As confidence starts to return to parts of the commercial property market, Barfoot & Thompson’s latest Insite portfolio highlights opportunities with one thing in common: a clear reason to look twice.
While the mood remains measured, inquiry is becoming more purposeful, with buyers paying closer attention to location, functionality, income, future use and value-add potential.
According to John Urlich, Commercial Manager at Barfoot & Thompson, the strongest opportunities are those where the fundamentals are in place.
“Buyers are still being selective, but that is not necessarily a negative,” says Urlich. “It means properties with strong location, practical appeal and future optionality are standing out for the right reasons.”
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One such opportunity featured in the latest Insite is 190 Federal Street, a rare freehold offering in Auckland’s fast-changing Midtown.
Purpose-built in the 1940s for Academy Pattern Co Limited, the property has remained in the same ownership for close to 80 years.
“That continuity of ownership is rare in the CBD,” says Commercial Broker Cam Paterson, who is marketing the property alongside John Stringer.
“It’s a freehold site with income, history and future upside in a location that is becoming one of Auckland’s most active entertainment, dining and event hubs.”
The two-level stand-alone warehouse-commercial building sits on a 549m² site and provides approximately 856m² of building area, plus 16 basement car parks.
Current income is generated from two long-standing occupiers, with total gross rent of $76,790 + GST.
Close to Te Waihorotiu Station, the NZ International Convention Centre, SkyCity and Aotea Square, the Business – City Centre-zoned property has a 47.5 metre height limit and offers holding income now, with future development potential subject to approvals.
190 Federal Street is offered for sale by Deadline Private Treaty, closing 2pm Wednesday 12 August 2026, unless sold prior.
On the city fringe, 632 New North Road, Morningside brings a different kind of appeal: vacant possession, flexibility and a position beside one of Auckland’s most recognisable inner-west rail stops.
Set on a 940m² freehold site, the property includes a two-level building of approximately 400m², with on-site parking, yard space and scope for refurbishment or repurposing.
“It’s the mix of location, land and flexibility that makes this one interesting,” says Murray Tomlinson of Barfoot & Thompson Commercial.
“You’ve got vacant possession, a usable building, generous yard space and the Morningside Train Station right next door.”
Zoned Business – Mixed Use, the property also benefits from proposed Plan Change 120 provisions identifying a potential height variation to 50 metres.
It is for sale by Tender, closing 2pm Wednesday 26 August 2026, unless sold prior.
Further south, 1 Pembroke Street, Manukau presents scale, profile and operational potential in the form of Aroha Motel.
Marketed by Rohit Khanna and Justin Lowe of Barfoot & Thompson Commercial, and for sale Deadline Private Treaty, closing 2pm Wednesday 26 August 2026 unless sold prior, the property comprises a highly profitable 43-unit motel complex on a substantial 2,530m² corner site, with approximately 1,130m² of gross floor area and ample on-site parking.
Currently owner-occupied and operated as a freehold going concern, it offers established accommodation infrastructure and scope for an incoming operator to review the current unit mix.
“This is a sizeable going concern with land, profile and operational upside,” says Khanna.
“The appeal is being able to buy scale on a freehold corner site, then look at how the accommodation mix could work harder.”
With around 102 metres of arterial frontage, plus access via Nixon Avenue and Alexander Street, the site is well connected to Great South Road, State Highway 1, Manukau, Auckland Airport, Middlemore Hospital and the southern commercial and industrial corridor.
- Supplied by Barfoot & Thompson
