Ox feeling bullish about his prospects in Year of the Monkey

Top Bayleys agent James Chan is looking forward to the Year of the Monkey, expecting it to bring a series of major commercial real estate transactions. Photo / Supplied

Top Bayleys agent James Chan was born in the Year of the Ox "which is why I'm such a hard worker".

But he is very much looking forward to the Year of the Monkey, expecting it to bring a series of major commercial real estate transactions - perhaps even including the sale of 10-12 Commerce St where a soaring 178m tall tower is planned, just over half the height of the 328m Sky Tower.

Developers are planning 222 apartments on the site which Chan has been marketing under the banner "reaching for the sky".

But that transaction is being shared in a joint agency arrangement, so Chan can't say too much about it right now. "Maybe that will be my Year of the Monkey sale."

His ad for the property alongside Achilles House at 8 Commerce St, on the Commerce St/Customs St East intersection, says the places have generous balconies.

"The plan also includes 282sq m of ground floor retail space fronting Commerce St, a large gymnasium, sauna, swimming pool, and eight levels of carparking for 250 vehicles.

In planning Chinese New Year's Eve celebrations this Sunday, the commercial property specialist expects to be at home in Auckland with his family, eating traditional dumplings and desserts.

Chan expects Auckland Chinese restaurants to be bulging with those celebrating the new year.

He estimates he closed about $100 million worth of deals last year and during the Year of the Monkey, he hopes to match or even better that.

"The monkey is very active. They react very fast and are very skilful," he said, explaining the significance of the classical tale of the Monkey King and how the new year could influence commercial activity.

Chan sells to local and overseas investors and cites China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea and Japan as sources of buyers.

"I am sure this new year will brings in a lot of new investors around the globe and New Zealand will keep prospering."

As for the actual New Year's Day on Monday, February 8, Chan plans to be at work.

After all, he is an Ox.