A house on the market for the first time in 60 years offers buyers rare residential and commercial potential in a city fringe location identified for intensive growth.

The three-bedroom detached home on Morningside Drive sits within view of Westfield St Lukes and is neighboured by large-format retailers in an area in St Lukes/Morningside that is increasingly eyed by developers.

The nearly 700-square-metre freehold site forms part of the Business – Town Centre zone under Auckland’s unitary plan.

Generally applied to provide a focus for growth and intensification around major roads, this zoning permits diverse, high-density development options with an allowable building height of 18 metres at the site for sale.

The freehold land and buildings at 43 Morningside Drive, St Lukes, Auckland, are being marketed for sale by James Were of Bayleys Auckland Central.

The property will go under the hammer at an auction on Wednesday 12 March, unless it is sold prior.

The approximately 697-square-metre landholding contains a three-bedroom home of some 110 square metres. A driveway beside the house leads to a double garage plus excess land at the back of the section.

A periodic residential tenancy agreement currently returns $550 per week.

Were said the property had been well cared for by its existing tenant for over 32 years and was once the location of their cleaning business.

“The existing dwelling and garage will appeal to owner-occupiers and add-value investors. The site's underlying zoning allows for both commercial and residential use or development – supporting growth, intensification, and long-term capital gains.

“The section is underutilised given the zoning and location, meaning there is immediate potential to redevelop, or to capture value gains through long-term land banking.

“The property benefits from a high-profile position in the heart of the established St Lukes retail precinct, moments from Westfield St Lukes and close to other big-name retailers such as Noel Leeming, Chemist Warehouse, Petstock and PB Tech,” Were said.

Other surrounding properties house a mix of residential, professional services and medical occupiers.

The site for sale is immediately bordered to the rear by a strip of commercial premises housing businesses ranging from a legal practice to trade providers, manufacturers, printers, IT support, a skincare clinic and a clothing wholesaler.

“With excellent public transport links, and seamless access to motorways and the CBD, this location is poised for ongoing demand and upside. The area’s attractiveness is further enhanced by its intense and diverse development zoning options which should continue to lift this already flourishing city-fringe location.

“The upcoming sale of 43 Morningside Drive is an outstanding chance to secure a high-profile site in a tightly held and highly sought-after location,” Were said.