Our Story

Otago Real Estate was founded in 1987 by Chris James. From humble beginnings in Albany Street, we are now a boutique, family-owned business with a team of six. Now managed by Nick James, Otago Real Estate resides in our recently renovated office in Moray Chambers.

We specialise in property investment and management, our portfolio includes commercial, retail and residential property, with over 110 commercial tenants and 50 residential tenancies, from the wharf precinct to central Dunedin and student accommodation – the most significant of which being the Savoy Building, containing the beautiful Savoy Reception Centre.

At Otago Real Estate we specialise in managing, leasing and selling commercial property.

As Trustees of numerous Heritage Category 1 and 2 properties we have worked to restore them to today’s standards, creating comfortable contemporary spaces for our tenants. We have also carried out more modern developments including The Chamberson Hotel. We have been previous winners of the Award of Excellence 2019 at the Property Council New Zealand, Industry Awards, and the Supreme Winner 2019 Award at the Dunedin City Council Outstanding Heritage Re-Use Awards.

We also have a smaller portfolio of properties in Queenstown and Arrowtown, managed from the Dunedin office.

We have an in-house maintenance team, Henri and Simon, who proudly maintain our properties, doing everything from minor repairs to larger renovations and commercial fit-outs.

Chris is as passionate about real estate today as he was when he formed the company in 1987. He has a long association with real estate in Dunedin and Queenstown and is still very active in the industry today.

Chris James

Founder/Managing Director

Having previously worked on our properties, Nick now manages the day to day running of our portfolio, including new investment, renovations and developments, property management, leasing and maintenance.

Nick James

Director

Our dedicated Property Manager, has worked at Otago Real Estate since 2004.  Carolyn has had a long association with real estate in Dunedin including selling, office management and managing commercial property.

Carolyn Mclean

Property Manager

Melissa has over 15 years Personal Assistant and Secretarial experience. She spent 11 years as PA for a prestigious property Estate in London. Upon returning home, Melissa joined Otago Real Estate in early 2021.

Melissa McCabe

PA/Assistant

Henri is a qualified glazier and all round handyman, and has worked at Otago Real Estate since 2007.

Henri Tonnon

Maintenance

Simon has been with Otago Real Estate since 2020.  Simon has a great all-round knowledge of the building process, is proactive and has an excellent attention to detail, making him a great addition to our team.

Simon Mowat

Maintenance

© 2024 Otago Real Estate Limited