Why Harcourts? 

Our Story

For many, Harcourts is a name filled with history and yet for others it is a name synonymous with the future. This is the story of a great New Zealand company - where it came from and where it is headed. This is the story of Harcourts.

From way back in 1888 when JB Harcourt first realised there was a gap in the real estate market serving a fast growing population, to the success Harcourts enjoys today, it has been an extraordinary journey. A journey characterised by innovation, commitment, foresight and ingenuity. A journey that results in one of New Zealand's many success stories. 

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And so our story begins...

John Bateman Harcourt was a visionary; a man who redefined the real estate industry and created a part of New Zealand history. Born in England and having lived in Melbourne since 1856, JB Harcourt arrived in, what had recently become New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, at the ripe old age of 21. He worked for AP Stuart and Co before purchasing the soft goods business in 1879 and renaming it 'Harcourt & Co.' In 1888, JB transferred all his attention and energy (of which he had plenty) to an exciting new business in property services and so began the Harcourts that we all know and appreciate today.

JB clearly had a sharp entrepreneurial instinct and driven by a boldness that enabled him to overcome obstacles and conventions alike, he quickly established Harcourt & Co as one of the best known businesses in the region. From day one of Harcourt & Co opening their doors as a land and estate agency, the company flourished. It quickly established itself as an expert in the sale of not only city property, but also country, seaside, mining, farms and station properties and was recognised as having a strong auction presence. With the introduction of "The Register and Property Investors Guide", the equivalent of today's BlueBook, Harcourt & Co published and circulated an impressive 4000 copies throughout Wellington, on the last Saturday of each and every month. Its success and progress, as a company, grew in line with Wellington's development.