Lyall Bay
A relaxed seaside location with coffee choices galore
Overview
Lyall Bay is blessed with plentiful sunlight and a large sandy beach at the southern end. The locals are from all walks of life and the housing offers much variety, from small flats to cute character cottages. It’s not an especially large suburb, but for some reason it has attracted the development of at least four outstanding cafes.
Best Suited To
Character home enthusiasts, nature lovers, swimmers and surfers, coffee drinkers
Population Profile
Lyall Bay is a relaxed locality, handy to amenities but close to nature with Wellington’s largest beach on the doorstep. The area is a microcosm of Wellington ages and lifestyles. The only age group below Wellington averages are the 18 to 34 year olds, who likely live closer to the city to help further their careers. Ethnicity statistics show that Maori make up 12% and Pacific people 7% of the population, both these figures above Wellington averages. Construction, IT, administration, and education are popular fields of works. There are fewer professionals but more managers, technicians and trade workers here. Many residents work in the Eastern Suburbs or in the city, and statistics show that 22%, travel to work by bus. Household incomes are generally above average, although there are fewer households earning above $100,000.
Typical Homes
Cottages and Californian bungalows from the 1920s dominate here. These will be two or three bedrooms, some upgraded and extended to the rear, others appear untouched for many years and paintwork only just holding on from the seaside environment. The relaxed seaside living tends to come through in people’s homes, as it’s generally less formal here than more expensive seaside localities like Seatoun or Karaka Bays.
There are a number of purpose-built rental flats in Lyall Bay. These flats tend to attract the younger renters, although their affordability in comparison to detached houses is also appealing to couples wanting to save money, or to first home buyers.
New townhouses have also sprung up in the last 20 years. These are likely to be semi-detached, two storey and with built in garaging. They appeal to a wide market including young renters, middle aged or older singles and couples, and first home buyers.
Amenities
Lyall Bay’s proximity to Kilbirnie ensures that it’s only a short distance to a large range of retail services. There is a compact group of local services on the corner of Onepu Road and Wha Street, including a convenience store, hair salon, takeaway store, and the popular Elements Café.
Lyall Bay is actually awash with brilliant cafes including Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli on Queens Drive, Maranui Café on Lyall Parade waterfront, Spruce Goose at the eastern end of Lyall Parade, and Elements Café. Technically in the adjoining suburb of Rongotai, the airport retail park on Tirangi Road contains a number of big-box retailers including The Warehouse, Briscoes, Noel Leeming, Rebel Sport, Kathmandu and Dick Smith Electronics.
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Lyall Bay School is located on Queens Drive and caters for children in years 1 to 6 (five to 10 years), with a current role of about 400 students. The school has grown in the last few years and has implemented a school zone that covers Lyall Bay, Rongotai and most of Kilbirnie. Secondary schools nearby include Rongotai College (boys only), St Catherine’s College (girls only), and St Patricks College Kilbirnie (boys only). Other secondary school options are available closer to the city.
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The beach is the big attraction at Lyall Bay. Regarded as a safe swimming beach it’s home to two surf lifesaving clubs. The beach is very popular for walking, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and beach related events. Dog walking is allowed on the eastern end of the beach only. The Maranui Café is a popular stop-off point for walkers. If you’re into film, the boutique Time Cinema on Sutherland Road seats 39 for pre-arranged screenings, up to four times a month, or the cinema can be booked for private events.
Real Estate Trends
One of the best things about Lyall Bay is that it has a very wide range of dwelling styles and prices, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. At the cheap end of the market it’s possible to pick up a small one bedroom flat for under $450,000. These are sought after by singles, young couples, and investors.
Detached houses start from about the $800,000 mark. This sort of money will get you something small (two bedrooms) and in need of renovation. The bulk of the three bedroom character home market is in the $950,000 to $1.3 million price range. Where they fall within this range will depend on the house size, the amount of land it has, character features and presentation.
Larger homes of four bedrooms or more are harder to find in Lyall Bay. However, when they do hit the market, they can achieve prices in excess of $1.4 million.
Best Streets
Palm Avenue is full of attractive bungalows, a short walk to Kilbirnie shopping. Anything facing the waterfront on Queens Drive is sought after. There are a small number of Queens Drive homes that are absolute waterfront.
House Prices
One bedroom flat, in block, average presentation: from $400,000.
Two bedroom townhouse, crosslease site: from $650,000.
Three bedroom bungalow, character features, partly upgraded: from $800,000.
Larger family home, character style: from $1.1 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 10 minutes off peak.
Airport – driving, five minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving, 20 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Lyall Bay is exposed to the weather, but particularly from the south. Southerly storms can close Lyall Parade for short periods of time while sand is removed from the road. The saving grace is that Lyall Bay is flat as a pancake and thus imminently walk-able, and benefits from excellent direct sunlight.