Paparangi
Dependable homes in an established northern neighbourhood
Overview
​Well regarded for its solid 1960s housing, good schools and sunny north-west aspect, Paparangi is a popular destination for young families and first home buyers. It’s also home to a number of retirees who have lived here since the suburb was first developed. Continued residential expansion in neighbouring Grenada Village should help maintain Paparangi’s popularity, as the sites are already well developed here.
Best Suited To
Young families and first home buyers.
Population Profile
Paparangi residents are similar to those in nearby Newlands, although Paparangi tends to have a slightly older demographic. Overall there is a good mixture of age groups and ethnicities.
The area is popular among young families looking for affordable and dependable homes, handy to a number of local schools and the Johnsonville shopping hub. You’re just as likely to see older folk in the streets, as you are parents with young children. Less common are 18-34 year olds. They may have grown up in the area but moved closer to the city for work and social opportunities.
Professionals are the most common occupation type, but you’re also likely to find those working in technical services, trades, clerical and administrative roles. Home ownership is at 72%, well above the Wellington average.
Typical Homes
Paparangi was originally settled in the late 1800s, as a farming area which supplied milk to Wellington. Some of the original farmhouses from this period remain, set on larger, private sites with mature gardens. The area remained sparsely populated until about 1950, when large scale residential development began.
Many homes in Paparangi were constructed in the period 1950 to 1970, by Beazley Homes, a company which built a huge number of houses throughout New Zealand. Consequently, the housing here tends to have a homogenous feeling as the designs are very similar, with slight variations on a theme. These houses are generally regarded as solid and dependable, often constructed using native timber in flooring and joinery.
Homes here are nearly always detached and on good sized sections, with plenty of outdoor space. Pockets of new housing developed in the 1990s, the most notable being Ring Lane, a cul-de-sac located opposite Newlands College.
Amenities
Paparangi has a small group of shops on Mark Avenue; here you’ll find a convenience store, takeaways, and a laundomat. New World supermarket is located a short drive away on Newlands Road, or more extensive facilities are offered in Johnsonville, about five minutes drive to the west.
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Paparangi School is the local primary, an easy walk from all parts of the suburb. Newlands Intermediate and Newlands College are situated within walking distance too.
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Seton Nossiter Park is well known among locals, occupying a large gully between Paparangi and the adjoining suburb of Grenada Village. The park has walking tracks, fields, playground, and lots of native bush. There are a number of smaller parks including Jay Street Park, Helston Road Playground Area, and Helston Park.
Real Estate Trends
Paparangi has proved a popular location in recent years, especially among young families who are setting up first homes. Considered a little more desirable than Newlands, because of the better climate and fewer flats, prices tend to be slightly higher than their Newland’s counterparts.
It’s possible to pick up a 1960s three bedroom home here from $700,000, although it’s likely to be original and in need of full refurbishment. Above $800,000 the options increase significantly.
Larger, refurbished homes on attractive sites can attract prices up to $1.2 million. Very occasionally, one of the original farmhouses will come on the market. These are often on sites of over 1,000 square metres, are highly sought after and can sell in excess of $1.2 million
Best Streets
Hillview Crescent and Tree Top Lane are short cul-de-sacs, containing well-presented homes on larger sections.
House Prices
Basic 1960s three bedroom home, needs upgrading, from $700,000.
Well-presented 1960s home, three bedrooms, partly upgraded, from $800,000.
Larger, four bedroom home, upgraded and with attractive site, from $900,000.
Travel Times
Central city – driving, 10 minutes non-peak, up to 25 minutes peak.
Airport – driving, 20 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving, 20 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Paparangi enjoys a wide north and north-west aspect, benefiting from plentiful sunlight. Homes that are higher up, on exposed north-facing hillsides, will suffer a reasonable amount of wind.