Living in inner Auckland means having the best of city life right at your doorstep—vibrant neighbourhoods, waterfront strolls, boutique shopping, and a world of cuisine all within easy reach. From the historic charm of Ponsonby and the leafy streets of Herne Bay to the buzzing energy of the CBD and Britomart, inner Auckland offers a dynamic mix of culture, convenience, and character.

It’s a lifestyle that blends urban sophistication with laid-back charm, where everything from top schools to beaches and parks is just minutes away.

General Manager for Bayleys Auckland Residential, Raymond Mountfort says inner Auckland is a beautiful part of the city to live in.

“We've got a fantastic marina and a beautiful harbour, and being central to Auckland has a wide-ranging appeal.”

“You have access to a range of schooling opportunities as well as roles at some of the country's biggest businesses. A lot of the big corporates and companies are based down in the likes of Wynyard Quarter and near the viaduct.”

As for the kinds of housing on offer there’s a mix of apartments, villas and some newer build opportunities.

While the central city fell flat during covid, Mountfort says a range of projects and developments are being used to revitalise the area.

“There’s transformational projects like the city rail link, Commercial Bay, the Symphony Centre in the Aotea Arts Quarter, and a range of upgraded public spaces that are making it a nicer place to live and work.”

So, what are the four up and coming areas across Auckland’s inner suburbs, and what can you expect from each of them?

AUCKLAND CBD

Mountfort says right now there are some fantastic apartments available across the city centre.

“There’s a real mix, but we’ve just seen the likes of Indigo completed, and there’s plans for the Symphony Centre development on top of the city rail link’s Te Waihorotiu Station.”

The amenities are mostly within walking distance including shopping, movies, businesses, SkyCity and the Britomart train station.

“There’s a new medical centre on Albert Street too, as well as supermarkets and gyms.”

“There are quite a lot of people living centrally in the city in nice apartments that have even got their boat in the dry stack. It’s a nice example of someone who may have downsized from having a home and a batch to perhaps just one location.”

Mountfort admits that things in the CBD have been slower but expects it to pick up when infrastructure and improvement projects really take off.

“Wynyard Quarter is a great example of this. It’s beautiful and there’s even community garden plots. There’s also lovely walks and a tram going around on the weekends.”

There’s only a little bit of free land down there, but Mountfort says developers are eyeing it up for some high-end developments.

“There’s cycleways close by and Victoria Park for recreation too.”

Mountfort says there’s an apartment for every price range, with some starting at just $300,000 and going all the way up to $3 million if not more.

POINT CHEVALIER

Mountfort says what he loves most about Point Chevalier is that it's held onto its neighbourhood spirit.

“There's a bowling club in the centre of the community, with a kid's area and people go there for meals - it’s really nice.”

“The schools are also fantastic, and it’s the perfect location for people wanting that, but not too far away from the city. It has a big appeal for young families.”

Just west of the CBD, it’s only a 7-minute drive to central Auckland.

“It’s full of cafes, and shopping, not to mention the beach which is perfect for taking your dog for a walk or going out for a kayak.”

Point Chevalier is also close to the Meola Dog Park, and not far from MOTAT’s aviation museum.

Mountfort says there’s also a lot of investment going into the suburb’s continued growth too.

“It weathered the market downturn well and is undergoing steady gentrification. There’s an upcoming supermarket development on Great North Road which will only serve to accelerate that transformation.”

With that strong sense of community Mountfort says there’s a big appeal for younger families, and for younger buyers who are being priced out of Auckland’s inner suburbs.

“A lot of our clients are young couples with babies or toddlers.”

There’s a big selection of three and four-bedroom houses available, many of them villas and bungalows.

Right now, the median sales price for Point Chevalier is $1.57 million.

ELLERSLIE

Around a 12-minute drive from Auckland CBD, Mountfort says Ellerslie’s big appeal comes from its connectivity.

“It's got close proximity to the motorway, and it's a very easy drive to the city from there.”

“Another drawcard is the lovely village full of shops and restaurants, as well as the nearby racecourse and events centre.”

Mountfort says Simplicity Living is constructing 300 build-to-rent homes on a portion of the land they bought from the racecourse.

“Then on the other side there’s The Hill which is a residential development that's on the land that was traditionally part of the Great Northern steeplechase. With the elevation, those homes will look over the racecourse.”

Mountfort says the development comes with architecturally designed apartments, terraces and independent residences.

“There’s a mix of living there, all brand new but still complementing the traditional village dwellings.”

With the high interest in development right across the suburb, Mountfort says there’s a lot of positive change coming for Ellerslie.

“It won't take long for it to look and feel a bit like Remuera, but in terms of pricing right now it does suggest a great opportunity to get in there and buy before it really takes off.”

So how much will a home in Ellerslie set you back? Right now, the median sales price is $1.2 million.”

WAIHEKE ISLAND

It might be a ferry ride away, but the glorious Waiheke Island falls within Auckland Central, and is hugely appealing to many as a destination to live in.

Just a 40-minute journey to downtown, Mountfort says there’s a mix of housing that caters to a range of potential buyers.

“It's got a mix of old batches, modern homes, vineyards and lifestyle properties.”

“During covid the prices peaked at really high levels and suddenly it was unaffordable for many, but recently those median sales prices have come back down.”

But while pricing is more attainable right now, the suburb is growing in popularity, and quickly.

“At the moment there's an opportunity. Prices are improving, but they're still realistic and still representing good value.”

Mountfort says the smaller community of around 9000 residents gives off a village feel, but with city convenience, and appeals to both those looking for a holiday home or a permanent residence.

“These people know each other, and they care for each other. There’s definitely a real sense of community. But it’s not like being in a provincial town, because you're still so close to the city.”

As for amenities in the area, there’s a regular ferry and car ferry as well as a selection of vineyards, supermarkets, boutique shops and restaurants.

A huge appeal is also the island’s pristine beaches and coastal walks, giving the feeling of a holiday at home.

So how much will a property likely set you back? Right now, the median sales price for a spot on Waiheke Island is $1.62 million.