Ardern and Gayford paid $1.74 million for the bungalow in 2018, and the RV is $2.3m.
What the new owners secured was something stylish and homely.
“Behind a crisp white fence on one of Sandringham’s prettiest streets, this timeless 1930s bungalow introduces itself with traditional weatherboard charm and a welcoming front porch,” the agents’ listing said.
Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford have quit Auckland and are now reportedly living in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images
“The clever layout offers a superb balance of togetherness and quiet retreat across four bedrooms and multiple living spaces. At the rear, the light-washed master suite and lounge serve as a calming sanctuary, serviced by a freshly updated ensuite.
“Entertaining is effortless, with social spaces extending outward in every direction. French doors open from the kitchen and dining area on to a sheltered central deck perfect for the daily rhythm of family life.”
The last time Ardern sold a family home was in 2018, when she was heavily pregnant, and less than six months into her new job as Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Ardern and Gayford didn’t advertise the home on the open market; rather, they trusted their agent to find a buyer from his database.
The agent told the Herald back then that the house on Moa Rd in Auckland’s Pt Chevalier had been snapped up by a “nice Kiwi family” for $1.32m – $333,000 more than Ardern paid for it in 2016.
The couple chose to sell their bungalow in a buyer’s market, with Auckland property values down 2.5% year on year and Sandringham house values down 5.4% over the same period.
Research by interest.co.nz found that only 30% of the 186 Auckland properties that went to auction in the seven days from June 20 ended up selling under the hammer. In Canterbury, the clearance rate was 50%.
The auction results for Sandringham homes from the past quarter show a patchy market at best. However, agents told OneRoof late last month there was a shortage of good four-bedroom, two-bathroom properties in the Sandringham-Mt Eden area.
“We routinely have very good numbers for these [four-bed, two-bath] properties. They seem to be in hot demand at the moment,” said Ray White Mt Eden owner Jared Cooksley, who is not involved in the sale.
He said many buyers tossing up whether or not to renovate their own homes often looked at what was for sale and decided to buy something already done instead.
“They’re motivated by family situation rather than market dynamics.”
He said the sweet spot in this area was properties at or just under the $2m mark.
Ray White agent Robyn Ellson, who is also not involved in the sale, said it “probably hits the sweet spot in the market in terms of what people want”.
“A well-presented, character bungalow, north-facing. It’s got a nice look to it; it should perform well.”