going crazy. It’s been one of the more surprising things our team has discovered through all of this. In this latest issue of The Black Book, we get the lowdown from seasoned auctioneer Jeff Tubman, who tells us why, even when things return to normal, that online presence will probably remain - turns out people love being able to bid from the comfort of their own homes.

I think you’ll fall in love with our feature property this week - a new project in the heart of Grey Lynn called Four on Surrey. The four distinctly individual, boutique apartments are like nothing else you’ll find in Auckland. And wait til you see the views!

On top of all that, we have our regular bevvy of fantastic listings, our recommendations for great Instagram accounts to follow, and we get to know one of our brilliant Takapuna agents in our Ten and Ten in Ten segment.

I know things for a lot of people are tough at the moment - even if it’s just that sense of the unknown we all have. But we are strong, and we can get through this together. We are always here to chat about any of your real estate questions or concerns.

Heather Walton and Mark Bycroft Franchise owners - Ray White Epsom & Ray White Takapuna Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

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Selling Principal

THE BLACK BOOK.

Jeff Tubman 0274 558 717 jeff.tubman@raywhite.com

Digital Strategist Ella Kiliuyi 021 418 638 ella.k@raywhite.com

Black Group Property Management General Manager

Mac Bycroft 021 223 6893 mac.bycroft@raywhite.com

Business Development Josh Smith 021 235 8802 josh.smith@raywhite.com

Ray White Epom Ray White Takapuna Black Group Realty Ltd. Licensed (REAA 2008)

The Black Book is supbject to copyright in its entirety and the contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission.

Opinions expressed in The Black Book are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of Black Group Realty Ltd or Ray White Epsom. No responsibility is accepted for unsolicited material.

awesomeness wanted!

We have Elite Agents needing new team members.

We have desks waiting for new recruits.

We are already awesome, but there’s always room for more.

With recently taking over Takapuna and extending the Epsom office, Black Group is looking to expand their team too. Contact us now for a confidential chat.

Heather Walton Selling Principal 021 432 167

Mark Bycroft Franchise Owner 021 968 946

Jeff Tubman Sales Manager 0274 958 717

Ray White Epsom 349a Manukau Road, Epsom 09 638 8640 | epsom.nz@raywhite.com www.rwepsom.co.nz Ray White Takapuna 87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 488 9191 | takapuna.nz@raywhite.com www.rwtakapuna.co.nz Black Group Realty Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

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contents.

6. Welcome Note 8. Contents 10. Inspire

30.

Buying at an Online Auction For Your Diary Opinion: Will We Hit 0% Interest Rates Follow 10 & 10 in 10 All Abuzz at Black Group Feature Property

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12.

16.

18.

22.

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M IS S I NG O UT?

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Issue One | 22 April 2020

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Bold and Breathtaking 39 Spencer Street, Remuera

pages of properties at your fingertips

How high can you go?

Bite Size

Locked In, Not Out

Liam Bratton talks pre-approval

Get ready to sell post lockdown

Our first online auction success

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inspire.

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Buying at auction Buying at auction can be stressful.

Well, now you can do it from the comfort of your home. Black Group auctioneer Jeff Tubman talks us through the process that’s becoming the new norm for auction campaigns.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

from your bubble

‘Going once! Going twice! Third and final time - sold!’

They’re words auctioneer Jeff Tubman must’ve said a hundred times over. But never has he had to say them to an empty room before.

‘Yeah, that’s certainly something quite different,’ he laughs.

But that’s become the reality for the Ray White Epsom sales manager, who’s been running auctions for the real estate company for the past 20 years When Covid-19 hit our shores, all of a sudden the team had a choice to make - put everything they’d been working towards on hold while we went into a Level 4 lockdown, or find a way to soldier on.

“It was a classic needs-must, wasn’t it?” Jeff explains to us.

“It was a rapid shift for everyone, but the fact that people had already started tuning in to do their office meetings and client meetings remotely, meant that the willingness to accept that online technology was there from pretty early on.”

