Highbury
Leafy and private lifestyle, close to Victoria University
Overview
Less than 10 minutes into the city by car but feeling like you’re out in the country, Highbury is popular amongst homeowners who enjoy privacy and a leafy setting. Many homes here enjoy stupendous views over the city and harbour. It’s one of those areas that you probably know little of, but once you’ve moved there, you might never leave.
Best Suited To
Privacy seekers, nature lovers, university staff
Population Profile
The typical Highbury resident is university educated, has an appreciation for music and the arts, and normally loves nature. The leafy surrounds of Highbury attract those who enjoy privacy and the green backdrop of fuss-free native gardens.
Statistical data sets for Highbury are confusing as they include parts of Aro Valley. Highbury has an older population than Aro Valley and residents prefer a quieter life than those in the valley below. The area is dominated by those of European ethnicity – about 90%. Interestingly, almost 70% of residents here have never married.
Compare this to parts of Karori, just across the other side of the valley, where only 35% have never married. A sign perhaps of more liberal attitudes in Highbury? A number of Victoria University staff live here, as it’s a short commute to the university’s Kelburn campus.
Typical Homes
Apart from a small number of 1900s cottages and villas, most housing in Highbury developed from the 1950s. The area has a wide northeast aspect, and many homes enjoy panoramic views over the city and harbour. Older homes are often set on any level, easy accessible sites, while quirky modern homes cling to the steeper hillsides. Almost all are hidden in leafy surrounds. The steepness of sites often precludes extensive, formal gardening, and most locals appear happy to allow New Zealand bush to do it’s native thing here.
Amenities
There are no local shopping services in Highbury. The closest services are in the Kelburn shopping village, about five minutes drive to the north.
There are no local schools in Highbury. The closest primary school is Kelburn Normal School, about five minutes drive to the north. The nearest secondary schools are located in the city – Wellington High School, Wellington College, Wellington Girls – or Samuel Marsden Collegiate in Karori.
George Denton Park and Polehill Reserve are set along the south and eastern flanks of Highbury. These gully areas, once covered in native forest, were cleared in the late 1800s for farming; they have slowly regenerated back to native plant reserves and they now provide numerous walking and mountain biking tracks. Highbury adjoins Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary; this 225 hectare ecosanctuary surrounded by a predator fence that helps protect a number of endangered or regenerating species including Tuatara (New Zealand’s own living dinosaur), 40 native bird species and native freshwater fish.
Real Estate Trends
Highbury is a compact suburb and there are never many recent sales to consider. Looking back over the last 24 months, the highest sale recorded was $1.65 for a renovated 1930s, four bedroom home with double garage. Other sales show a general trend for homes in Highbury to sell between $1.1 million and $1.5 million.
Larger than average homes with great harbour views and modern fitout are likely to achieve above $1.5 million. Smaller homes requiring refurbishment and on steep sections, could possibly be picked up for under $900,000. The proximity to Victoria University tends to keep interest in the suburb at above average levels.
Best Streets
The top portion of Highbury Road, adjoining Zealandia, is keenly sought after. Most homes along this ridgeline enjoy panoramic views over Wellington Harbour and receive all day sunlight.
House Prices
Three bedroom houses from $1 million.
Four bedroom houses from $1.2 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 10 minutes non-peak, 20 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, 20 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving, 15-20 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Homes on the ridgetops get the best views, but they also get the worst weather. Exposed on all sides, they will experience a regular northerly wind, and the occasional blast from a cold southerly. Homes below a ridge and facing west will get great afternoon sun and some shelter from winds. East and south facing properties will get the least wind but are likely to lose the sun in the afternoon and during winter.