The first residences from the Karaka Homes Collection have been released to the market, forming part of the 82-hectare masterplanned Karaka Village community – a neighbourhood set to redefine the balance between affordability, quality, and lifestyle in South Auckland

Brought to life by New Zealand-owned developer Cappella Property, the Karaka Homes Collection combines architecturally designed residences with extensive landscaping, village amenities, and more than 20 hectares of parkland, wetlands, and walking trails.

The result is a new neighbourhood that promises “country life made easy” – a fresh interpretation of the still-treasured quarter-acre dream.

Bayleys Lifestyle and Country Sales specialist Stefni Baigent and colleague Amy Kitto are bringing the homes to market from $795,000, describing the stage as a rare chance to secure a place in a carefully planned community at an accessible price point.

“These homes are completed beautifully, with layouts that feel open and spacious, and finishes that punch above their price tag. For buyers comparing what’s available elsewhere, the level of specification here represents outstanding value for money,” Baigent says.

“The first release comprises 18 thoughtfully designed residences with both standalone and duplex configurations on sites ranging from 148 to 208sqm (more or less). Each feature approximately 110sqm of internal floorspace, including three bedrooms, two tiled bathrooms and a powder room, with additions such as heat pumps, natural textures, and curated colour palettes inspired by the New Zealand landscape.”

Bayleys Residential Sales specialist Amy Kitto says early buyer enquiry is a mix of first-time purchasers, families, and some investors keyed into local growth dynamics.

“Early uptake has been encouraging with several homes from this release already sold – a clear sign that buyers are finding value in the vision for this community.

“What’s exciting is that people aren’t just buying a house, they’re buying into the beginning of something bigger - a village with boutique stores, eateries, and community spaces, all integrated with the natural beauty of Karaka and a five-minute drive from key transport links. It’s modern rural living, with long-term growth potential.”

That growth is underpinned by the scale of investment sweeping South Auckland. Over the next 20 years, more than 120,000 new residents are expected in the wider region. New rail stations, motorway upgrades, and the landmark Drury Town Centre are underway, while major employers such as Fisher & Paykel Healthcare have secured large landholdings nearby for long-term development.

Cappella Property managing director Adam Reynolds says the masterplanned approach ensures residences within the Karaka Homes Collection are future ready.

“We’ve taken inspiration from Karaka’s farming legacy and designed a community that enhances its space, greenery and amenity with a high build quality, so residents feel proud of where they live now, and secure in the value of their investment over time.

“Ultimately, the community will comprise 850 homes. While zoning could allow for greater density, we’ve chosen to honour Karaka’s natural character, preserving its sense of openness and rural connection.

“This vision is expressed through 30-metre-wide roads and an eight-hectare central parkland – akin to Auckland Central’s Cornwall Park – interspersed with mature London plane trees, carefully retained plantings made by the previous landowner 25 years ago.”

Positioned 37 kilometres southwest of Auckland’s CBD, Karaka Village is already home to a grocer, café, childcare centre, and sports facilities, with a new private hospital under construction nearby. Two additional hectares have been reserved for further commercial development, with the first build activity expected this summer.

Baigent says families are well-catered for with local schooling, including Karaka School, Te Hihi Primary and ACG Strathallan, alongside new education facilities planned as the community grows.

“With burgeoning amenity and lifestyle in abundance, this is an exciting new precinct that is, in every sense, ‘better by a country mile’ – the Karaka Homes Collection represents an opportunity to get in early at the heart of Auckland’s most dynamic and growing neighbourhood,” she adds.

View two the two listings here and here.