Housing styles across Auckland city

Our primary objective with this research is to analyze and understand how changes in housing have influenced the surrounding environment and economy.

Many of these properties still have the same features, such as the villas, which must retain their outer appearance due to historical preservation laws. However, they are permitted to renovate the interiors, which can increase the property's value.

The housing has had some significant changes in the recent years in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn. Ponsonby, once known for its historic homes, now features a mix of both older and modern-day homes. The shift in housing has overtime grown attractions and influenced home buyers. Grey Lynn has also seen changes with increased apartment buildings and renovations of older homes. It has maintained its suburban combination of old and modern housing to suit numerous residents. Both have also seen appreciation in property values and more costly, diverse housing markets.

Map of Ponsonby

Age of houses

from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The area features Victorian and Edwardian styles, particularly from the 1880s to 1920s. More recent developments and modern apartments have also emerged.

Quality of houses 

Well-kept homes with renovated interior while keeping the original house style.

In this suburb these houses are mostly made out of small well-kept homes with a range of different size homes distribute around the suburb.

The Grey Lynn area, named after Sir George Grey, holds rich Māori and European history. The wider area, Opoutukēha, was named in honour of an ancestor who arrived on the Tainui waka.

Map of Grey Lynn

Age of homes

Many homes date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Some properties may also reflect the post-war period.

Quality of homes

Well-looked after homes with renovated interiors and well maintained home while keeping the original style of the home on the outside.

In this suburb, the Homes distributed around are made up of Small gardens with usually range of size trees with a small range of different types of house styles

Change of housing in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn 

Housing in Ponsonby and Grey Lynn has undergone significant changes, with an increase in apartments and townhouses to accommodate a growing population. Property prices have risen due to an influx of young professionals and families, leading to the renovation of older homes. The neighborhoods have also seen new parks, shops, and cafes, enhancing their appeal. While there are efforts to create affordable housing, challenges remain. Additionally, many new developments emphasize eco-friendly designs, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability. Overall, these suburbs are evolving while striving to maintain their unique character.

Both Grey Lynn and Ponsonby are relatively central suburbs of Auckland, making them quite accessible. They are well-serviced by main roads and public transportation, which includes buses and trains. A central location means residents and visitors can easily reach Auckland CBD, along with other key areas.

Grey Lynn and Ponsonby are renowned for vibrant local amenities. There are a number of cafes, shops, restaurants, and recreational areas within these suburbs. The high amenity density means that many residents will have easy walking access to daily activities and necessities.

Overall the Accessbility in Grey and ponsonby is typically strong due to its location is In central of Auckland, Extentsive Local amenities and good transportation

Both Grey Lynn and Ponsonby have a bit of everything when it comes to different housing styles: Grey Lynn with its a mix of houses and several apartment buildings, while Ponsonby presents a mix of older, well-cared-for houses along with some newer homes. Shopping and dining are centered along Ponsonby Road, and this is supported by a range of amenities Though Grey Lynn has fewer stores in the area, it features large parks. In contrast, Ponsonby has smaller parks that are located close to other attractions. Both suburbs are accessible and convenient in transportation to and from other areas of the city due to major roads such as Great South Road and Ponsonby Road with buses and trains that run on regular schedules

Map of Onehunga

Age of houses

The age of houses are dated back to the late 19th century and the early 20th century reflecting the areas of development during that period . However there also more  modern day homes built in the recent decades

Quality of the homes

This suburb features a mix of older character homes and newer developments.Many older houses have been well-maintained and renovated showing unique architectural styles.

In Onehunga, gardens vary significantly among properties, often reflecting the suburb's diverse character. Many homes have established gardens with mature trees and shrubs, especially in older properties built in the early to mid-20th century.

Map of Takaanini

Age of housing 

 with many developments from the 1990s to the present. The area has seen significant growth in recent years, leading to a mix of older homes and newer residential developments.

