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University lecturer in computing finds ideal spot only minutes from long hours at work, writes SANDRA GOODMAN

This furnished inner city apartment not only provided a first step into property ownership for Simon Mitchell, its location was invaluable when he was working long hours lecturing in computing at AUT.

Simon says: “My classes spanned from 8am in the morning till sometimes 9pm at night, so moving into this apartment made life so much easier.”

The one-bedroom apartment, on Level 8 in the Sapphire building, is only a couple of minutes’ walk from AUT.

“I bought it when the building was completed in 2004, and then, as now, an apartment was a more accessible way of getting into the property market than buying a house,” says Simon.

Friends of his friends who’d bought here recommended the building, which won a master builders’ house of the year award in 2005.

“I thought the building was well positioned and the inside of the apartment was nice too. I first saw it in August, when Auckland can feel very windy, damp and cold, but this apartment felt warm and dry.

“If you enjoy city life you’d enjoy this apartment. There was a vibrancy about living there, particularly in summer when it was so easy to go and sit somewhere like Albert Park.

“If you like quality cafes, bars and restaurants then you’ve got endless choices nearby and you’re also near all the major public transport hubs.”

He liked the apartment coming fully furnished in a style complementing its modern de´ cor.

The layout has a galley-style kitchen with stone bench, dishdrawer and bar seating along one side of its living area.

There’s one bedroom with wardrobe plus bathroom, in which Simon added extra shelving.

He lived here till he got a job in Canada in 2006, after which he rented it out until coming back to NZ in 2013, by that time with wife Linyan and son Peter.

They now live in Hawkes Bay and while Simon’s got good memories of this apartment, they’re selling it in order to help finance a new home. Barfoot & Thompson agent Livia Li says: “This building’s location makes it popular, right next door to AUT and walking distance to everything. Also its body corporate levies are very reasonable compared to comparable buildings, being $2838 annually but eligible for a 10 per cent discount if paid by the specified date.” Price: $339,000

Contact: Livia Li, Barfoot and Thompson, 027 560 9668