| 101 PROPERTY Xclusive Property Management Local focus at the core The team is headed by mother-and-daughter team Brooke and daughter Tee Azzopardi. T T Rosa Watson Rental sector shifting from ‘average’ T T Kelly Deeks Lime Real Estate North Canterbury-based Lime Real Estate is bringing personalised and boutique property solutions to the North Canterbury area with a uniquely local focus. The family-run agency services the North Canterbury and Christchurch areas and focuses on residential and lifestyle sales and property management. The company had its beginnings in 2020 and recently reached a milestone six years in business. The specialised team is headed by mother-and-daughter team Brooke Azzopardi and daughter Tee Azzopardi. Tee focuses on the day-to-day service of our property management department, while agency principal Brooke works alongside her and assists where required. Brooke was motivated to start the company after spending 15 years working in the corporate world and wanting to bring something different to the market. “A service that is more personal and focused on people, not numbers,” she explains. “When people choose Lime Real Estate to manage their investments, they are choosing Xclusive Property Management says Canterbury’s rental sector is not softening but shifting, with performance increasingly tied to property quality, presentation, and professional oversight. Managing director Carol Champ says commentary around a slowing market does not reflect what her team is seeing across a portfolio of around 600 properties throughout Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri. “Demand remains consistent,” she says. “Tenants are actively searching, properties are renting, and we continue to see new investors entering the market, particularly those seeking long term stability in a proven region.” Instead of decline, she says Canterbury is moving into a more mature phase following the post-earthquake rebuild, where stronger fundamentals are shaping outcomes. “Performance now varies between property types. It is a transition toward a healthier market that is no longer rewarding average.” Over the past decade, Canterbury has built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s more stable rental regions, supported by steady growth and reliable occupancy. Carol says tenants now have greater choice and higher expectations. “The market has become more selective. Tenants are choosing warm, modern, compliant homes that present well, and are willing to wait for the right property.” Newer properties are attracting strong enquiry and renting quickly, while older homes are taking longer to secure tenants and often require price adjustments to remain competitive. “We are seeing that gap become more pronounced and expect it to remain as the market continues to evolve.” Carol says Canterbury continues to hold a competitive advantage, particularly in affordability and lifestyle, with ongoing growth across Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri supporting demand and population movement into the region. peace of mind and expert care. We offer a very personalised service and a hands-on approach. “We don’t have different staff members doing different parts of the process, so you can trust that your property manager knows your property inside out. “It’s managed with real integrity, professionalism and (with the goal to) maximising investment potential ... a huge focus for us. “ A client’s investment becomes our baby, and we nurture it in every way.” And they take a special approach to property management. “We don’t treat your investment as just a rental property — it’s a home for someone, and we make a concerted effort to ensure that we find tenants who view your investment as their home too.” She says it is a very exciting time in North Canterbury for property investors with consistently strong growth year on year. “People are realising that they can get more for their money, with only a short commute to the airport and the CBD, and we never have difficulty finding suitable tenants.” Rental growth is expected to remain steady following post Covid increases that stabilised through 2025. “The next phase will be moderate and sustainable. Performance is now closely linked to how well a property is presented, maintained, and managed.” That shift is increasing the importance of professional property management as regulation and tenant expectations rise. “The operational environment for landlords has become more complex,” Carol says. “Managing a rental now requires a much higher level of expertise and attention to detail.” She says the role extends beyond rent collection to include compliance, risk management, tenant selection, and asset performance. Carol also points to a divide within the sector, with differences in approach impacting results. “At one end are companies focused on long term performance. At the other are fee driven models with less consistency. The results can be very different for landlords.” She welcomes the proposed Residential Property Managers Bill, saying greater regulation would lift standards. “For landlords, choosing a property manager is no longer just about cost. It directly influences returns, risk, and the long-term performance of the investment.” Carol Champ Your trusted provider for healthy homes. GET IN TOUCH: 027 284 5276 | admin@daleigh.co.nz | daleigh.co.nz Kelvin Cussons Plumbing FLUSH WITH CONFIDENCE! 021 06 000 94 kelvin.cussons.plumbing@gmail.com FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS! Contact 022 456 1188 contact@cleandry.co.nz www.cleandry.co.nz Professional floor and carpet cleaning for better results throughout Christchurch • Residential & Commercial Professional Carpet Cleaning • Water Damage Drying & Carpet Restoration • Upholstery & Fabric Furniture Cleaning • Stain Removal & Spot Treatment • Pet Urine & Odour Removal PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND TENANCY SERVICES New Build and Quality Homes Specialists Enquire today 03 423 9938 info@xclusive.co.nz www.xclusive.co.nz Carol Champ Managing Director Managing Canterbury’s Better Rentals for over 15 years
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