Crofton Downs
A range of homes to suit all budgets
Overview
Up until a just a few years ago this location was two separate suburbs, Crofton Downs and Chartwell, but now officially known just as Crofton Downs. The areas lie side by side, but still have some distinct differences. Crofton Downs lies to the preferred northern flank of the hillside, where direct sunlight is more plentiful. Chartwell is placed to the east and south facing slopes and thus receives less sunlight, make it the less preferred option. Both areas are sought after for affordable housing, making them popular with first home buyers.
Best Suited To
Anyone looking for an affordable entry into the Wellington property market.
Population Profile
Statistically a mostly white, middle class suburb, the typical resident is aged 30 to 60, well-educated and often commutes to Wellington for work each day. Many young families start out, owning their first homes here. The area is popular among nature lovers as many homes have mature gardens and the locality looks out over bush-clad hillsides. Chartwell is also home to a smaller group of young renters who occupy a number of semi-detached units that are scattered about the suburb.
Typical Homes
Developed from the 1960s onward, the typical home here will be detached, one or two levels, spacious with large windows that provide a peaceful outlook over the bush clad hillsides. There are many standard housing styles from this era, interspersed with some larger, architecturally designed homes. Small enclaves of newer homes exist, where once larger sites have since been subdivided. The southern portion of the suburb (Chartwell) is more recent in its development. Dwellings here are mostly from the 1980s onward, often of low to medium cost construction, and often on steeper sites.
Amenities
The area is well serviced with a group of shops situated on Churchill Drive. Crofton Downs railway station is located nearby, so it’s a handy spot to pick up any necessities on the way home. Countdown supermarket now offers a modern shopping environment. Included within the supermarket complex is a pharmacy and hairdresser. A large Mitre 10 hardware store is also set nearby, offering easy access to home renovation tools and materials.
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Crofton Downs School (formerly Chartwell School) is situated on Chartwell Drive. This caters for children years one to six. The school has a multicultural focus including Japanese language lessons. The nearest secondary school is Onslow College, approximately 10 minutes drive to the north, in Johnsonville.
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Trelissick Park is an attractive and well maintained area, set in a long gully below Crofton Downs railway station. The park stretches to the bottom of Ngaio Gorge and contains a range of flat grass areas for picnics, bush walks and areas of historical interest. Huntleigh Park Reserve is situated off Silverstream Road with a level grassed area adjacent the road, rising into native bush hillside. Tracks rise from the reserve, providing links to the Skyline Track and Northern Walkway.
Real Estate Trends
Crofton Downs provides an established, mature neighbourhood at affordable prices. The southern end (often still referred to as Chartwell) is cheaper than the northern end due to the steeper contour and the fact that high tension power lines cross the suburb here. Prices can vary quite widely, depending on house size and age. Typical 1960s homes providing three bedrooms often sell from $750,000. Larger and newer executive homes tend to sell for $1 million to $1.5 million.
Best Streets
Silverstream Road is popular as the land tends to be an easy gradient and there is an attractive view across the neighbouring native bush hillside. Downing Street, an enclave of newer homes developed in the 1990s, contains large family homes with good sized sections and a wide north outlook.
House Prices
Older three bed houses from $750,000.
Newer three bedroom houses from $1 million
Older four bed houses from $900,000.
Newer four bedroom houses from $1.2 million
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 15 minutes non-peak, 25 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, 25 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley- driving, 20-25 minutes via Ngaio Gorge.
Weather
The northern part of Crofton Downs is preferred as it receives excellent direct sunlight and is sheltered by the reserve land opposite. Houses higher up (Downing Street) are more exposed to northerlies. The southern side of the suburb (Chartwell Drive) can suffer from shading, particularly in winter.