THE BOB DEY PROPERTY REPORT - Christchurch-based real estate company Simes Ltd has expanded into the Southern Lakes, buying upmarket real estate company Belle Property Queenstown Ltd.

Belle was part of the Belle Property Pty Ltd group founded in Sydney in 2000 by Chris Meehan & Mark Elmowy.

Simes chief executive Layne Harwood said: “This is a very exciting development for Simes. Adding Belle Property Queenstown to our company compliments all our current work.

“The Simes focus is on commercial property, with more than a century’s business heritage and the number one commercial real estate position in Christchurch. Belle is an Australasian company which is well known as a successful marketer of premium homes.”

Layne Harwood says he & wife Linda, the Simes chief operating officer, had long admired the Belle Property marketing style and now looked forward to growing the brand in Queenstown and introducing it to Christchurch.

“Belle Property has a unique & successful marketing approach to top-of-the-line homes. It is unrivalled in this country and will help us maximise the profile of Christchurch’s most outstanding & elegant homes.

“I have spoken to former Belle staff in Queenstown, who all speak passionately about the Belle Property brand. I know we are buying a brand people feel very fond of and proud to market their homes with.”

Belle Property Group chief operating officer Anthony Harris said the sale was good news for South Island real estate: “Layne & Linda have a proven track record of business & real estate experience & success - they have certainly made their mark on Christchurch since they bought Simes 18 months ago.”

Mr Harwood started his career as a property valuer nearly 3 decades ago and established his own commercial valuation practice in Auckland, before expanding into property consultancy, property development & management consultancy.

Barfoot & Thompson recruited him in 1998 and, from 2000-05, he headed the commercial property division. In his 5 years at the helm it grew from 15 to 70 staff, and from $50 million to more than $500 million of sales.