If you're looking for a first home, a smart investment or a neat downsize make sure you look at this recently renovated two-bedroom unit.

Set back from Onewa Road it sets you up nicely for walking to Birkenhead or catching the bus to the city, without being right on top of the traffic.

It is a gem, inside and out. A lovely sunny new kitchen opens onto the lounge area, and there are two good bedrooms with a family bathroom, all modernized and recently decorated. The sunroom off the lounge gives you even more space. Then there's a second large lounge in what used to be the garage. (Talk about making the most of 110 sqm.)

But don't worry, parking's no problem here. There are two off-street parking spaces and you have exclusive use of the garden, which as luck would have it is big enough to park two boats. Or you can just enjoy relaxing in the two outside lounge areas and expansive deck spaces.

If there are children in your life, or there might be one day, you'll be within walking distance of three great schools (Northcote College, Northcote Primary, and St Mary's Primary).

Whichever rung of the property ladder you're on, step inside and take a closer look.