Quality of homes 

The quality of homes in Takanini varies widely. Many newer developments feature modern designs often built to current building standards. However, older homes may differ in quality and maintenance. Generally, the suburb offers a mix of well-maintained properties alongside those that may require updates or renovations.

In Takanini, homes are mostly made of brick and weatherboard and gardens vary in size; some have small, low-maintenance yards, while older homes might have larger, more established gardens. Most homes have three to five bedrooms and are generally spacious with open layouts.

The housing changes in Takanini and Onehunga reflect the growth of Auckland and the need for more homes. In Takanini, there are many new developments, like townhouses and apartments, as the area shifts from rural to urban, providing more affordable options for residents. In Onehunga, older homes are being renovated, and new multi-unit buildings are being introduced to attract families and young professionals. Both suburbs are focusing on creating diverse housing options that help build strong communities and make it easier for people to access amenities and transport.

Public transport, like trains and buses, ensures good accessibility in both suburbs, connecting the residents with the central city and the suburbs around. Takanini would also involve a railway station and main roads, while the area of Onehunga can be easily walked, and also bike lanes are provided for the cyclists. Both suburbs have parks that are nearby, schools, and healthcare facilities; this way, all these amenities that a person might need can be easily accommodated within reach. The improvement of transport and pathways in these suburbs continuously makes them more accessible and friendlier to everyone.

Takanini and Onehunga demonstrate that good planning can produce accessibly themed neighborhoods. Since these places are likely to include public transport, become more walkable, and provide community facilities to enhance their residents' daily life, the chances are high that these places will continue to be more connected with people while gaining further development.

Spatial distribution in Takanini and Onehunga refers to the pattern of different areas and facilities across the two suburbs. In Takanini, residential areas are complemented by parks, schools, and shops that are in easy reach; so families have access to easily accessible everyday services, with a centrally placed train station for commutes. There are also new house developments currently under way to support growth. Onehunga combines large areas of residential with commercial so that most residents can live proximate to work and shopping. Its compactness and the location of parks and community facilities make it easy to walk and bike. In general, both suburbs include homes, services, and recreational spaces in such a way that any resident will be able to reach everything they need conveniently without having to cover long distances.

Strengths

Housing evolution in Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Onehunga, and Takanini has been correlated with significant revitalization and appreciation in the value of properties, greater in Ponsonby and Onehunga due to urban regeneration developing facilities and amenities within these locations. The summary here is that this transformation attracts a dynamic mix of residents, fosters diverse communities, and improves livability overall. Other significant strengths in Grey Lynn are the community-focused element, with active residents, while Grey Lynn caters for a wide range of demographics with its different house types. Regarding Takanini, the suburb is outstandingly affordable compared to other inner suburbs, which appeals to first-time buyers and families looking for more affordable housing options.

Weaknesses These strengths have been somewhat dampened by the rapid changes that have brought about some notable weaknesses. Affordability has become quite an issue; therefore, the gentrification process has moved the low-income earners out of places like Ponsonby and Onehunga, creating socioeconomic homogeneity. Increased density and development in areas like Grey Lynn and Onehunga add to traffic congestion and infrastructure strain on residents' lives. And Takanini, being more affordable but with too little amenity, will also deter potential residents due to its longer commutes into the CBD. While growth has to be balanced with community needs, much remains to be done in how local character is preserved across these neighborhoods.

In conclusion, my research has explained the identification of different housing styles in various Auckland areas such as Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Onehunga, and Takaanini, their evolution over time, and their respective values. The study of the concepts of change, spatial distribution, and accessibility reflects on how these housing types have influenced the suburbs and the community, along with the resulting outcomes.

Over time, there has been a significant transformation in house styles. The government has strategically replaced stable homes with new housing complexes, offering limited outdoor space and crowded areas with minimal privacy. While this approach generates additional revenue for the government and provides affordable housing for many families, it fails to address the growing population and the need for privacy. With an increasing number of people moving to Auckland searching for work, the government's decision to build a new housing complex in a local suburb near the city is crucial in addressing these challenges causing traffic pollution around local areas.