Auckland business wins world recognition

December 15, 2017

Auckland business wins world recognition for Property Management practice

Auckland’s Barfoot & Thompson has won unprecedented world-wide recognition as ‘Best International Lettings Agency 2017-2018’ at the recent International Property Awards in London.

In a first for any New Zealand agency, the ‘Best International’ title means the family-owned and operated business outperformed others from around the globe in the Lettings category, including entrants from the Asia Pacific region as well as other regional winners from Africa to the UK.

Kiri Barfoot, who oversees Barfoot & Thompson’s property management division, says the company is both extraordinarily proud and humbled by the win.

“This unprecedented win is a real testament to the hard work, professionalism and aspirations of our team over many years. It’s great to see our efforts stack up with the best in the business from around the globe.”

While the company is best known for residential sales, property management has been an integral part of Barfoot & Thompson for decades, including playing a critical role in the company’s survival in the tough times of the Great Depression and World War II, and continues to grow.

“From humble beginnings, we now offer property management through more than 60 branches and manage more than 15,000 properties.”

She says Barfoot & Thompson has placed particular emphasis on further developing its internal management and service systems, technology and compliance support for landlords over recent years.

“We set our standards for customer service exceptionally high and back that up with robust property management policies and new technologies.”

Although property letting is a largely unregulated part of the real estate industry, Barfoot & Thompson has put self-enforced safeguards in place with all rental funds managed by Head Office Accounting and held in a regularly audited trust account.

The company has also developed top-of-the-line technology to support both the marketing of properties for rent and their ongoing administration, comprehensively tracking all activities relating to the management of a property.

“We are also very focused on supporting our clients in becoming better landlords. We offer specialist information, support and discount schemes to assist with property improvements.”

Earlier this year, for example, the company offered its landlords 50% off floor or ceiling insulation to see more rental properties better insulated for tenants and ready for incoming legislation.

In addition to Best International Lettings Agency, Barfoot & Thompson also secured repeat wins for Best Real Estate Agency Asia Pacific and Best Marketing Asia Pacific and a won a host of New Zealand specific accolades to round out its most successful year at the Awards to date.

The International Property Awards recognise the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. The Awards are open to residential and commercial property professionals from around the globe. Regional awards categories include Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK and USA. Each regional winner must have first won at their relevant national level to be considered for a regional award. More than 70 experts are involved in a meticulous judging process covering every aspect of the property business.

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