Parnell

Any comments on this area for a lifestyle block?

jmh

Well, I'd live there. Quite expensive. What exactly do you want to know?

Parnell

Hi Jmh
I guess places to avoid
Streets of interest (those that potentially offer great views or more bush clad than exposed)
Experiences of building in the area (Builders, Architects, council dealings)
Other items not likely to appear in a sales brochure

jmh

The only thing the springs to mind is that there has been some erosion on the coast at Harbourside Drive. You can see evidence of it as you drive along the motorway to the Papakura exit (look over to the right). I wouldn't be buying a coastal property there without checking that aspect.

Shopping centres are bit basic. I don't think much of Waiuku or Papakura, but Pukekohe is nice, if a bit small. There is supposed to be a big industrial development going in at Drury, so check out the plans to see if it will affect you. If commuting, the entrance to the motorway at Papakura is very busy (mind you so is everywhere). It's considered good farm land. Don't know much about building I'm afraid. There used to be quite a few show homes around the Harbourside Drive area.

Karaka is generally considered quite posh with a horsey set - I think there is good potential for capital gain too, over the longer term, eg. 5 years.