South Auckland’s star is on the rise. Overlooked by many buyers and investors, it’s now earmarked for massive growth and ticking a lot of boxes, especially for those seeking better value, more space and long-term potential.
Infrastructure projects, carefully planned town centres, rail upgrades and more than $2 billion in public and private investment are transforming suburbs like Karaka, Drury and Papakura into some of the city’s most promising places to live.
“It’s actually quite exciting seeing the changes happening right before your eyes,” said Jodee Burns, who has now purchased two homes in Fletcher Living’s Park Green and Waiata Shores developments with her husband David. “There is so much happening in South Auckland. We’ve got the train lines, a big new shopping centre coming into Drury... it’s got everything going for it.”
Fletcher Living has been one of the most active builders in South Auckland, delivering hundreds of homes in well-connected, master-planned communities.
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Its three largest southern developments – Waiata Shores in Conifer Grove, Park Green in Karaka and Ormiston in Flat Bush – offer new homes with fixed pricing, a range of layouts, and modern features that meet or exceed Healthy Homes Standards.
“There has been a lot of development in South Auckland. These are very family-orientated, secluded communities that are well connected to employment areas, schools and transport,” said Aurelie Le Gall, General Manager of Fletcher Living.
Kevin Leadingham and his partner Ashini Perera moved to Waiata Shores from Northcote, upgrading from a smaller rented house to their own, new four-bedroom home.
“What we’ve bought is 287 square metres for just over a million. It just made sense,” said Leadingham. “There’s the train system, Costco going in, and we were thinking about appreciation value.
“We thought Waiata Shores would be too far from the CBD, but it’s 35 minutes. Sometimes it takes that long just to get across town. You don’t feel far away at all.”
The couple settled on Valentine’s Day and now live there with their French Bulldog, Sky.
“There’s good space between houses and lots of green space... and the community’s great. Really multicultural. There’s a diverse mix of people, and it just feels like a neighbourhood where everyone’s proud of where they live.”
Just down the road, Karaka’s Park Green development offers similar appeal for both homeowners and investors.
“It’s been quite underrated because of the South Auckland stigma. But there’s so much to offer,” said Burns.
That growth is backed by data. Over the next 20 to 30 years, more than 120,000 new residents are expected to move into South Auckland, with Drury alone forecast to grow from 1800 to 19,000 people. New rail stations between Papakura and Pukekohe are being added, with road and motorway upgrades also under way to support the boom.
A major new town centre is also being planned in Drury, where property investment company Kiwi Property is leading the commercial development of a 53ha site. The precinct will include retail, public spaces and employment zones and is expected to anchor future housing growth in the surrounding area. “The opportunities for families and investors in Drury over the next few years are significant. That’s why the Fletcher Living team are so proud to be building new communities there,” said Le Gall.
“You look at what Botany Downs used to be, and now what it is... I think Karaka and Drury will go the same way,” said Burns. “There are great school options... public, Catholic, and ACG Strathallan just 15 minutes away.
“Park Green’s got everything... school, daycare, cafes, a convenience store. You can walk everywhere.
“The fact that we got in there early, and there’s still development happening... once there are no more sections to develop, hopefully that will push the prices up and make our property more valuable.”
Prices for two- and three-bedroom homes in these neighbourhoods typically range from $700,000 to $900,000, with one-bedroom apartments starting around $499,000. Fletcher Living offers first home grants, set pricing and completed homes, removing the uncertainty of auctions or building delays.
“We’ve definitely seen people come around to South Auckland,” said Le Gall. “There’s more recognition now that these are well-designed communities, and the stigma is starting to fade.
“Close to nature, close to everything... parks, playgrounds, cafés, childcare and schools right on the doorstep. It’s all there. You don’t need to leave the neighbourhood to find what you need.”
Auckland’s housing market is steadying and more people are re-entering the market. South Auckland offers the combination many are looking for: affordability, lifestyle and room to grow. As the area evolves, those getting in now are likely to reap long-term rewards.
Find out more about what’s on offer at fletcherliving.co.nz
