Sotheby’s expands Wānaka market presence
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty (NZSIR) has bought First National Real Estate Wānaka, effectively doubling the size of its local operations.
The leading real estate agency – which has 29 offices throughout NZ – will bring together the NZSIR and First National teams, working out of the First National premises on Ardmore Street.
About 22 staff will work from the new NZSIR office, including 16 real estate agents.
NZSIR co-founder and managing director Julian Brown says now is the right time to scale up the business in Wānaka and position the company well as it moves into the future.
"We have been looking for a prime location to house our Wānaka team and future proof our business in the local market," Brown says.
"It was not only an ideal location and building for us to move into, but to purchase the business from Quentin Landreth and to amalgamate the First National team with our existing NZSIR Wānaka team is very exciting.
"Wānaka has already seen significant growth, which will certainly continue. Through merging the expertise and experience of these two teams it allows us to collectively continue to provide a premium service to Wānaka property vendors."
Former First National Wānaka director – now sales associate at NZSIR – Quentin Landreth says the acquisition sees him shifting to sales fulltime.
"This was a fantastic opportunity to merge the skills, experience and in-depth local knowledge of our team with the power of a global real estate company," Landreth says.
"Our focus has always been on delivering a first-class experience when buying and selling property in Wānaka and we are delighted to now be part of a premium, innovative brand that shares those values."
The First National office is in the process of being rebranded to NZSIR, a NZ company renowned for its extensive national and international networks. The company first launched in Queenstown in 2005, where its national headquarters remains.
"Wānaka is one of the most sought-after places in NZ and the quality of the property available here is quite exceptional," Brown adds.
"Those exceptional properties require exceptional marketing and local knowledge, as well as access to an international network of qualified buyers. We are excited to be expanding this offering in Wānaka."
