Consumer NZ reveals the best and worst real estate agencies in 2024. Established in 1959, Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to getting New Zealanders a fairer deal.
For the first time this year, Consumer NZ revealed the best and worst real estate agencies in Aotearoa. Based on feedback from the public and Consumer members, there were clear winners and losers.
Gemma Rasmussen, Consumer NZ’s head of research and advocacy says, “Out of 14 real estate companies, AndCo Realty Group emerged as the standout agency, providing both buyers and sellers with an overall positive experience.” Full results in link below.
The AndCo Realty Group has agencies throughout the country with the name changing in each area, depending on who has the franchise (e.g. Howard & Co in Raumati, Voyle & Co in Paraparaumu and Kelly & Co in Ōtaki, as well as Clark & Co in Porirua and Wilton & Co in Levin). The AndCo Group has rapidly expanded over the last 10 years and currently has 19 offices throughout New Zealand.
Ceinwen Howard established Howard & Co in Raumati in 2016 after a successful career with other real estate companies.
“Starting our own company had risks but it also meant we could bring our own personal touch. Buying and selling a house is usually the biggest financial investment most people make and we really wanted clients to have confidence in our approach,” says Ceinwen.
“We started a boutique model which generally means small but for us, it’s so much more than that. It’s about quality service, quality marketing, and importantly, it’s one-to-one service throughout the journey. Our boutique approach to buying and selling houses is what makes us stand out.”
Consumer NZ says “AndCo Realty Group achieved an overall satisfaction score of 77%, which was significantly higher than the industry average of 63%. It also scored highly for its timely responses, market and legal knowledge, and conduct being ethical, open and honest.
“AndCo Realty Group was the only real estate agency to receive Consumer’s inaugural real estate People’s Choice award.”
“Buying or selling a home can be one of the biggest transactions of your life. It’s an inherently complex experience. At Consumer, we want New Zealanders to have more transparency about real estate agency performance,” says Ms Rasmussen.
She says Housing is an area of increasing concern for New Zealanders, as potential buyers and sellers face challenges with high interest rates and a tight job market.
“Regardless of the economic landscape, buying or selling a house is a high stakes decision that requires high consumer confidence.”
Nearly half of the respondents in Consumer’s real estate survey said they’d encountered problems during their most recent real estate transaction, with the most common issues being poor communication and feeling pressured to make quick decisions.
“We found first-time buyers and sellers usually have high expectations when they enter the real estate market, but end up having the least satisfying experiences. We’re hoping to inspire some real estate agencies to lift the bar,” says Ms Rasmussen.
Consumer’s latest Sentiment Tracker survey reveals that New Zealanders’ concerns about housing have escalated to their highest level in over 2 years.
This comes as almost 3 out of 5 homeowners report they couldn’t afford their home if they were to buy it in today’s market.
Consumer’s latest findings serve as a guide for New Zealanders to make informed decisions in a volatile real estate environment.
At the bottom of the pile with 50% was Professionals. Ironically, Professionals received the lowest score for professionalism, rating poorly for transparency of fees and information provided. Other real estate agencies with low satisfaction scores included Ray White (57%) and LJ Hooker (59%).
Full Survey results: www.consumer.org.nz/articles/best-and-worst-real-estate-companies
For more from Consumer NZ see: www.consumer.org.nz
Local AndCo branches:
Paraparaumu: https://www.voyleandco.nz
Raumati: https://www.howardandco.nz/
Ōtaki: https://www.kellyandco.nz/
Levin: https://www.wiltonandco.nz/
