Paraparaumu Properties Driving Force In Kapiti Coast Real Estate Market

Paraparaumu (north of Wellington, New Zealand) gets called all sorts of things from “Para-Param” to “Pram”, but it can't get called uninteresting. After all, Paraparaumu is the heart of the Kapiti Coast's commercial centre and lies just 50 kilometres north Wellington City (New Zealands capital city).

Kapiti Island as viewed from Paraparaumu Beach.

It is not surprising therefore, that Paraparaumu real estate is the driving force in the Kapiti Coast real estate market. Paraparaumu is well linked by improved commuter train and bus services, making it possible for thousands of Coasters to commute daily to jobs in Porirua, Wellington and the Hutt Valley.

Why do they do it? It's the lifestyle the Coast has to offer. The area, although growing, has a more casual and relaxed feel about it. Coming home from Wellington or Porirua over the Pukerua Bay Hill, commuters are greeted by the sight of Kapiti Island sitting majestically 4 kilometres off the Paraparaumu coastline. The Kapiti Coast is not as exposed to the cold southerly winds and often has clear blue skies when the capital is shrouded in grey cloud.

Another attraction for residing in Paraparapara, Raumati, or Waikanae are the value-for-money Kapiti Coast real estate prices. Many couples sell up their houses in the city for two or three hundred thousand dollars more than what they will generally pay for Paraparaumu properties or other Kapiti Coast real estate. This is a popular option as the lower priced properties leave the retirees with money in their pockets to travel, visit family, enjoy extra luxuries etc.

However, that is not to say the Paraparaumu property they buy is inferior to what they owned in Wellington. Far from it. Many retirees from Wellington will have sold and older style dwelling (maybe 60 years old), and will buy a brand new three or four bedroom one level low maintenance brick and aluminium house, with double double garage, two bathrooms etc. Very comfortable living!

Many retirees, and younger folk, enjoy the relaxed lifestyle the Kapiti Coast has to offer. Boating and fishing are popular, as is golfing and walking (there are no steep hills in Paraparumu except east over the railway line). The Coast is well served by golf courses. In Paraparaumu alone there are two – the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course and the Kapiti Golf Club.

There is one thing that never changes on the Coast, and that is Kapiti Island (10 kilometres long). It is a welcoming site for all local residents when they return home from a trip to the city or from holidaying overseas. The famous Kapiti Island landmark is home to endangered native bird life like the Little Spotted Kiwi.

Paraparaumu Beach has some nice cafes and is well known for its fish & chips. Many people buy them and then wander across to what the local refer to as “Fish 'n Chip Hill" on the beach front. MacLean Park is also a great spot for eating fish & chips and has picnic tables and a children's play area.

Kapiti Coast real estate agents enjoy marketing Paraparaumu properties because there is so much to offer buyers in the area in the way of lifestyle choices and properties to choose from.