Wellington’s Real Estate Landscape 

When asked about Wellington’s housing market, Mike Brodie candidly highlighted the challenges brought about to Wellington’s real estate by COVID-19. He explained that many housing developments were paused, with a significant reduction in new builds. Nobody’s building a lot at the moment. Most of the consents have been put on hold, Brodie stated, noting that current projects were based on pre-COVID market trends. 

Brodie touched on how developers are starting to regain confidence, focusing on one and two-bedroom apartments targeted at couples. However, he cautioned that while the market may be in a downturn, real estate operates in cycles. As long as you hold property for long enough, you’ll come out on the right end of it, he remarked, emphasizing the importance of patience and long-term strategy in property investment. 

Cycleways and Their Impact on Property Sales and Wellington’s real estate

Brodie also shared his thoughts on Wellington’s new cycleways and their impact on property sales and Wellington’s real estate. He suggested that while there’s a place for cycleways, they can pose challenges, particularly when they limit parking spaces. If a cycleway is going outside your house and you can’t park your car, it’s not going to help you sell your house, he observed, reflecting the concerns of both homeowners and business owners along these routes. 

Rugby Memories and Club Success 

As the president of OBU Rugby Club, Brodie reminisced about his own playing days, having started his rugby career at OBU in 1987. He fondly remembered Jock Hobbs, a former club captain, as a key figure who made a significant impact both on and off the field. 

Brodie was keen to share OBU’s recent success, celebrating the club’s victories in both the Swindale Shield and the Jubilee Cup. We’re on a magnificent roll, he said, with pride evident in his voice. The club’s B team also claimed top honors, marking a high point for the club in recent years. 

Looking Ahead to 2025 

On a more serious note, Brodie discussed Wellington’s broader economic outlook. Despite the challenges faced by the city and the country, he remains optimistic about the future of Wellington’s real estate. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, he noted, expressing confidence in positive developments for 2025. 

Brodie concluded with a lighthearted mention of Wellington’s culinary scene, recommending a café in Greta Point that serves the best croissants, better than in France. His humor and enthusiasm throughout the conversation were infectious, leaving viewers with a sense of optimism and camaraderie. 

Final Thoughts 

The conversation ended on an optimistic note, with both Brodie and Rush expressing faith in the All Blacks’ upcoming performance. Brodie’s reflections on real estate, rugby, and community were both insightful and engaging. His personal stories underscored his deep ties to Wellington, leaving viewers with a positive outlook on the city’s future at Wellington’s real estate and a shared sense of local pride.