| 109 T T Emma Bailey Enduring real estate success in S Canty Alongside Timaru the company has offices in Geraldine, Temuka, Waimate and Oamaru and has been part of the Harcourts network for the past 35 years. Harcourts Blackham & Co PROPERTY As one of South Canterbury’s oldest and trusted real estate firms with the biggest market share, Harcourts Blackham and Co is a leader in its field. Their extensive knowledge of the market is why home sellers and buyers alike return time-and-time again. The company has also recently celebrated the impressive milestone of over 60 years in business. It was started by Richard Blackham in 1962, with his son David coming on board, and in 2018 his grandson, Riley Blackham, took over the business, keeping it in the family for the third generation. Alongside Timaru the company has offices in Geraldine, Temuka, Waimate and Oamaru and has been part of the Harcourts network for the past 35 years. Riley says the South Canterbury market is holding up well. “Considering where it has been, it is doing well. This year has started off better than last year. “Listings are coming in and we are getting properties with multiple offers — there is just more action in the market.” The market peaked in 2021, he said, and then there was a major correction in 2022. “There is more consistency; it is more of a balanced market. If history repeats itself, now is definitely a good time to get in especially for first-time buyers.” Properties that were really well presented and low maintenance were selling well, he said. “People are attracted to properties that are ready to move in. There are fewer buyers willing to do the work and buy a house to do it up.” Most of the property transactions were local buyers moving around, with a few cases of people moving from bigger centres to get more bang for their buck. “We have had people moving down from Auckland to Waimate. They enjoy the small community feel there and what they can buy compared to what they can afford in Auckland.” The firm enjoys the largest market share in the property market in the region, he said. “We have the number one market share by a long stretch and have had for a while. “We have the most properties and having the most housing stock and such a substantial amount of the market is great for buyers and sellers — for sellers because we have such a large team we are able to spread the word far and wide.” Contact Us 027 703 5868 scotty@sjmitchell.co.nz www.sjmitchell.co.nz We are proud to support Harcourts - Blackham& Co with our services. Expert Building & Pre-purchase Inspections Riley, 33, became the director at just 25 years old. “When I left school I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. Dad offered me a job in property management and since then I have worked in every facet of the company before stepping into the business in 2018 and buying Dad out. “Dad took some time off and came back into the business in a mentorship role. He has a great helicopter view of the business and gives me ideas. “I’m proud that there is that legacy that has been built on trust and long term relationships. “People consistently return to us and that is a reflection of the really good agents and culture we have.”
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