“

So the Ray White unit moved quickly to turn what would have been in-room auctions into a virtual programme.

“Prior to everything that’s happened with this Covid lockdown, we obviously had the facility to telephone bid, and there was the facility to stream it online as well,” says Jeff.

“But it never really took off in New Zealand as a serious option for people.”

Fortunately, though, a company in Australia had already started their pitch to bring an online system to our shores - a proprietary system called Auctions Live.

“It was actually based on a fine arts platform for a couple of Australian guys, who were using it to run art auctions in the Middle East,” Jeff tells us.

“And then when this all happened with Covid, they pivoted it towards property. So it wasn’t even real estate based. It was quite interesting.”

Jeff and the team worked tirelessly to get the system up and running, even organising dress rehearsals with various office staff in the lead up to the first virtual auction.

We were nervous at that point, because once it’s live, it’s live! There’s no going back.

“

Click here to watch highlights from a recent online auction

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“

We had an entire family sitting round the TV, miles away who were bidding, and they were all watching it, and they were all hooting and yelling.

“

“We were nervous at that point, because once it’s live, it’s live! There’s no going back,” Jeff laughs.

“And it was new technology we were using, as far as the actual Auctions Live platform went, so we tried to rehearse it. But, yeah, once the light went on, that was it.”

It turns out, there was no need to be nervous at all. Their first foray into the online space was a rousing success.

“We had upwards of 400 people viewing the auction online, which was extraordinarily in terms of a normal auction. But I think there was a fair amount of curiosity around it, and just how it would all work. But yeah, it was a great achievement.”

And it turns out, the whole process is incredibly straightforward for everyone involved.

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Interested parties register as bidders like usual, and then they have two choices - they can pair up with a Ray White agent who will act on their behalf over the phone, or they can choose to bid themselves through the online portal.

“So I just set myself up in front of a camera, and there’s a screen that I can watch with the online bids as they crop up,” explains Jeff.

“But we also have one of our staff members, Tracey, who takes down those bids manually and lets me know verbally what those bids are. So it’s actually quite straightforward.”

The team has now successfully run a number of auctions across the last lockdown, as well as the past couple of weeks as Auckland city headed back into Level 3.

“It’s been a pretty seamless transition, I have to say. Much more than I would have envisaged. I thought it might have been a bit remote and detached, but it’s not that at all.”

So are there benefits to hosting the auctions online?

“Well, they don’t have to listen to my bad jokes for a start,” laughs Jeff.

“That’s probably a relief to everyone concerned! But yeah, it’s different.”

Jeff is adamant, though, that nothing is lost from moving things digitally.

“For example,” says Jeff, “we just did one over the weekend, and we had an entire family sitting round the TV, miles away who were bidding, and they were all watching it, and they were all hooting and yelling.

So it actually turned into much more of an event. You wouldn’t normally get that kind of reaction.”

And the results speak for themselves.

“We’re actually running extremely high in terms of successful auctions. I think we’re actually running above our normal in-room auction clearance rate.”

So now the team is looking at adding an online option to their auctions moving forward, even as we transition out of Covid-19.

“I can see it being a hybrid model. You know, the idea of having to drag people across a busy city at peak hour to come to an auction, that might be a thing of the past.”

A changing platform in a changing world. n

Jeff ’s Top Tips

for buying at an online auction 1.

Attend another online auction before yours to understand how it works

2. All bidders should expect a call from the agent working for them prior to auction

3. Trust the agent that’s on the phone with you 4. Be honest with them from the outset 5. Agree on a bidding strategy, but be flexible 6. Get involved in the auction early 7. Have your limit 8. Be thinking ahead and planning your next move 9. Show confidence in your bidding right to your limit 10. If not sold under the hammer, try and be the highest bidder - it puts you in a good position to negotiate

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for your diary.

