A change in the nature of Auckland’s property market has undoubtedly impacted certain suburbs, but many proven performers are still ticking along very nicely – especially those which enjoy easy access to the central city.
Matt and Sue May feel confident that their much-loved villa at 27 Murdoch Road in Grey Lynn will continue enjoying keen buyer interest.
The property, with a 2021 RV of $2.6 million, is going to auction on Wednesday after the auction date was brought forward. According to OneRoof data, it last changed hands at the end of 2016 for $1.835m.
Matt and Sue own Murray, a seasonal taco joint and coffee shop on Auckland’s west coast, and bought their city home seven years ago. Matt says it was in top condition.
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“We haven’t had to do much except re-roof it and generally keep up the maintenance.”
Listing agent Matt O’Brien, of Barfoot & Thompson Ponsonby, says buyer interest is definitely on the rise again and people are generally feeling more positive about buying.
The house, which was built in the early 1900s, lies in what its owners describe as a “quiet and secret” location between busy Richmond Road and Williamson Avenue.
The villa was built in the early 1900s and many of the original features remain intact like the high ceilings, polished timber floors, character fireplaces and attractive fretwork. Photo / Supplied
“It’s Grey Lynn really, but it was officially gazetted as Murdoch Street, Ponsonby, many years ago,” says Matt.
With many of the original villa features intact – including high ceilings, polished timber floors, character fireplaces and attractive fretwork – the villa has yesteryear charm that’s complemented by a contemporary kitchen and bathrooms.
North-facing, it enjoys sunny, private outdoor living with stylish easy-care landscaping.
“I don’t think new owners would need to do anything at all. The house is incredibly sound, it’s been re-piled and of the three or four homes we’ve owned, it’s the only one that hasn’t leaked!,” says Matt.
“We did have plans drawn up for perhaps adding a minor dwelling and pool and these can be made available to potential buyers. It’s a great base for city life – the neighbourhood reminds me of Melbourne with people walking to work carrying their coffees.”
The property is situated between busy Richmond Road and Williamson Avenue in Grey Lynn but was officially gazetted as Murdoch Street, Ponsonby, many years ago. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen and bathrooms are contemporary, and the house has been re-roofed and re-piled. Photo / Supplied
Matt and Sue are selling up to devote more time to their Piha business and hope by living locally they can help contribute to the settlement’s comeback, following the harrowing weather events of 2023.
“Plus we just feel like it’s time for a change of scene,” he says.
With Aucklanders returning for rugged rest and recreation and surfers once more riding the waves, Matt has noticed business picking up and says everyone in Piha is hoping for a busy spring and summer.
Agent O’Brien agrees with the owners that the property is lovely as it is. “But there’s still potential for a purchaser to add further value if they want to.”
He says that people are surprised when they absorb the size of the house with its very large bedrooms and living areas. They also fall for the clever outdoor box seating and two sets of doors that open up the back of the property.
“And I really like the way that the kitchen windows open out above that area so you can hand drinks out to guests in summer,” O’Brien says.
He adds that the property has a separate laundry, central heating and off-street parking – which is always highly sought after in the area.
