"Prospective buyers were attracted to the quality modern buildings, long 21-year lease, excellent tenant covenant, strong trading history, and superb central location in Havelock North.
"All of these factors were underpinned by the strength of the Hawke's Bay tourism sector, which has been characterised by a significant increase in independent leisure visitors in recent years."
Blair says offers started flooding in shortly after the property was listed on Thursday 21 November.
"The vendor decided to accept a very sharp offer and the sale went unconditional on Tuesday 26 November – well before the five-week sale campaign was due to close.
"I'm thrilled that our vendor was able to realise an impressive 4.54 per cent yield – which is the lowest on record for a commercial property sale in the Hawke's Bay.
"This would certainly be one of the main highlights in my 14-year career in commercial real estate."
The property was purchased by Hawke's Bay investor and local figure Graeme Fowler, who owns some 80 residential rental properties.
Fowler has authored several books on residential property investment and is a regular commentator in the national media.
"It's great to see such a well-known residential investor putting his money into the local commercial property market," says Blair.
"The commercial and industrial property sectors in the Hawke's Bay continue to go from strength to strength, driven by strong demand from investors and occupiers.
"The strong performance of the wider regional economy, especially in the horticultural and tourism sectors, is helping to keep demand strong.
"This is reflected in investor confidence. The latest quarterly survey from Colliers International found a net positive 31 per cent of respondents expect investment conditions to get better over the next 12 months – up 11 percentage points on the previous quarter."
Blair says Colliers Hawke's Bay is set for another record-breaking year on the back of 2018, when the office was named Small Commercial and Industrial Office of the Year at the 2019 REINZ National Awards for Excellence.
"The Colliers Hawke's Bay team has sold over $1 billion dollars of commercial and industrial property across the region over the last decade – a huge number for the size of the Hawke's Bay region."
Built in 2002, the Harvest Lodge Motel offers luxury self-catering accommodation. Its spacious studio and apartment guest rooms are all well-appointed with kitchenettes and ensuite bathrooms.
The motel also includes a separate three-bedroom manager's accommodation, double garage, commercial laundry and commercial kitchen.
The property is prominently located only 270m from the heart of vibrant Havelock North, 5km from Hastings and 26km from Hawke's Bay Airport.
In recent years, the Hawke's Bay region has seen an uptick in tourism due to its natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, good weather and renowned architecture.
Key tourism divers include the Napier Art Deco Festival, the Horse of the Year show, and concerts at the Mission Estate and Black Barn wineries.
