“I feel like it’s already home to be honest,” James, a Manaaki buyer tells us. Looking over the plans for his one-bedroom with balcony at Ockham’s newest, biggest – and brightest – development, he explains that he’s already mentally arranged his future furniture and hung art on his anticipated walls. “As soon as I saw the floorplans and did a virtual tour, I knew I wanted to live here.”

A freelancer working in the media sector, James says the search for his first home hasn’t been easy. “I’ve kicked around in rentals for years,” he says. “I’ve had at least 10 landlords and hauled my bed and fridge and couch across town more times than I care to recall. Having my own place now... it’s a feeling of total relief.”

And in Onehunga, no less. “I may have already mapped out a daily stroll up Maungakiekie,” James says. “On weekends when I’ve gone over to look at the site, I’ve been trying out all the cafes for the best eggs benedict.” 
Currently he reckons that’s at no.117 café, though there’s an armada of strong contenders. “I’ve always liked this part of town, it’s true old-school Auckland. I can’t wait to move in and be part of it.”

Manaaki on the move – just 49 units left

James won’t have much longer to wait. Developed by Ockham Residential, in partnership with Marutūāhu iwi, Manaaki will be finished in the third quarter of 2023. As the set of four buildings springs to life Joss Lewis, Ockham’s sales team leader, says just 49 of its 210 apartments remain for sale. “The appeal of Manaaki has always been clear,” she says. “But now you can see it coming together on site, it’s obvious that this is a really good spot to be. It’s unusual to find an apartment development in such a leafy green location with a park next door. It’s a real oasis yet only 9km from the CBD.”

All kinds of buyers are looking to make Manaaki their home, Joss reflects. “There’s been a broad range of people. You can sense the makings of a really cool little community.”

Who'll live at Manaaki (besides James!)

“Well, we’ve had a number of mature people purchase with us who are either downsizing or who have got fed up with DIY and gardens and want that convenient lock-and-leave lifestyle,” Joss says. “Our three-bedroom apartments have also caught the eye of families; the pool is a major drawcard for kids!”

People with pets are also welcome: “The ground floor options with gardens are great for those with furry pet masters.” 

James and his cohort will feel right at home as well, Joss continues. 

“The development has appealed strongly to young professional couples and singles wanting to get on the property ladder in a convenient city-fringe location. In recent years we’ve seen more and more first home buyers opting for apartments, as houses in central suburbs have become out of reach.” 

Joss adds that apartments really appeal to this group as it matches their needs more than a standalone house might. “Most young people work long hours so love the idea of a brand-new home that’s immaculate and ready to move into without spending hours of their precious downtime on DIY and maintenance!”

James, a less-than-enthusiastic home handyperson, agrees. “I knew an apartment would be the right fit for me,” he says. “It seemed like less fuss, less maintenance, and part of a community. It’ll be so great to have neighbours who want this as well.” 

He pauses, ponders for a moment. “It just makes so much more sense for me,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to it.”