While Ray White Royal Oak agent James Burry said Penrose itself was mostly industrial, neighbouring suburb Onehunga had shown huge growth throughout the pandemic.
“Values have definitely gone up during that time period and demand has gotten stronger and stronger,” Mr Burry said.
“There’s not many apartment blocks, it’s predominantly single-level and two-storey homes with lots of parks in the area.
“It’s also the most southern of the central suburbs, so you don’t feel as contained and confined as some of the central suburbs.
“If you’re not able to leave your property during lockdown, having more space would certainly make you more comfortable.
“So those kinds of properties where you have your own garden and access to lots of parks would be very attractive throughout the pandemic.”
While Onehunga traditionally has been primarily working class, with people using homes in the area as stepping stones, Mr Burry said he had noticed a trend of a wider variety of people appreciating the charm and appeal of the suburb, and purchasing to stay in the area; particularly over the past two years.
“Areas like Onehunga were springboards to get to more central suburbs like Mt Eden or Epsom, but we’re finding now people are staying more within the area and buying houses which are bigger.
“It’s become more of a destination than a stepping stone.
“We’ve had every type of person try to buy here, whereas historically it was young families and first home buyers, now we have people choosing to retire in the area.”
While a lot of what attracted people to the inner-urban lifestyle has been unavailable throughout the pandemic, such as restaurants, art galleries, nightlife and sporting events, Ms Conisbee said once these aspects returned, it was likely inner-urban populations would increase.
“Our suburbs have had a COVID induced boost, but it certainly isn’t the end of our inner cities,” she said.