Auctions 26

5.00pm, Wed 26 August - Online

26

6.00pm, Wed 26 August - Online

AUG

16a Hampton Drive Kohimarama

AUG

2d/16 Chapman St Grey Lynn

27

6.00pm, Thurs 27 August - Online

AUG

93 Brighton Road Parnell

27

6.30pm, Thurs 27 August - Online

AUG

16 Ashby Avenue St Heliers

30

4.00pm, Sun 30 August - Online

AUG

27A Hartland Avenue Glendowie

30

2.00pm, Sun 30 August - Online

2

12.30pm, Wed 2 Sept - On site

2

2.00pm, Wed 2 Sept - On site

2

2.00pm, Wed 2 Sept - On site

2

6.00pm, Wed 2 Sept - In Rooms

AUG

SEP

SEP

SEP

SEP

30 The Avenue Lynfield, Auckland 5 Apirana Avenue St Heliers 783 Riddell Road Glendowie 150 Kohimarama Rd Kohimarama 29 Belmont Terrace Remuera

*Auctions can be sold prior and during lockdown location is subject to change. All details should be confirmed online or with the listing agent.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Click Here To View Online Auctions

“It’s all about support. After just a few weeks in the industry, I’ve already secured my first [multimillion dollar] sale. It’s the start of something great at Black Group.”

- Azel Saralaeva Ray White Epsom

Black Group has a proven track record of giving salespeople the right tools to achieve the best from their business. Health, wealth, work-life balance and the occasional award?

Heather Walton Selling Principal 021 432 167

Mark Bycroft Franchise Owner 021 968 946

Jeff Tubman Sales Manager 0274 958 717

Ray White Epsom 349a Manukau Road, Epsom 09 638 8640 | epsom.nz@raywhite.com www.rwepsom.co.nz Ray White Takapuna 87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 488 9191 | takapuna.nz@raywhite.com www.rwtakapuna.co.nz Black Group Realty Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Opinion:

0% interest Rates?

OneRoof property commentator Ashley Church discusses whether 0% interest rates could be in our sights.

If you have a mortgage, you’ll know that mortgage interest rates have been dropping over the past few years. There are a range or reasons for this which I’ll get into in a moment – but the key thing to understand, for now, is that this trend isn’t new.

Mortgage interest rates have been on a downward path since the 1980s when they got up over 20 percent. It’s been a steady slide downward since then.

Before we talk about the why, let’s talk about the how. Mortgage interest rates are the fee, charged by banks to those who borrow money from them to buy property, and that fee is charged as a percentage of the sum borrowed. The level at which that percentage rate is set is determined by three main things: what it costs banks to borrow money from offshore institutions to on-lend to borrowers; the level at which the Reserve Bank of New Zealand sets the Official Cash Rate; and the amount of profit that the banks hope to make on their mortgage business.

It’s the second of these – the OCR – which is mostly driving the cost of borrowing down. That brings us to the why. In New Zealand, the primary role of the Reserve Bank is to maintain price stability by keeping inflation at between one and three percent. The impact of inflation on the Kiwi economy was extraordinarily destructive prior to the 1990s, and the Reserve Bank Act was designed to ensure that this never happens again. It does this by allowing the Reserve Bank to raise the OCR when the economy is strong (therefore, making the cost of borrowing more expensive and dampening demand) and lowering the OCR when the economy is weak (therefore stimulating demand).

Right now, the Reserve Bank is concerned that Kiwis will stop spending and that the economy will stall. This is partly due to the dramatic impact of Covid-19 on economic confidence – although it’s worth noting that this particularly dramatic slide in confidence was already well underway prior to the onset of Covid. This is why the OCR has been quickly dropping throughout the term of this Government – not just since March - a fact which seems to have been conveniently forgotten in the race to blame Covid-19 for our current crisis.

Currently the OCR is sitting at 0.25 percent and Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has given an assurance that it will remain at this level until at least March 2021. But what about after that? If the OCR drops to zero – or lower – could we see mortgage interest rates also drop to zero? Some bank economists think so.

