Beach Haven - Good/Bad Areas?

[Jagiri]

Hi,

I have seen a lot of discussions about the good and bad areas of Beach Haven, but they seem to be a bit older.
With all the changes that have happened in the area in the last few years, are there still areas that are of concern?

We are currently looking at a property on Lancaster Rd, on the southside of Beach Haven road, near the bend in the road.
Does anyone have any recent experience with this area?

Thanks so much.

[Neongreen]

Don't buy in beachhaven if you can help it - it's one of the worst areas on the shore. I understand it's affordable but there's a reason for that. Although there's possibility of gentrification.

[Meehole]

My son and his girlfriend purchased in Lancaster Rd about 2 years ago and their property, a 1970's house on a full site with a detached 1 1/2 garage has increased in value over $100,000 without doing anything to it.
I personally like Beach Haven and chose to rent in Cresta Ave about 7 years ago. I wanted to buy in the area and felt living there would give me the opportunity to "try" the place. I loved it and would agree that there are parts that were dodgey but time has moved on and I know lots of young couples that have bought there as its cheaper than Glenfield and just down the road.
Ponsonby was once an area that you avoided but look at it now. Every dog has its day.

[Bluekiwi]

My son and his girlfriend purchased in Lancaster Rd about 2 years ago and their property, a 1970's house on a full site with a detached 1 1/2 garage has increased in value over $100,000 without doing anything to it.
I personally like Beach Haven and chose to rent in Cresta Ave about 7 years ago. I wanted to buy in the area and felt living there would give me the opportunity to "try" the place. I loved it and would agree that there are parts that were dodgey but time has moved on and I know lots of young couples that have bought there as its cheaper than Glenfield and just down the road.
Ponsonby was once an area that you avoided but look at it now. Every dog has its day.

I always thought it was Birkdale that was worse out of the 3 b's.

Who would have 3 suburbs all next to each other and starting with B.

[Top Notch Investor]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy in Beach Haven or Birkdale. There are some roughish areas just like everywhere else but its on the NORTH SHORE and anywhere on the SHORE is always going to go up in value. The only problem I have with it is its a little far out with regards to Motorways etc, but it still wouldn't stop me buying a house there

[Meehole]

I heard talk of a Ferry going from the wharf at Beach Haven to the City, don't know if that has happened or will happen? My son and his partner work right in town and will probably always travel in by car, just the Auckland/kiwi way.

[ilusiv]

Basically, the streets inside the circle I would avoid, due to bad reputation, large amounts of state housing, crime and a number of other factors. Outside the circle I wouldn't have a problem.

[Meehole]

You have highlighted Taurus Cres and while it does have alot of HNZ houses it also has a fair share of owner occupiers.
In June 2013 a house in that street sold for $486,251 (Auction?) RV was $300,000.
In Dec 2012 a property sold for $449,000 RV was $335,000.
At least a capital gain for the owners which is more than my houses in the provinces have experienced in 7 years.

[Jagiri]

Thank you everyone, this is really helpful.
Does anyone have any information on the value of the houses in this area? I'm looking at getting a report from QV, but thought I would check as there is so much knowledge right here.

[Meehole]

If you are looking in Lancaster Rd - 121 sold May $580, 45A sold $560 June, 105 sold July $480, 49 sold May $445, 53 sold May $590 and 94 sold Aug $515 and is on market now offers over $595.
Hope it helps

[Jagiri]

If you are looking in Lancaster Rd - 121 sold May $580, 45A sold $560 June, 105 sold July $480, 49 sold May $445, 53 sold May $590 and 94 sold Aug $515 and is on market now offers over $595.
Hope it helps

That is amazingly helpful! Thanks so much.

[ilusiv]

You have highlighted Taurus Cres and while it does have alot of HNZ houses it also has a fair share of owner occupiers.
In June 2013 a house in that street sold for $486,251 (Auction?) RV was $300,000.
In Dec 2012 a property sold for $449,000 RV was $335,000.
At least a capital gain for the owners which is more than my houses in the provinces have experienced in 7 years.

Taurus Crescent is by far the WORST street in Beach Haven. There are very few owner occupiers on Taurus. I would not buy or rent there. It would very much be the "worst house in worst neighbourhood" of the North Shore if I did.

[boldy]

some very affordable sea views in Beachhaven, but Taurus, Lysander and perhaps Gemini to be avoided. Anything west of Rangatira Rd good. General impression of the neighbourhood it that is has been improving over the last 5 years. Way less graffiti, ferry and supermarket refurb going in. Plenty of properties being renovated and spruced up. Lots of young families in the area, being one of the more affordable suburbs on the shore. Seen some healthy gains in the median price over the last 12 months, ~ 20% according to REINZ website.

[PPI]

Its not the best area but IMO house prices are so far out of reach regular hard working families will flock there shortly and it will go up in value big time.
Only saying this as a few of our friends who have just got into the housing market have opted for The Haven.

[donnyboy]

There was an auction for Plunket recently that went for $665k, 3-4 beddy totally reno'd, on Rangatira.
http://rwbeachhaven.co.nz/7680/House-of-Dreams