PHOTO: Hannah and Tyson Walker K3 LEGAL
Tall Poppy Real Estate acquires local business Proppy
Wanaka-based real estate agency Proppy has been sold to Tall Poppy, a move that will see owners Hannah and Tyson Walker and their market-leading tech become part of the fast-growing national company.
Launched eight years ago, Proppy was the first agency to offer online auctions and online negotiations in New Zealand. As part of the sale, Hannah will join Tall Poppy’s successful Central Otago team, and Tyson will join the company’s board; the pair also have a small shareholding in Tall Poppy.
The sale comes after Hannah and Tyson won the 2022 REINZ Innovation Award, which saw them approached by a number of agencies and platforms keen to acquire their online real estate technology. She says Tall Poppy was the only choice for them.
“Tall Poppy’s values match what we built at Proppy; we believe in using technology to do things smarter, better, and more transparently. We felt they would be the only company that could take what we’ve created and evolve it,” Hannah says.
The Walkers moved to Wanaka five years ago, and Hannah says improving their work-life balance was one of the driving motivators for selling their business.
“I want to spend more time with our kids, who are growing up fast. It’s pretty busy being a mum, wife, business owner and salesperson – and when you want to grow your business, it’s pretty hard to find time for much else. Tyson and I feel in choosing Tall Poppy, our business and technology are in safe hands with like-minded people who share the same passion and dream to make a difference in the real estate industry”.
Tall Poppy’s Central Otago team recently won Franchise of the Year at the agency’s annual awards night. Hannah will represent Tall Poppy in Wanaka and across the region.
“The Tall Poppy brand is strong across Central Otago, and I’m looking forward to working with a larger team striving for success. We will be the most efficient and technology-savvy real estate team in town – one that’s only going to grow, and go from strength to strength while exceeding clients’ expectations. It’s exciting times ahead!” she says.
Proppy’s technology is currently being integrated into Tall Poppy, with the two businesses running alongside each other. The project is expected to be completed by the 2024 spring selling season.