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But let’s consider the factors at play.

Banks have to source their money from somewhere, and every time rates drop that gets more difficult to do. While New Zealand is seen as a safe location, overseas institutions aren’t going to risk their funds without a reasonable risk premium.

Similarly, if deposit rates for Kiwi savers keep dropping, many of them will choose to put their money elsewhere, which means that the pool of funds available to banks to on-lend will substantially reduce.

In anticipation of this, in its statement a couple of weeks ago, the Reserve Bank indicated that it might be prepared to step in and lend money to banks, directly, at “very low cost”. It would do this as part of its wider program of “quantitative easing” – in effect creating money out of thin air for a while – but this wouldn’t be sustainable for any period of time.

But could this mean that mortgage interest rates could drop to zero?

Probably not. Banks still need to make a profit so there will always be a margin between the OCR and the banks mortgage rates. Currently, the difference between the OCR and the lowest mortgage rates on offer from the banks is about 2 percent, so the OCR would need to get to -2 percent or lower to get retail mortgage rates anywhere near zero.

For all of these reasons it’s my view that mortgage interest rates of zero percent are extremely unlikely – but that there’s a possibility that we could see fixed rates at one percent, or lower, by the end of next year if economy activity (as measured by the Gross Domestic Product figures) hasn’t picked up substantially, before that.

One thing is certain though. Mortgage interest rates are going to stay lower, for longer. Of that, we can be quite certain. n Ashley Church is a property commentator for OneRoof.co.nz. Email him at ashley@nzemail.com

For this , an

OneRo d more of.co.n conten z t, c lick her e

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follow.

Instagram accounts you’ll love to like.

Travel the world from your living room .

@logan_dodds

@barekiwi

@stefan_haworth

Logan Dodds was just a regular, everyday New Zealand tradie, working as a plumber, when a travel video he shot went viral.

More than 5 million people worldwide watched his epic adventure, and all of a sudden the 29 year old moved from fixing pipes to taking snaps.

Now he travels around the country capturing some of the most gorgeous vistas Aotearoa has to offer. It doesn’t hurt that he’s reasonably easy on the eye, either. Some of his most amazing experiences involve Logan and his mates touring the Southern Alps mountain ranges in a 4WD with a tent on top.

Ten years ago, Kyle Mulinder started posting photos of his favourite spots around New Zealand, especially his hometown of Nelson. It was a way for him to show international tourists some of the secret hotspots they wouldn’t necessarily find in their travel guides. Fast forward a decade, and Bare Kiwi has become a global travel influencer - as an ambassador for GoPro, you’ll regularly find his incredible wide angle photos of him jumping out of planes or kayaking through fiords, or wandering along the beach. The places he discovers will surprise even the most welltravelled Kiwi.

We’re spoilt for choice, really, living in New Zealand. We’re surrounded by natural beauty just perfect for the lense of a camera.

But living in the deep South, surrounded by rugged mountains and sprawling landscapes and lakes that glisten like a mirror, Stefan Haworth has the pick of the bunch. His photos sometimes make you catch your breath in your throat, they’re that beautiful.

And then you realise that these locations are right on your doorstep - literally, for some of us. Also keep your eyes peeled for his overseas adventures in Mongolia. Those photos are something else.

Do you follow an Instagram account that we should be following? Let us know.

Email marketing.epsom@raywhite.com with your suggestions.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

We’ve got just the right team for the job.

Mac Bycroft 021 223 6893 mac.bycroft@raywhite.com

rwepsom.co.nz | rwtakapuna.co.nz

Josh Smith 021 235 8802 josh.smith@raywhite.com

ten and ten, in ten with Matt Corin

We love giving you the opportunity to get to know our brilliant team, and today we cross the Harbour Bridge to dive deep with Ray White Takapuna agent Matt Corin - everything from his professional motivations to his favourite ice cream flavour.

Personal

What’s your coffee order?

Never coffee, always hot chocolate!

What’s your go-to ice cream flavour?

