Dunedin is the second most southern city in the world with a central focus on education and innovation. A strong history in educating the nations young, especially in the areas of medicine and healthcare, has earned Dunedin the reputation of being a vibrant location to live. Dunedin real estate is extremely varied, with a wide range of suburbs which offer various characteristics and environmental settings, from vibrant inner city locations to relaxed coastal environments. The central city is dominated by the ‘octagon’, which is an eight sided mall area. Being surrounded by trendy cafes and bars, along with leading retail outlets, this is a popular and thriving central area. The main retail area is rapidly expanding due to the success of local business, rising property values and the increasing wealth and prosperity being experienced by the general population. The city is also characterised by historical buildings that resemble cities in Scotland, while large public parks provide a great location for family outings.

Termed the inner suburbs, these are the regions which are located within the circle of hills that surround the centre of Dunedin. The hills give way on the east coast to Otago Harbour and the beaches of St Clair and St Kilda. Mount Cargill, a volcanic outcrop, stands 660 metres high and dominates the northern skyline. Pine Hill, which is the suburb that sits proudly on top of the volcanic range, is characterised with sublime views and character houses which have been refurbished to their previous glory. The northern part of the city centre comprises much of the university buildings and other tertiary institutions. The North East Valley is a residential suburb nestled in between Pine and Signal Hills, where the world’s steepest street can be found. Towards the southern end of the suburb and valley are the Botanical Gardens.

Where the urban environment gives way to the rural environment is Normanby. This suburb is renowned for its wooded recreational areas, reserves and walking tracks. Ravensbourne is one of Dunedin’s oldest suburbs with a unique character and identity, bordering the harbours edge. The beach areas of St Kilda and St Clair and some of more popular suburbs where the coastal region stretches the length of Dunedin. St Kilda is an affordable residential neighbourhood whereas St Clair is one of the wealthiest suburbs with the ruins of Cargill Castle and St Clair Golf Club populates the summit.

With a diverse range of suburbs, types of properties and varying prices, Dunedin real estate offers the potential buyer a plethora of options from the modest of houses in idyllic streets to small mansions overlooking the sandy beaches of St Kilda. No matter what your preference is, get in contact with a local Dunedin real estate agency who understands the market and the variation of real estate available in Dunedin.