- Two houses in Auckland’s West Harbour are for sale, one a liquidator sale and the other a waterfront “rare gem”.
- Rundown property at 1/125 West Harbour Drive had previously been described as a “Miami Vice” style home.
- Neighbouring waterfront home at 133 West Harbour Drive was designed by Bossley Architects and has a CV of $2.23 million.
Two unusual but very different neighbouring houses in Auckland’s West Harbour are on the market for sale at the same time.
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One, which has fallen into disrepair and is considered too dangerous to enter, is a liquidator sale, while the other is a colourful, architecturally-designed, waterfront “rare gem” entering the market for the first time in a long time.
The sales are with different real estate companies and are not connected.
The house at 1/125 West Harbour Drive, the one subject to a liquidator’s sale, was described by a previous real estate agency when it was last on the market in 2020 as a “Miami Vice” style home from the late 1990s. The advertising back then was directed towards builders and re-cladders and the property sold for $460,000.
The listing agents, Mike Adams and Bridget Dickson, from Bayleys, describe the property, which has a half share in 879sqm, as an add-value opportunity being sold by tender closing on December 17, but prospective buyers can’t go inside.
The Bayleys listing copy said the dwelling was in a poor state of repair – there are no internal photos – but that it offered an excellent opportunity to remove or rebuild to add value in a sought-after and high-growth West Auckland residential suburb.
“The property is being sold on a completely ‘as is, where is basis’ with no internal viewings available due to the condition of the dwelling and provides a wide range of options for astute buyers looking for an opportunity to redevelop and add value in this location.”
Viewings were strictly by appointment and outside-only for the property close to the Westgate retail precinct, including Costco and other bulk retailers.
The property has a CV of $680,000 but when it was last advertised for sale by auction in 2020, by Harcourts Cooper & Co, the property was headlined “Calling all Builders/Re-cladders”, with interested parties told to disregard the rating value which was then $780,000.
The Harcourts listings copy said it was positioned well off the road amidst good company near the upper reaches of Upper Harbour.
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“This project is ready and waiting for someone to do their magic. A ‘Miami Vice’ style home from the late 90s, gently split over three levels, with good open-plan living area on the top level, two good sized bedrooms, two with en-suites plus an extra bathroom, there is huge scope here.”
OneRoof understands a liquidator is selling the property as the company which owned it was now undergoing a liquidation process.
In a six-monthly report, the liquidator, KPMG, said the company was incorporated in 2017 with the director advising them the services provided included the installation of aluminium cladding and asbestos removal.
“The director advised the company’s business failed as a result of a number of factors, including the loss of a franchise and prolonged delays for contracted work,” said the report.
Mike Adams, of Bayleys, told OneRoof he only knew the property was being sold as is, where is, and that he expected it would appeal to developers or builders.
“The property is vacant possession. Nobody is living there or has lived there for a while and because of the condition of the dwelling inside, well, the structure inside, we are unable to allow access to the inside of the property.”
In contrast, the neighbouring waterfront house at 133 West Harbour Drive has a CV of $2.23 million. This five-bedroom, four-bathroom property goes to auction on December 6.
Agent Craig Bradshaw, from Barfoot & Thompson, described the property in his listing copy as offering a level of beauty and exclusivity that words could not fully capture.
The “one-of-a-kind” waterfront home was designed by Bossley Architects, a prominent firm led by Pete Bossley, “known for its innovative residential, commercial, and civic projects that are sensitive to the landscape and context”.
“The firm’s designs often emphasize strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, utilizing natural light, thoughtful material choices, and distinctive geometric forms.”
The house featured 490sqm of floor space with expansive harbour and city views.
“Positioned on a spacious, private section 1093sqm, the home is designed for both comfort and sophistication, featuring five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and three living areas, each crafted to capture the essence of waterfront living.
“This property is a rare gem, making its first market appearance in a considerable amount of time.”
The house was positioned on the water’s edge, and the property offered a lifestyle and location like no other in West Harbour, the listing said.
“The current owners have thoughtfully provided concept drawings, giving a glimpse of the property’s future potential and value, allowing the new owner to envision further enhancements or expansions.”
The listing described a versatile upstairs space set apart from the main living area as perfect for a private, self-contained unit.
- 133 West Harbour Drive, West Harbour, Auckland, goes to auction on December 6; 1/125 West Harbour Drive, West Harbour, is for sale by way of tender, closing December 17