"School zones play a significant role in most families' assessment of a property. They also help to hold a property's value when the market is softer like now," says Tim Kearins, Owner of Century 21 New Zealand.
His comments come as Century 21's property managers and agents notice a lift in enquiries from prospective tenants and buyers as parents try to get their children accepted into certain schools for 2023.
"Desirable school zones have a measurable impact on a property's value. In fact, economists in the past have calculated tens of thousands of dollars more for every decile added in Auckland. Identical houses can literally be a street away yet miles apart on price," says Mr Kearins.
The Century 21 leader says a very desirable school zone is often at the forefront of a property's marketing too.
"In some central Auckland suburbs, you'll often see the likes of 'DGZ' plastered over advertising hoardings. Otherwise known as Double Grammar Zone, it has become a well-known acronym in the Auckland real estate market which is unlikely to change any time soon," he says.
Mr Kearins says population pressure on school rolls in recent years has seen schools enforce their boundaries more strictly. Properties within desirable ring-fenced zones are then limited in supply but high in demand, inevitably leading to higher sales prices.
"A good real estate agent will know all about the school zones and their boundaries, as that will be a common question from buyers who want absolute clarity from the outset," he says.
He says even if first-home buyers don't have children or school aged ones at the time, school zones remain attractive as they're an important factor for future resale. School zones also impact a property's rental prospects, potentially affecting the cost of rentals enormously.
"Our Century 21 office in Palmerston North is right now receiving a higher level of enquiry from parents looking at the step between primary and intermediate or intermediate and secondary schools – with renters especially looking for more personally desirable school zones," says Mr Kearins
Director of Century 21 Dhatt & Co in Manukau, Rupinder Kaur, says in the South Auckland suburbs her team works in many sales are school zone driven.
"Many buyers are happy to pay extra or move into smaller houses if it's a good school zone. Across ethnicities, buyers ask about the school zone and decile. In fact, before they even start looking, they've shortlisted the schools they wish to send their children to," says Ms Kaur.
"Increasingly, school zones are a powerful consideration for both buyers and sellers alike. At Century 21, we pride ourselves knowing the exact school zones and deciles up and down the country. They're too important to second guess," says Tim Kearins.