Banoffee

Where do you think New Zealand’s best-kept secret is?

Tauranga Bay up north

If you were to win a reality TV show, which one would you have the best shot at winning?

The Amazing Race

How do you start each morning?

Breakfast and the news!

What was the last book you read?

The Five Love Languages for Men - LOL.

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be?

American rapper Jon Bellion

Where in the world do you wish you could head to for a holiday?

The Caribbean

Give us a TV show recommendation to binge watch on a rainy day?

Man in the High Castle It’s date night - where are you making a reservation for dinner?

Orbit (Skytower)

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THE BLACK BOOK.

Professional

What was your first job?

Concierge at the Pullman Cairns International.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Professional Poker Player Tell us the thing you love the most about working in real estate?

Not having limitations on what I can achieve and I enjoy not being stuck behind a desk all day every week. I enjoy getting out and about, meeting clients and adding value to their lives!

Give us some advice to pass on to someone thinking about joining the industry?

Team up with another successful agent and be a sponge. Offer to work for free in exchange for the opportunity to learn as much as you can! Get the experience and knowledge behind you, then go hard! Work buyers and over-service them. They will become your best marketing tool.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Finding my partner Alice who puts up with my crazy self and the long and unusual hours I work. She always has my back and I wouldn’t want to have life any other way.

What motivates you?

Building a future for my family so my partner and future children never have to go without. I also just enjoy the challenge of succeeding, especially when others say you can’t do something (there were several people that told me I wouldn’t make it in real estate when I first started 6 years ago).

Share with us your property must-have?

Water views, spa pool and a great BBQ area.

What do you wish you’d known before you started out in your career?

Wish I knew more about Ray White and the great systems they have.

Tell us someone who inspires you?

My Father What separates you from other agents?

I’m personable and always work hard to help people. I’m down to earth and always have a smile. I care more about doing an extraordinary job to be recommended to a client’s network rather than working for the commission.

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z z u b a

All at Black Group Level three lockdown has not stopped the stream of bidders trying to purchase multimillion dollar property in Auckland and Black Group has been the centre of some fantastic results for their vendors.

Auckland’s level three lockdown did not deter seven hungry bidders from trying to secure a four-bedroom house in one the city’s priciest suburbs.

The modern home at 36 Rautara Street, in Orakei, sold under the hammer for $3.325 million - $500,000 above its 2017 CV. Ray White Epsom agent Ross Hawkins says the property had proved very popular with buyers at the open homes, so the quick switch to an online auction after last week’s announcement wasn’t a challenge.

“We had 68 groups through the [open homes], and we had appraised the house at over CV – but not half a million dollars over! That’s 18 per cent more. Four bidders were still active after we reached $3.3 million,” Hawkins says.

“Prices aren’t dropping and there are six people out there with $3 million to spend.”

OneRoof records show 36 Rautara Street last sold in November 2013 for $2.05 million, handing the vendors a profit, on paper at least, of $1.275 million.

The property has a high-end finish and includes a stylish, modern kitchen, butler’s pantry, heated pool and outdoor fireplace.

Hawkins says listings in the multi-million bracket are still coming in, but many properties are selling before they even start marketing campaigns.

An apartment in central city’s Parnell Ford complex (the former Ford factory) was listed on August 9 and a week later was under contract at an undisclosed price “around the mid-$2 million range”. Another vendor, who bought a $6 million St Heliers property just after the last lockdown, is now selling a $3 million apartment.

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THE BLACK BOOK.

For this , and m ore

OneRo o

f.co.n conten t, click h z ere

36 Rautata Street, Orakei, sold under the hammer in Level 3 lockdown during a virtual auction by Ross Hawkins and Caleb Rufer

We had 33 groups through, and the buyers may well be renovating for their own home. The three other bidders who missed out are still looking around that $3 million mark.�

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100 Ranfurly Road West, Epsom, sold under the hammer in Level 3 lockdown during a virtual auction by John Campbell and Jane Horgan

Hawkins says the buyers who would have previously down-sized to go travelling are now looking for bigger homes.

