Affordability Improves as Auckland Sees Spike in Budget-Friendly Townhouse Listings

Date Published: 7 June 2024

Key Facts

• Ōtara townhouse listed for $539,000, described as “cheap as chips”.
• Auckland house prices have slowed down for the second month according to CoreLogic data.
• Some townhouses are in remote locations, affecting first-home buyers.
• Five of the cheapest townhouses listed in Ōtara and Glen Eden range from $249,000 to $559,000.
• Some properties have additional challenges like leasehold issues or require remediation work.
• Monthly mortgage payments range from $2,995 to $3,232 with a 20% deposit and a 7.8% interest rate.
• Median rent in Auckland is $680 a week.
• There are concerns over additional costs like insurance and body corporate fees, especially for townhouses.

Article Summary

Current market conditions in Auckland are seeing a shift, with a notable slowdown in house price increases for the second consecutive month. The influx of townhouses hitting the market offers prospective home-buyers more options, yet these residential units are sometimes situated in less central locations, posing accessibility issues for first-time buyers. The cheaper property listings in areas like Ōtara and Glen Eden, priced between $249,000 to $559,000, present both opportunities and challenges, from leasehold restrictions to necessary remediation work.

While a townhouse in Parnell is listed for an eye-catching $249,000, its leasehold status comes with future financial uncertainties. Properties in Mt Albert and elsewhere show similar drawbacks, such as the need for substantial repairs. For buyers of these mid-$500,000 townhouses, typical home loan repayments hover around the $3,000 mark, making these properties somewhat more affordable than the city’s average, but still significant for many families.

Brad Olsen, Chief Executive of Infometrics, pointed out that despite the market softening, the prices are still high for many households. He highlighted that these townhouses require less maintenance and are therefore appealing to a growing segment of the population, though they come with insurance needs and body corporate fees that can add up. The key challenge remains securing lending, as without it, potential buyers find themselves sidelined.

Olsen also noted that an oversupply of homes should eventually lead to price reductions, improving affordability in the long run. He emphasized the competitive nature of the current market and the crucial role interest rates play in influencing it. As townhouses continue to offer a more accessible entry point into the property market, the evolving landscape underscores the importance of comprehensive financial planning and the increasing complexity of property ownership in Auckland.

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