Free property appraisal

Real estate is personal,
so is the way I work.

Hi, I'm Lee

I know from firsthand experience that buying or selling a home can come with a lot of emotion, big decisions and plenty to think about. I’ve bought, sold and renovated several homes myself, so I understand that it’s rarely just about the property.

Before moving into real estate, I spent more than 20 years in sales and marketing, working with some of New Zealand’s best-known hotel brands. That experience taught me a lot about communication, marketing and, most importantly, understanding people.

Today, that’s a big part of how I work with my clients. I believe in being straightforward, keeping people informed and putting in the work behind the scenes to get the best possible result.

For me, good real estate is personal. It’s about understanding what matters to you, giving honest advice and making sure you feel supported from the first conversation right through to settlement.

And just for fun, I’m backed by my ‘Property Pups’ — Dudley, who’s always keen to fetch the best exposure, and Winnie, the fiery closer who makes sure no detail gets missed.

Meet Winnie and Dudley →
Lee Watkins with his bulldogs Winnie and Dudley

What you can expect from working with me

Straightforward advice

I’ll tell you what I genuinely think, even when it isn’t necessarily what you expected to hear. Good decisions start with honest conversations.

Communication that doesn’t disappear

I know how frustrating it is when you’re left wondering what’s happening. I’ll keep you informed, follow up properly and make sure you always know where things stand.

Putting in the work

From preparing your property for market to following up every buyer after an open home, I don’t believe in simply listing a property and hoping for the best.

Your goals come first

With every move, there is a different motivation. I’ll take the time to understand what matters to you, what you’re trying to achieve and what a good result actually looks like for you.

I'm there when you need me

From the big decisions to the small questions that crop up along the way, I’ll be there to keep things clear, follow things through and make sure you always feel supported.

Lee Watkins celebrating a successful property sale with Jan

From the people I’ve helped

What other clients say →
★★★★★

Lee was friendly, professional and made everything so easy

Communication was amazing especially seen we didn’t even live in the city. Gave good advice and options without ever feeling pressured. Highly recommend Lee for selling your property.

— Kate

★★★★★

Choose Lee!

My situation was a strange one, Lee went above and beyond to get me into my first home. He made the process less daunting. He kept in touch the whole time. When the time comes to sell this house I will be looking for Lee first.

— Jacqui

★★★★★

Outstanding!

We were informed throughout and the marketing of the property was brilliant. We can't say enough about how accommodating, professional and efficient throughout this process. Lee was also so kind and thoughtful towards my mum, and worked very hard with long hours. We wish him all the best for the future and highly recommend Lee.

— Linda

Knowing where your property sits in the market matters

RateMyAgent Verified Price Expert badge for Lee Watkins

Verified price expert

I’m recognised by RateMyAgent as a Verified Price Expert, reflecting my track record of accurately understanding property values and local market conditions.

Getting the price conversation right from the start matters. It can influence how buyers see your property, the level of interest it attracts and the decisions you make about your next move.

My advice is based on recent comparable sales, current competition and what I’m seeing locally — not simply a number designed to win the listing. I’ll give you a realistic view of where your property sits, explain why, and help you decide what to do next.

Request a Property Appraisal

Meet Winnie and Dudley — The Property Pups

Winnie and Dudley are a big part of life around here — usually bringing plenty of personality, a little chaos and a lot of entertainment. They each have very different personalities, which somehow makes them the perfect little team.
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Dudley is easy-going, affectionate and happiest when he’s following the sun around the house, chasing his ball or investigating the possibility of another treat.

This gentle giant is also a master at winning people over and fetching attention — although whether that attention is for the property or for Dudley himself is often up for debate.

Winnie is the firecracker of the pair. Sassy, determined and usually moving at a million miles an hour, she knows exactly what she wants and isn’t shy to make her presence known.

She likes things done properly, keeps Dudley on his toes and has a knack for getting everyone moving. Focused, persistent and full of attitude, she’s definitely the one making sure nothing gets left behind.

Together, they bring a lot of fun to what I do, but they also represent something I really believe in: a home is about far more than bricks and mortar. It’s the people, pets and little everyday moments that make it feel like yours.

You’ll see Winnie and Dudley popping up from time to time across my website and social media, helping with community initiatives, colouring competitions and the odd bit of mischief along the way.

Articles from The Property Brief

Hamilton Property Market Statistics for September 2026
Market Insights

Hamilton Property Market Insights for September 2026

More homes for sale, fewer sales, yet Hamilton's median property price increased in September. What's behind these mixed signals? I take a closer look at the figures and share practical advice for buyers and sellers as we head towards summer.

Harcourts Auction flag blowing in the wind
Selling

Selling at auction: What really happens on auction day?

Wondering what really happens on auction day? From setting your reserve and handling pre-auction offers to managing bidding and negotiations, I'll walk you through the process, what to expect and the decisions you may need to make along the way.

An example of a direct-fixed monolithic exterior home
Buying
Selling

Direct-fixed monolithic exteriors: a reason to investigate, not automatically walk away

Missing approved plans created an unexpected issue during the sale of a 1940s Hamilton home. See how legal advice and careful preparation helped keep the sale moving.

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Lee with Property Pup Dudley with the referral treat jar
$1,000
Treat for your referral
Know someone looking to sell? Send them my way & receive a $1,000 Visa Prezzy Card.
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