A character villa converted for commercial use in the heart of Tauranga’s professional services district is less about preservation and more about untapped potential, Bayleys brokers say.

“With flexible zoning provisions and a generous 1,012sqm (more or less) land parcel, the site calls for a visionary to clear the canvas and craft something genuinely valuable – a future forward development that speaks to the energy, ambition and growing density of the inner-city fringe, says Bayleys Tauranga’s Brendon Bradley.

Bradley is marketing the freehold site at 4 Willow Street with vacant possession for sale by deadline, closing at 4:00 pm on Thursday, 22nd May 2025 (unless sold prior), alongside colleagues Lynn Bradley and Ryan Bradley.

“The sizable landholding benefits greatly from its position within the tightly held professional services hub on the northern perimeter of Tauranga’s City Centre, whilst providing potential holding income and significant medium to long-term development options under its flexible zoning provisions,” he says.

Initially constructed in the 1930s, the villa has functioned as professional offices for several decades. The single-storey layout provides a functional 177sqm (more or less) gross floor area, including seven partitioned offices, a reception area, kitchen, amenities, and rear deck, supported by a sealed driveway and onsite car parking.

Currently tenanted, the property will offer vacant possession from 14 June 2025, providing immediate add-value opportunities. The brokers say this includes occupying the premises for one’s own business or re-leasing the space to establish a new rental income stream in the short-to-medium term.

However, Lynn Bradley says the real value lies in the land.

“This offering represents a classic case of underutilisation. Given the underlying land value and development-friendly zoning parameters, the site, not the structure, will ultimately capture the attention of a visionary new steward.”

The City Living – Mixed Use zone permits commercial activity at ground level with residential above, to a maximum building height of 27 metres, providing scope for multi-level development in a high-demand urban fringe environment.

“This zoning opens the door to high-density redevelopment, enabling a mix of professional office, residential, or potentially health-focused activities,” Lynn says.

Key neighbours nearby include Harris Tate Lawyers, PFK Accountants, Lumino Dentists, and a popular hotel and conference centre immediately across the road.

“The location also benefits from its proximity to the city’s arterial routes, including Cameron Road, Devonport Road, and the Tauranga Expressway – offering excellent connectivity for occupiers and future residents,” says Bayleys Tauranga’s Ryan Bradley.

“This offering comes to market at a time of ongoing transformation across downtown Tauranga, including significant civic redevelopment, the Elizabeth Towers mixed-use development, the new Northern Quarter business and hospitality precinct, and the soon-to-be delivered Tauranga Courthouse.

“These projects are redefining the city centre and reaffirming investor confidence in the city’s long-term growth. With strong regional economic fundamentals and one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing populations, the Bay of Plenty remains a hotspot for well-considered development.

“This Willow Street site is more than just a blank canvas; it’s a launchpad. An ideally positioned property with potential holding income and the zoning muscle to bring ambitious development ideas to life,” he says.