← Back to articles

What can NZ$1,000,000 buy in Auckland? Comparing areas reveals plenty of choice!

House prices here are more affordable than in other parts of central Auckland. The latest Barfoot & Thompson figures put Mt Roskill’s median sale price at NZ$1,087,500, almost level with Auckland’s median.

According to the latest Barfoot & Thompson figures, Auckland’s median sale price in June was NZ$1,020,000, broadly unchanged from the previous three months and up 2.5% compared with June last year. The average sale price reached NZ$1,236,000, 12.6% higher than a year earlier.

What does this mean for homebuyers? With a budget of around NZ$1,000,000, what kind of home can we buy?

Using Barfoot & Thompson sales data for the 6 months ending on day 30 of month 6 in 2024, YIJU selected the following popular areas and properties sold in the NZ$1,000,000–1,100,000 range to illustrate what a budget of around NZ$100 can buy in Auckland.

 

01

Central Auckland Mt Roskill

Median sale price: NZ$1,087,500

Mt Roskill is in central Auckland and includes Dominion Road, a favourite destination for the Chinese community. It has numerous popular Asian supermarkets, as well as a wealth of Chinese restaurants, traditional Chinese medicine shops and large supermarkets.

 

 

Central Auckland’s transport convenience is unmatched by other areas. Mt Roskill has several direct bus routes to the city centre, as well as direct access to State Highway 20, making it easy to travel south to the airport or west to West Auckland. Those commuting to and from the city centre by car rarely encounter serious congestion.

 

House prices here are more affordable than in other parts of central Auckland. The latest Barfoot & Thompson figures put Mt Roskill’s median sale price at NZ$1,087,500, almost level with Auckland’s median.

 

54 Winstone Road, Mt Roskill / 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

 

Homes in most Mt Roskill neighbourhoods were built between the 50s and 60s of the last century. Most are familiar, solid single-storey houses with unpretentious designs, practical layouts and plenty of renovation potential.

 

491 Mount Albert Road, Mount Roskill / 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

 

Most properties here are standalone homes. Among properties sold by Barfoot & Thompson, standalone houses accounted for 63.64% of all housing types, while a further 18.18% were cross-lease properties.

Over time, more medium- and high-density housing has been built here. Townhouses accounted for 18.18% of properties sold by Barfoot & Thompson. By bedroom count, 3-bedroom homes made up 54.55%, 4-bedroom homes accounted for 27.27%, and 2- and 5-bedroom homes each represented 9.09%.

 

Buying options on a NZ$1,000,000 budget

In Mt Roskill, NZ$1,000,000 can buy an older 3-bedroom standalone house or a newer 3-bedroom townhouse.

 

Prices in the area are relatively balanced, making it suitable for families and investors. If you have development or renovation skills, Mt Roskill offers large sections and older homes with renovation potential in a very central location. For investors, the excellent location also makes it easier to attract tenants.

 

8 Parfitt Street, Mt Roskill 

Asking price: NZ$969,000 / 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

 

02

East Auckland Flat Bush

Median sale price: NZ$1,164,000

 

Long-established members of the Chinese community may still think of Flat Bush as it was 10 years ago, when it was a relatively remote part of Auckland. The main road outside Fo Guang Shan temple marked the boundary beyond which some buyers were unwilling to go. Most homes had 3 to 4 bedrooms on sections of around five to six hundred square metres.

 

After 10 years of development, however, Flat Bush has grown rapidly and attracted many developers, becoming a hub for large, new homes. A casual walk through its streets reveals numerous newly developed standalone houses and townhouses, with relatively little space between them but generous floor areas. The flat terrain, comprehensive amenities such as supermarkets, schools and cafés, and strong capital growth potential have made the area popular with many Chinese buyers.

 

43 Pencaitland Drive, Flat Bush / 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms

 

Among properties sold by Barfoot & Thompson, standalone homes accounted for 64.71% of all housing types and townhouses for 35.29%. Homes with 4 bedrooms made up 64.71%, while those with 3 bedrooms represented 35.29%.

Geographically, Flat Bush sits between East and South Auckland. Driving to the city centre takes around 30 minutes without congestion, but during the evening peak this can extend to 50 minutes or even 1 hour. If you do not need to travel to and from the city centre frequently, Flat Bush’s own amenities are sufficient for everyday needs.

 

Buying options

Barfoot & Thompson figures put Flat Bush’s median sale price at NZ$1,164,000. A budget of NZ$1,000,000 can buy roughly a 4-bedroom townhouse or a slightly smaller standalone home. Prices are slightly above Auckland’s median, but the comprehensive amenities and excellent neighbourhood environment still make it an ideal choice for many families.

 

03

West Auckland: West Harbour

Median sale price: NZ$1,025,000

 

West Harbour is in north-west Auckland, near the Harbour Bridge. With beautiful waterfront views and a peaceful living environment, it is known for being family-friendly and having a strong community atmosphere, making it one of West Auckland’s well-established desirable suburbs.

Close to the harbour, West Harbour offers beautiful waterfront views and abundant natural attractions, making it particularly suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can escape the bustle of the city centre and enjoy a peaceful, safe living environment. West Harbour also has numerous parks, schools and community facilities. Its proximity to the Westgate shopping precinct makes shopping and everyday life convenient.

18 Horizon Way, West Harbour / 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (upcoming Barfoot & Thompson listing)

For transport, West Harbour is close to the motorway, making access to the North Shore relatively convenient. However, peak-hour commuters may face congestion, and public transport options to the city centre are limited, which may inconvenience residents without a car.

West Harbour’s median sale price is NZ$1,025,000, broadly in line with Auckland’s overall median. Properties here are mostly medium to large family homes, predominantly 4-bedroom standalone houses. Among properties sold by Barfoot & Thompson, standalone homes were the main property type, accounting for 90.91% of all sales, while townhouses represented just 9.09%. By bedroom count, 3-bedroom homes accounted for 63.64%, 4-bedroom homes for 27.27%, and homes with 5 or more bedrooms for 9.09%.

Buying options

In West Harbour, NZ$1,000,000 can buy an older 3-bedroom standalone house or a newer 3-bedroom townhouse. West Harbour is a very attractive option for families seeking more living space and a peaceful environment. Although slightly further from the city centre, its beautiful natural surroundings and strong community atmosphere make up for the distance.

Whether it is lively, convenient Mt Roskill in central Auckland, rapidly developing Flat Bush in East Auckland or peaceful, liveable West Harbour in West Auckland, each can offer buyers an ideal home suited to their needs. A budget of around NZ$1,000,000 is only close to Auckland’s median house price, so finding a property that ticks every box for most people is difficult. If you consider your family’s circumstances and decide which features you can forgo, there are still plenty of options across Auckland.