Living on a prayer…literarily

Media Release
11/10/2010
Living on a prayer…literarily

Buddhist devotees seeking residential karma are being lured to East Auckland where four new apartments are on the market for sale.

The apartments are in a complex in Flat Bush overlooking the famous Fo Guang Shan temple – the largest Buddhist temple in New Zealand.

The two and three bedrooms apartments are being sold by Bayleys through a receivership auction being held on October 26.

Bayleys residential sales consultant Mike Woods said a unique approach had been taken to marketing this property because of their unique location.
“There is nothing like this in New Zealand - an apartment complex with a truly
religious back-yard view,” he says.

While the Buddhist community in New Zealand is small comparatively, it has a loyal following. The Fo Guang Shan temple is open to everyone as a place that promotes ‘humanistic Buddhism’ – the integration of people's spiritual practice into all aspects of their daily lives.

“From the windows of their apartment, the temple can be seen in all its glory, along with a massive Buddha statue and two-tonne bell,” Mr Woods said.

“Buddhists are renowned for their peaceful way of life, and anyone searching for a harmonious place to live – with a temple to add divine Feng shui to a relaxed outlook in life - will be right at home,” says Mr Woods.

“Devout Buddhists will have no problems with commuting times for their daily prayers as the temple entrance is just metres away.

“There’s no issue with boy racers. The only sounds you will hear are the clanging of the symbols and dinging of the bell,” says Mr Woods.

Since opening seven years ago, the Fo Guang Shan temple had provided community courses such as Chinese calligraphy, Chinese language, yoga and martial arts, as well as providing a venue for crime prevention talks and meetings.
The freehold title units being offered for sale at the October 26 auction feature a mix of two and three-bedroom residences – ranging in size from 70 to 117 square metres.

The two-bedroom units are on a single level and come with one car park, while the three-bedroom units are spread over two floors and come with two car parks. All car parking is secure.

All of the four units for sale have open-plan kitchen and dining rooms, along with multiple bathrooms and exposure decks.

Property rental and management agencies in the area estimate the two-bedroom units have a rental potential of $380-$400 per week, while the three bedroom units could be let for between $450-$500 per week.

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