Fellow Ray White Epsom agents Jane Horgan and John Campbell have also seen the rush on multi-million-dollar homes, with four registered bidders driving the price of an older property at 100 Ranfurly Road, in double grammar zone Epsom, to $3.6 million on Sunday. Horgan says that the property’s 945sqm section had piqued developer interest but renovators were also keen on the home.

“We had 33 groups through, and the buyers may well be renovating for their own home.

The three other bidders who missed out are still looking around that $3 million mark.”

Last week, Horgan and Campbell had another property, a newly renovated five-home at 9 Pamela Place in beach-side St Heliers, snapped up just before midnight on Tuesday for an undisclosed sum in the mid-$2 millions.

Ray White auctioneer Jeff Tubman says that the competitive market is not just at the upper end but also in the first home buyer market. Buyers were making strong bids at the auctions for a cross-lease flat in Mission Bay on Wednesday morning and a starter home in Mount Albert on Saturday.

“We’re getting multiple bidders across the board. Buyers are keen, they’re quite engaged and very comfortable with on-line because of where we’ve been,” Tubman says.

“We’ve had no vendors pull out because of level three. There’s a real desire for people to carry on, they’re determined not to let it fold everything.”

But it’s not just in city that buyers are out in force. Hawkins sees buyers switching plans and snapping up luxury holiday resort homes.

A striking house at 5 Korimako Lane, in Dalefield, Queenstown, was bought within days of advertising by an Auckland buyer for $6 million, while buyers are chomping to get out of Auckland to view a Bay of Islands properties at exclusive Mataka Station near Kerikeri.

“It seems with no overseas travel, people are very focused on setting up hear for the meantime. Boats are selling fast, baches and new car sales are going through the roof.” n

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Bright, Beautiful, Boutique Build

It’s a rather scary decision to lift and move the home you’ve spent a decade living in. But when a spark of an idea ignited in Richard Riddiford, it was hard to stop the fire - and now, a multi-level boutique apartment block is taking shape on the land his bungalow once sat.

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For ten years, Richard Riddiford sat in his Grey Lynn bungalow and thought about what could be.

He loved his home, loved the area, but always thought more could be done with the space.

Then, a change to the unitary plan meant all of a sudden, possibilities opened up for intensive development on the site.

“I realised it was a big opportunity,” Richard tells us.

“I immediately knew that the thing to do with that site was to build up and make the most of its north-facing aspect. With that, you get harbour views, all day sun.”

Rather fortuitously, his partner Gina Hochstein had recently graduated from the University of Auckland School of Architecture, so the project became a combined labour of love for the pair.

“We really wanted to both explore what it is we could do with the empty space,” explains television producer and director Richard.

“We wanted it to be small scale. We could see that what was needed there was something fairly boutique, but we knew apartments would allow for slightly more density - while maintaining that nice, spacious feel.”

Which is where the idea for Four on Surrey was born - four bespoke apartments in the heart of Grey Lynn.

“We didn’t want to create a huge apartment building. We wanted it to still feel like you were living in a home. And it was important to us that we made use of the light and the aspect that was there.”

So after a decade in the bungalow, Richard packed up. Fortunately, though, there was no need to call in a demolition crew.

“The house actually went to my niece’s farm in the Wairarapa,” says Richard.

“So that was a really great outcome. It was a really nice house, so it was great to see it going to a good home, and even better that it’s stayed in the family so I can still go and stay in it!”

But with the bungalow gone, the real work started - figuring out the perfect composition to utilise the remaining section.

“The idea was to try keep that boutique feeling, so that you didn’t feel like you were getting lost in a big development. We wanted it to feel personal, and wanted to keep that sense of community as well. We love that idea of neighbourhood and community and being part of that.”

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The plans for 35 Surrey Crescent are breathtaking.

