Bayleys young leaders shape real estate's future

Bayleys is championing young property professionals as they make their mark in the fast-paced real estate market through the Bayleys Young Networking Group.

Recognising the energy and fresh ideas that young people bring, Bayleys created the Bayleys Young Networking Group (BYNG) to attract new talent and support brokers and staff in the early stages of their careers. Bayleys national director commercial and capital markets, Ryan Johnson, says BYNG gives members regular opportunities to connect through professional and social events, building networks both within Bayleys and across the wider property industry.

“To back this up, we’ve invested in a full learning and development platform, a structured learning journey, and tailored coaching for our new brokers,” says Johnson.

Each year, Bayleys recognises its top-performing BYNG brokers with a trip to Sydney, hosted by global real estate partner Knight Frank. The visit combines networking, market insights, and professional development with a chance to strengthen relationships across the Tasman.

Bayleys also proudly supports the Keystone Trust, helping young people into property and construction careers for more than 30 years through financial support, mentoring, and industry connections.

Real Estate Authority figures, as of August 31, 2025, show there were 15,817 active real estate licensees working in New Zealand. Of these around 3,647, or 23 percent, are aged between 18 and 37; a slight increase on 2024 indicating that more young professionals are seeing the potential of real estate careers.

Here are some of the Bayleys talent making an impact in Auckland - and New Zealand’s - commercial property market:

CHARLIE TUDEHOPE – CLIENT SOLUTIONS MANAGER, BAYLEYS AUCKLAND COMMERCIAL

Charlie Tudehope joined the Bayleys Wellington valuations team almost seven years ago while a business student at Massey University, later becoming a registered valuer. In 2022, he moved to Auckland to join the Bayleys capital markets team where he is now Client Solutions Manager.

Making that shift “required an entirely different way of approaching business from a strategic perspective, but with strong guidance and encouragement from some of the best in the business, it became a rewarding transition.

“Becoming a registered valuer was definitely a key career success and I have now been able to leverage that skillset into some of our more recent wins in the capital markets space with regards to appointments and transactions.”

When it comes to turning youth into an advantage in different aspects of real estate Tudehope says it’s all about having fresh views.

“We have a different lens on real estate affairs, drawing on new perspectives and an evolving technological landscape that challenges traditional norms and creates opportunities for growth.”

HAYLEY PRESTON, OFFICE LEASING BROKER, BAYLEYS AUCKLAND COMMERCIAL

Hayley Preston came to Bayleys in 2024 after enjoying a varied career working in art fairs around the world, before returning to New Zealand to run the Aotearoa Art Fair.

After seven years of successfully growing the fair through Covid lockdowns and having two children, Preston wanted change.

Though she had business experience and an academic history in marketing and commercial law, real estate was a new environment, but that gives her the benefit fresh perspective, Preston says. “I have a pretty positive outlook as I haven’t been worn down by deals going bad (yet).”

Keeping on top of basics like calls, persistence, resilience and having a positive attitude are the building blocks of a successful real estate career, she says.

“I’ve had so much fun learning a new industry, the social aspect of this job, and the rush of getting a deal done - it’s been refreshing.”

JAYE MILLER – INDUSTRAL SALES AND LEASING BROKER, BAYLEYS NORTH SHORE COMMERCIAL

“Trust in your hard work, continue being resilient and you will see the fruits of your efforts in due course.” That’s Bayleys Auckland broker Jaye Miller’s advice for building an effective, high achieving real estate career through the ups and downs of the commercial market.

Miller has worked in real estate for almost 10 years, the past 18 months of which have been with Bayleys in Auckland.

It was a passion for property that led him to a degree in property valuation and management, and marketing from Massey University, and then into a property career. “I also really like the commission-only structure because there’s no limits and I love the variety the work offers.”

Some of that variety has come with changing market conditions, which have been challenging at times in recent years, Miller says.

“The market has gone through significant shifts. When I began brokerage in 2016, property values, demand, and rental levels were increasing year on year for quite some time. However, over the last three years we’ve seen a very different market. While that has been challenging, the key to navigating these cycles is to remain resilient and continue strengthening relationships through hard work.”

SAMANTHA LEE – ANALYST, BAYLEYS INSIGHTS DATA AND CONSULTING

Samantha Lee joined Bayleys two years ago as an analyst in the Insights, Data & Consulting team, after completing a conjoint Bachelor of Property and Bachelor of Commerce degree.

While at university, Lee worked part-time as a research assistant for a real estate company and represented New Zealand at the Cornell International Real Estate Case Competition in New York.

“That was a high-pressure challenge, but I loved the problem solving and the collaboration. That led me to pursue a career in consulting,” she says.

While Lee says youth bring some advantages in areas like adapting to new technologies and having fresh perspective, the most powerful trait that supports success is curiosity.

“This industry is full of generous, approachable people. Take every opportunity to learn from them. Growth only happens when you choose to step outside your comfort zone.”

Alongside building her own career, Lee is focused on supporting other women into property careers through the University of Auckland Women in Business Club’s Exploring Business initiative.