Dunedin pair named top landlords

Andrea and Andrew Elliott won top honours in the inaugural Landlords of the Year Award run by the NZ Property Investors Federation (NZPIF) and supported by the Department of Building and Housing (DBH).

The runners-up were Megan and Kevin McCarthy from Auckland, and Hamilton-based Lorna and Jeff Goodin.

DBH client services manager, Jeff Montgomery, who was one of the judges, said the awards showed it’s possible to have a positive relationship with tenants and still run a profitable business.

Montgomery said the winners all had track records of keeping tenants long-term and for addressing maintenance issues. “They were addressing things such as improving properties and adding energy efficiency (measures) to improve their properties.”  

Another theme that emerged was that these landlords are cashed up to an extent and are waiting for the right time to buy.

NZPIF president Martin Evans said these investors are excellent examples of the large number of landlords within the affiliated property investors’ associations who are professional and customer-focused.

He says four years ago the Elliotts realised they needed to make the transition from hobby to profitable business in order to grow their rental portfolio. They began to up-skill themselves and develop a comprehensive home office and file system. Operating very much as a team, they have made that necessary transition. Andrew manages the finances and legal aspects, while Andrea manages the tenant side of the business.

For more on the winners and the award see the latest issue of the NZ Property Investor Magazine.