We opened our first office in 1969 and are now established as the market leader in Hamilton Real Estate, we have an impressive track record of excellence, innovation and building life-long relationships focused on trust. We are big community advocates through our support and sponsorships.
1969
Lodge opens first branch in Victoria Street - 2 partners, 1 support staff.
1969
First Fieldays takes place at the Te Rapa Race Course, now the largest agri-business exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, which attracts over 130,000 visitors.
1970
Future Director David Couch joins Lodge as a salesperson. He'll stick around for a while.
1971
Moved to new premises - Knox Street.
1981
Management Plan establishing Hamilton Gardens passed by Council with the theme ‘The History, Context, and Meaning of Gardens’. The gardens now attract more than 1.3 million visitors a year and host over 2000 events.
1983
Lodge introduces Exclusive (Sole Agency) Marketing and Auction Marketing to Hamilton. Staff number - 17.
1984
Lodge City Rentals opened in Hamilton East to specialise in property management.
1987
Waikato Museum of Art and History opens. Housing Corporation acquires land which will become the Flagstaff subdivision.
1988
Joins “United” franchise group.
1989
Hamilton East residential branch opened.
1990
Awarded Top United Realty Office for NZ - Held for next 6 years. Hamilton population - 99,000
1992
Chartwell residential branch opened, Staff number - 52.
1994
International services begin at Hamilton Airport.
1996
Hamilton's sixth major bridge at Pukete opens, connecting the rapidly expanding northern parts of the city.
1997
Leaves franchise group to be independent Lodge Real Estate Hamilton, Hamilton population - 111,700.
1998
Dinsdale residential branch opened. Founding member NZ Realtors Ltd, a collective of NZ's best independent agencies, formed for idea sharing and referral business.
2001
Forms Lodge Country Ltd to specialise in Farm and Lifestyle Sales. Hamilton population - 120,900.
Forms Lodge Commercial Ltd to specialise in Commercial and Industrial Sales and Leasing. Staff number - 85. Fonterra's Te Rapa processing plant built; responsible today for nearly 20% of dairy giant's powdered milk output.
2002
Waikato Stadium opens with a Super 12 rugby match between Waikato Chiefs and Canterbury Crusaders. Inaugural rowing event, the Great Race, to be run annually.
2003
Opens offices in Victoria Street for Lodge Country and Lodge Commercial teams. Moves Chartwell Branch to larger Flagstaff Branch. Lodge begins sponsorship of the Fine Homes Tour.
2005
Hamilton economy thrives with 10,693 businesses located within the city.
2006
Opens the second Property Management office in Victoria Street. Hamilton population - 134,400.
2007
Opens Rototuna Branch. REINZ Waikato / BOP / Gisborne District Awards - Six of ‘Top Ten Residential Salespeople’ from Lodge. Two of ‘Top Three Property Managers’ from Lodge City Rentals. One of ‘Top Three Lifestyle Salespeople’ from Lodge Country.
2008
Lonely Planet guide states that Hamilton city's main street has sprouted a sophisticated and vibrant stretch of bars and eateries that leaves Auckland's Viaduct Harbour for dead.
2008
V8 supercars come to New Zealand for the Hamilton 400 as part of the V8 supercar series.
2009
Purchases Hamilton Property Rentals. Property Management collects $40 million per year in rents with 15 property managers. Residential Market share exceeds 35% for calendar year. Staff number - 120. Hamilton population - 140,700.
2010
Lodge receives top overall salesperson and 6 out of top 10 salespeople in BOP, Waikato, Gisborne region, plus 3 out of 3 property managers.
2014
Opens Body Corporate Management business. Lodge buys a stake in Cambridge Real Estate Ltd. Hamilton celebrates 150th birthday
2017
The Fine Homes Tour of which Lodge is the major sponsor has a record-breaking year, raising $118,571.This is donated to Look Good Feel Better, Stroke Foundation of NZ, and the Child Cancer Foundation.
2019
Lodge Real Estate celebrates it's 50th anniversary.
2022
Long-serving Director David Couch decides to hang up his tie. Wanting a family company to continue the Lodge legacy, his stake in Lodge Real Estate is acquired by Barfoot & Thompson. Peter Thompson becomes Director, joining Jeremy O'Rourke.
2023
Moves into new purpose-built building on Harwood Street.