| 121 T T Karen Phelps Top awards to celebrate anniversary Waikato Real Estate has grown from a family-owned startup to a specialist agency managing more than 1200 rental properties. PROPERTY Waikato Real Estate Waikato Real Estate is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year in style having secured two prestigious national awards that cement its position as one of New Zealand’s leading independent property management agencies. The Hamilton-based company has taken out Large Agency of the Year at both The Tenancy Management Conference (TMC) and the Property Management Conference (PMC) in 2025 — its second PMC national win in three years. The PMC judges praised the agency for its innovative systems, people-first culture, and measurable business results. Waikato Real Estate Managing Director, Michelle Pearson, says winning the award again is a huge honour for the team. “It reflects years of consistent effort to create a property management business where both people and performance thrive. “We’re proud of the culture we’ve built — one where our property managers are supported, our clients are empowered and our community connections are real. We don’t aim to be the biggest, just the best at what we do, and this award shows we’re on the right path.” Established in 1985, Waikato Real Estate has grown from a family-owned startup to a specialist agency managing more than 1200 rental properties valued at nearly $1 billion. Its 18-strong team has an average tenure of over seven years — a rarity in a sector known for high staff turnover. The numbers tell a compelling story. Over the past year, Waikato Real Estate achieved a 99.5% occupancy rate, completed more than 900 rent reviews and project-managed 25 full renovations for investor clients at no cost to landlords. The team welcomed 150 new landlord clients while maintaining an industry-leading client retention rate of just 2%. Michelle says innovation has been central to the agency’s success. A 24/7 call centre and dedicated Relief Property Manager role now protect staff downtime, contributing to the company’s lowest staff turnover in 40 years. It also achieved 100% Healthy Homes compliance ahead of the July deadline, placing it in the top 1% of agencies nationwide. “Our management team and property managers are property investors too, so we understand the needs and challenges of property owners firsthand,”says Michelle. With Hamilton emerging as one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities, she says demand for rental housing continues to outpace supply. “Hamilton’s rental market is still tight, but the balance is shifting. Rents are still rising as landlords’ costs like rates and insurance continue to rise but renters now have more choice.” The agency’s occupancy rate sits at 99%, though Michelle notes this represents a slight shift from earlier in the year when it reached 99.8%. “With more options on the table, tenants are in a stronger position, and landlords need to stay sharp on pricing and presentation to compete,” she says. Properties are taking an average of 14 days from advertising to a signed tenancy agreement, consistent with long-term averages. However, the depth of the applicant pool has changed. “We now see one or two high-quality applicants per property, down from four or five in the past,” says Michelle. “Those top tenants are often weighing up multiple properties, which makes it a fiercely competitive marketplace.” She says investor confidence is returning as lower interest rates create more breathing room. “What’s interesting is that investors aren’t chasing quick wins — they’re looking at Hamilton as a long-term play. Strong migration into the city, population growth, and major infrastructure projects like Ruakura are underpinning confidence.” See our Extensive Range of Plumbing Services in Hamilton 027 271 3831 | greg@plumbit.co.nz • Repairs and maintenance • Blocked drains • Renovations • Gutter cleaning • Roofing repairs • Alterations and designs • Gas repairs and maintenance • Hot Water Cylinders installation and design HAMILTON LEVEL 4, BUILDING E, UNION SQUARE 192 ANGLESEA STREET MORRINSVILLE 190 THAMES STREET CLELANDHANCOX.CO.NZ CONTACT US TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION WITH NO OBLIGATIONS We proudly support Waikato Real Estate Limited by delivering client focused, trusted business advice and solution support. For over three decades, your success is our business.
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