Two large lower level apartments split across two floors, and two spacious, airy penthouse apartments with phenomenal views.

“The idea for the lower level was to build two apartments that almost were townhouses,” Richard explains to The Black Book.

“We wanted them to be reasonably large and spacious and would suit families with children. But we also wanted to allow what most apartments don’t - a garden at the back.”

For Richard and his partner Gina, who were used to the space of a house, it was important they still maintained some of that territory.

“So it’s not like you’re living up high. You actually have a garden there, so it’s like living in your house, except it’s a new apartment.”

“Inside, there’s two levels, with four bedrooms - the master bedroom looks out to the north with sun all day, and a bathroom facing out to that view as well. It also comes with a media room, and quite spacious living areas downstairs.”

The idea was to try keep that boutique feeling, so that you didn’t feel like you were getting lost in a big development.

Even on the plans, it’s easy to get that sense of grandeur the pair have aimed for.

“We’ve thought of things like creating a void where the staircase goes up, to try and make it elegant and give it a sense of style and design,” says Richard.

“We wanted to really find some features that would make it a bit different from what’s on the market.”

Upstairs you’ll find two gorgeous penthouse apartments designed to really capitalise on the outlook.

“They both have the most amazing views, and big balconies facing the north as well,” Richard marvels.

“The penthouse apartments are reasonably spacious and very light. They’ve got a lift which only goes up to the third floor. So they’re perhaps more suited to a downsizer, or someone who wants to live a bit more simply.”

Simple living, perhaps. The design, however, is anything but.

“This is really fantastic,” real estate agent Bill Myers tells us.

“It just has this immense feeling of luxurious exclusivity that you just wouldn’t find anywhere else in the area. How often do you come across something like this in the middle of Grey Lynn?”

Bill and his colleague Holly Cassidy have listed the apartments through Ray White Epsom, and say they’ve been blown away by the level of interest from people looking to buy off the plans.

THE BLACK BOOK.

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The original bungalow at 35 Surrey Crescent, now at home in the Wairarapa

“We had a couple of ex-pats come talk to us recently, and they said they’ve just come back from London, they love the apartment living they got used to over there, but they’ve found choosing an apartment means a full compromise.”

But with the large size of each apartment, the funky location, and the modern feel, makes Four on Surrey incredibly appealing.

“There was another woman who’d left Auckland, who told me that something like this would be enough to make her want to come back to the city,” Bill says.

Location is also key.

“Grey Lynn is a brilliant location,” Richard tells us.

“You can get to Ponsonby or town incredibly easily. You’re spoilt for choice with amazing cafes and restaurants nearby. You’ve got a massive reserve and park behind you, and the motorway connection close to you as well. It’s so central, which is great.”

Looking at what Richard and Gina have designed, it’s easy to feel the electricity they have for the project. They believe in it so much, they’re wanting to keep one for themselves.

“We love it!” says Richard.

“The studs inside are 2.7, and the doors are 2.4. So having a bit of scale to it, and having that space and light, and the garden around you - those are the things that make it different, and make it feel personalised.”

This is something really special. And isn’t that an incredible thing - you, too, can be part of it. n

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THE BLACK BOOK.

You’re spoilt for choice with amazing cafes and restaurants nearby.

Auckland Central >

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803 Dominion Road, Mount Eden The incredible opportunity awaits a savvy buyer, featuring 460m² of Freehold land, 111m² floor area, have no doubt, this property will be snapped up very quickly! 803 Dominion Rd is only 10 mins to the City, close to motorway access, parks and public transport. The owners live overseas and this property has been rented out for many years, the time has now come for them to sell it!

rwtakapuna.co.nz/22349163 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

Auction 2:30pm, Sunday 30 August 2020 Level 1-2 onsite, Level 3-4 87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 0622 View While under Level 3, please contact agent for Private Inspection only.

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Natasha Wiseman 021 147 3151

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3a/104b Gladstone Road, Parnell Kilbryde apartments rarely come on the market.

