- The Auckland mansion at 31 Victoria Avenue, formerly owned by John Banks, is for sale.
- The four-bedroom home, bought for $4m, now has a rateable value of $7.2m.
- Vendors highlight its size, versatility, and prime location near top schools and amenities.
The mansion that once belonged to former Auckland mayor and Act Party leader John Banks is up for grabs again.
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The grand five-bedroom home at 31 Victoria Avenue, in Remuera, was snapped up by the vendors more than 10 years ago for just over $4 million and is on the market with an RV of $7.2m.
The mansion was built in the 1920s by architect Horace Massey for retail magnate John Robert Rendell, owner of the then-famous Rendells Department Store.
Former Auckland mayor John Banks at the Victoria Avenue home in 2011. A year later, he sold the property for $4m. Photo / Richard Robinson
The residence is a standout home on Victoria Avenue. Photo / Supplied
Banks lived in the home while mayor of Auckland and sold it in 2012 for $4m. The house made the headlines in 2016 when former Labour minister Phil Goff put up an election billboard there during his tilt for the city’s mayoralty.
The vendors tried to sell the property in 2024 but withdrew it from market four months later. This time around, they have listed it with Bayleys agent Sarah Liu, who made headlines last year with her $56m mansion swap.
The vendors told OneRoof that their family has loved being part of a neighbourhood, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious. “We all greet each other while out walking and meet up for regular street parties,” she said.
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Set on a 1226sqm section on the corner of Victoria and Tirohanga avenues, the house boasts elegant arches, colonnades and stuccoed brick walls, along with wrought iron detailing and ceramic roof tiles – all of which combine for excellent street appeal.
The vendor told OneRoof that she and her husband were initially attracted to the property by its size and versatility.
“There are five bedrooms and the entertaining areas are very large, which has been so good for us when we’ve held functions here for our business or put on our famous Chinese New Year parties.”
She said that the pool was at the heart of family life during summer when the children had their friends over, while al fresco meals on the balcony and many terraced areas were always casual and relaxed.
The vendors have hosted many high-profile social events at 31 Victoria Avenue. Photo / Supplied
The home’s décor is bright and simple with plenty of white to enhance the natural light that streams into every room. The ground floor layout includes a bedroom, bathroom and a very impressive wine cellar, while the next floor boasts a contemporary kitchen that flows into a spacious dining space.
With their children now grown up and living overseas, the vendors have decided to sell, but they still feel sad about leaving. “We’ve had such happy times here, but it’s time to move on!”
Liu said potential buyers could be families whose children attend Victoria Avenue Primary or one of several top private schools in the neighbourhood. The property is also zoned for Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar.
“Plus, you’re just a short stroll from Remuera Village and an easy drive from Parnell and Newmarket.”
Victoria Avenue, she said, was the only street her international buyers named when looking for Auckland property. “To Chinese buyers, Victoria Avenue is a name. It’s a brand,” she said. “Just like you carry your LV [Louis Vuitton] bag with you.
She said the house at 31 Victoria Avenue would tick a lot of those buyers' boxes. “Many new immigrants, they come to Auckland, their friends [are here] or they’ve heard some story, and say ‘I want to find a property in Victoria Ave."
Liu added that she has seen an uptick in interest from overseas buyers, including those from China, Singapore and Europe, following last year’s announcement that foreign buyer rules would be relaxed.
“They like that they don’t have to stay here for 180 days [a year], so can move easily. They just feel New Zealand is a safe place.”
- 31 Victoria Avenue, Remuera, Auckland, is for sale by negotiation
