James Doole has sold a four-bedroom prestige estate at 97 Victoria Avenue, Remuera, after 22 days on market via negotiation in May 2026.
When James Doole launched the campaign for a substantial Victoria Avenue estate, he expected the buyer to come from offshore. Instead, the successful purchaser emerged through a network much closer to home.
The European-styled residence on approximately 1,966 m² — complete with tennis court, swimming pool, four-car garage, and three separate living areas — went unconditional in May 2026 after just 22 days on market via negotiation, with the final price remaining confidential in keeping with vendor preference.
The collaborative approach that delivered the buyer
James initially targeted the property through Luxury Portfolio International using their access to multiple digital channels including, LPI, James Edition and the Wall St Journal to name a few as well as Chinese buyer platforms including Juwai, HouGarden and the Chinese Herald, anticipating an international or internationally-oriented local buyer for the estate-scale offering.
But the winning buyer came through his established relationships with other Remuera agents.
“I have a strong relationship with the local high-end agents as I will always work in with them, always collaborate,” James said.
“The campaign reinforced to me that relationships still matter. We invested heavily in reaching offshore buyers, but the eventual purchaser came through trusted local connections.”
The buyer — a local family looking to upsize while staying within the grammar zone — was drawn to the property’s potential for multi-generational living and the flexibility to adapt the substantial floor plan.
“They had particular interest in the architecture as well as the potential of adding room and also the potential of having a multi-generational home,” James said.
“They could adapt the home to work for their family, which this home allowed.”
What Prestige Buyers are seeking in 2026
During viewings, the tennis court, swimming pool, and European architectural style drew the most attention, with buyers commenting on the point of difference the design offered in the Remuera market.
The property’s scale — five bathrooms plus powder room, office, and three lounges across 519 m² of living space — provided the functional layout the successful buyers needed for extended family living.
The competition story
James has been contacted by multiple buyers who viewed the property or missed out, indicating ongoing demand for prestige homes in this part of Remuera.
Victoria Avenue is regarded as one of Remuera’s premier residential streets, known for substantial homes on generous sections within the Double Grammar Zone. The suburb remains one of Auckland’s most established and affluent areas, with strong demand from families seeking access to leading state and private schools alongside proximity to central Auckland.
What worked in a tough market
Many prestige campaigns today are generating enquiry, but not always converting to offers. The difference is identifying who the most likely buyer is and ensuring the campaign reaches them through multiple channels.
The vendors were aware of the market dynamics and prepared to move quickly if the right offer arrived.
“They were lovely vendors to deal with, always organised and always accommodating,” James said.
“They liked the fact that they had sold in a fast, quick period of time as they’d seen lots of properties had sat on the market for a long time.”
For sellers considering the Remuera prestige market, James points to preparation and targeted engagement.
“It’s a challenging market, but positioning the property well, presenting the property well and having the right experts around to create the perfect marketing plan is the key,” he said.
“And then targeting your audience appropriately through the right channels.”
Every prestige property attracts a relatively small pool of genuine buyers. Success comes from understanding who they are, where they are, and making sure no opportunity is missed.
About the Agent
James Doole is a leading residential and coastal agent with Barfoot & Thompson Remuera, specialising in premium property across Remuera, Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs, and the Matakana Coast. With over 20 years in property and a background in high-end interior design and development, James is consistently ranked among the top individual salespeople within Barfoot & Thompson. He is known for his discretion, calm manner, and expertise in luxury sales and off-market transactions. Visit James’s website for more information or call James on +6421666938