This spacious 203m² approx, two level apartment is set in the second building furtherest from the road and consists of 4 bedrooms (one upstairs one three downstairs) 4 bathroom (3 ensuites) plus a family bathroom. Enjoy large open plan living areas and multiple balconies set among a lush tropical setting. In Double Grammar School Zone.

rwtakapuna.co.nz/TKA20059 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

By Negotiation

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Heather Walton 021 432 167

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23 Raymond Terrace, Northcote Fancy yourself a DIY extraordinaire? After recent council review, this property requires consent in a couple of areas. The home itself is a spacious 151m² (approx) providing separation and flexible living. The upstairs consists of the main living areas, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms + a study.

Downstairs could be converted into a granny flat with 2 bedrooms, lounge, and bathroom.

rwtakapuna.co.nz/TKA20039 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

By Negotiation View Phone for a private viewing

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E G F Darnell Adams 022 124 8352

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2 23b Clifton Road, Hauraki A rare offering after more than 25 years in the same family where the memories are good & beach hangouts have been the norm, this resortstyle property in a prestigious street is an elegant choice for discerning families wanting to be inzone for Hauraki Primary School & Takapuna Grammar School.

rwtakapuna.co.nz/TKA20025 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

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Set Date Of Sale Closes: 4:00pm, Thursday 10 September (unless sold prior) View Visit website for viewing details

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Richard Thode 021 336 002

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Heather Walton 021 432 167

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107 Aberley Road, Greenhithe This stunning home on Aberley Road is unique, spacious, and contemporary. Crisp white interior, open living spaces on the ground floor and all of the private bedroom areas upstairs and built with Cedar and solid Eco Clad plaster! Backing onto Lucas Creek, you can paddle up to Greenhithe or visit the North Shore Golf Course!

rwtakapuna.co.nz/TKA20037 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

For Sale Asking Price $1,649,000

A1B2C3F2I6K Natasha Wiseman 021 147 3151 Joey Dang 021 102 8539

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19 Aberdeen Road, Castor Bay Spread over two levels and enjoying compelling views, this potential-packed property will surely catch the attention of both astute investors and those looking to establish themselves on the real estate ladder. This sun-soaked home boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate toilet and laundry, an open plan kitchen and living plus a consented granny flat downstairs.

rwtakapuna.co.nz/TKA20050 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

Auction 6:00pm, Wednesday 23 September 2020 87 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 0622 View While under Level 3, private inspection only.

A2C3F2I2J2K Maggie Gao 021 518 280

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3a Piripiri Crescent, Torbay Perfectly situated in a family-friendly location close to everything from shops, public transport and great schools, this impressive section is everything you've been searching for!North facing position for all-day sun, this site is perfect for the home of your dreams. With plans already drawn up, you're ready to make this a home you love.

rwtakapuna.co.nz/TKA20014 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

Set Date Of Sale 4.00pm, Wednesday 26 August 2020 (unless sold prior) View

By Appointment

Matt Corin 027 777 0737

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4/65 Waipa Street, Birkenhead A rare find - A fantastic opportunity for you to snap up a desirable legal home and income in the sought-after location. This property has bundles of potential and character. It was built in the early 2000s to a high standard, yet it did not get final sign off from the council so a CCC is required. This is a 197m² home and income which currently has an excellent rental return. Call today for more info.

rwtakapuna.co.nz/TKA20049 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

For Sale Phone for a private viewing

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E G F Darnell Adams 022 124 8352

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1/5 Rarere Road, Takapuna Enviably positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac, moments from the beach. With a 2020 CCC this home is up to the minute on construction and quality. Offering 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a deck, over looking the beach from the top level. The middle level is for entertaining, with open plan living areas, and a sunny back yard.

Double garaging completes the appeal.

rwtakapuna.co.nz/TKA20018 Black Group Realty Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

For Sale View

By Appointment

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E G F Darnell Adams 022 124 8352

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Heather Walton 021 432 167

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