CBRE expands Christchurch metropolitan sales capability to meet increasing market activity

CBRE has recruited Steve Clarke and Chengyang Zhang to expand its Christchurch metropolitan commercial property sales team, as the company gears up to meet an increase in investment activity this year.

   

Tim Rookes, Managing Director of CBRE’s Christchurch office, said the new appointments boost the company’s ability to provide expert property sales services to a wider range of investors, as green shoots of recovery emerge in 2024.

“We are delighted to welcome Steve and Chengyang to the team. Both are high calibre property professionals with broad experience. They have joined us at a pivotal time in the local commercial property sector, as we prepare to support our clients with their property decisions through the upcoming recovery phase of the cycle,” he said.

“Growing our team is part of a strategic decision to scale up our operations in expectation of more activity in the Christchurch commercial property market this year. As the market prepares for the eventual gradual decline in interest rates, we forecast increased investment and development activity in the CBD, particularly the office sector, in response to persistently strong demand trends.”

Chengyang Zhang has relocated to Christchurch with his family from Palmerston North, where he worked in residential sales for a national real estate company. Fluent in Mandarin, Chengyang works closely alongside James Lee, head of CBRE’s Asian investment division in Auckland. 

“Chengyang’s appointment means we can better assist a much wider range of buyers who are looking for commercial property opportunities in Christchurch. While he predominantly focuses on investment sales across the city, Chengyang will also represent our entire Christchurch business, in order to offer a full suite of property services to a large and active group of Chinese-speaking investors,” said Rookes.

Steve Clarke brings a strong background in the property development and debt & equity funding sectors to the CBRE team. His past roles include General Manager of Huadu International subsidiary Tiaki Properties, director of investment and engagement at council-controlled organisation Development Christchurch Ltd and developing the 100-day earthquake recovery blueprint plan for the Christchurch city centre with CCDU. He also holds various consulting and advisory roles across the property development and financial services sectors, along with chairing the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Trust Board.

Steve’s breadth and depth of experience equips him to bring a complete perspective to property transactions, ensuring clients to arrive at the right investment divestment decision in support of their overall strategies, Rookes said.

“Steve is a highly experienced professional with a great deal of expertise in both property development and funding, urban regeneration and community and government engagement, along with innate knowledge of the local property market. His background, national networks and relationships across both the public and private sectors will be a tremendous asset to our team.”