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Convenience trumps coastal views when it comes to the value of land in Auckland.

New Auckland Council analysis — based on last year’s property valuations and a new spatial demand model — has revealed how residential land values vary across the city.

The highest values are in Takapuna, the suburbs west and east of the CBD, and in the eastern bays.

Values are slightly lower — but tend to be above average — in the East Coast Bays, Devonport peninsula, Hobsonville, the main city isthmus, Howick, Totara Park and Manukau areas.

The lowest land values are in the areas Massey West, Glen Eden, Māngere and Ōtara areas.

Auckland Council Chief Economist Gary Blick said the biggest factor driving land values was proximity to commercial centres, particularly the CBD.

“Demand tends to be stronger in central locations and locations that are closer to things people need in their daily lives, such as access to services like shops as well as transport links and also jobs.”

Blick said some land could command higher values because it is close to natural amenities, like beaches, coastlines and parks.

“[Some] people want a bit more people space and happy to live a bit further away and travel a bit more.”

Transport corridors — particularly major train stations or transport hubs — can also increase land values.

“When you’ve got a rapid transport network that gives you the frequency and speed — like around those station catchments — people are prepared to pay a little bit more for those locations and the convenience they offer.”

Land values can often different significantly from housing prices, depending on how many homes have been built on land or could be built on land under planning rules.

“When you enable more intensity or more flexible use of land, it can be used more productively and that’s capitalised into the land value.

“Even though the land value goes up, you can use it more flexibly and you can use less land per home.

“You’re giving the person the choice to use less land and perhaps have a terraced house or townhouse-style home.”
Auckland Council this week voted to send a new plan change out to public consultation which will dictate how much intensification can occur across the city and where.

RMA Minister Chris Bishop said Aucklanders will have a chance to have their say on the latest plans from November 3 to December 19.

Michael Sergel is ��һ�ǿ�����talk ZB’s business reporter, covering the daily life of business and the business of daily life. He’s been covering business, politics, local government and consumer affairs for over a decade.