'Good old Kiwi bach' in Matakana gets over 3000 views in first 24 hours

What is it that makes one rather rundown bach the centre of attention? So much so, that it gets more than 3000 views the first day it’s listed?

It’s fair to say it’s probably not because this Matakana bach is beautiful, so, yes, it’s all about location. And that’s what this retreat offers – it overlooks a leafy reserve and the bay in an area the locals call Rainbows End. Presumably, buyers are looking for that pot of gold.

The interest in the bach, which has been a retirement home for the owner ever since it was built in the ‘80s, is undoubtedly also sparked by the ease of travel to and from Auckland, now that the Puhoi- Warkworth motorway link is open and travel times are reduced by around 11 minutes.

Last weekend Stuff reported on the increased interest in properties in the region, as the number of enquiries surge.

Grant Elliott of Ray White Auckland Central, the listing agent for this property, says the owner of the 875m² estate is moving into aged care – the genuine reason for sale is another plus.

“And I’m told properties really don’t come up for sale in the area, especially at this price.”

The property is going to auction, but Elliott says the expectation is the property will sell for the land value only. The Auckland Council RV rates the property at $1.325 million, with the value of the land being $850,000. The current CoreLogic median value for Matakana is $1,440,550.

And the house? It’s fair to say it’s quirky and will likely be demolished or extensively renovated. Elliott describes it as a prime do-up and says “most of it is overdue maintenance”.

It is essentially a 134m² two-bedroom rectangular box with two small pop-out bits at either end, to a bedroom and the living room, and a sunny deck in-between.

Fixtures and fittings are typically ‘80s, and include an avocado-coloured bathtub and wooden cabinetry in the bathroom. The kitchen also features its original wood kitchen cabinetry and mosaic-tiled benchtop and splashback. There is also timber wall panelling and a parquet timber floor in the living area.

The lower level accommodates a toy shed and workshop, and there is a “huge” separate laundry that could be converted to another use.

But really, this wedge-shaped property is all about the outlook and proximity to the water and jetty. Being on a sloping site, the views are maximised and cannot be built out.

Ray White will be auctioning the property at 17 Martin Road, Matakana on September 17, 2023.