Astra Property Investment is an independent consultancy that helps clients build long-term wealth through strategic investment in property.
We’re a small team, with a strong emphasis on personal service, openness and integrity. We keep our clients’ interests at the heart of everything we do, tailoring advice and property recommendations to their individual needs and goals.
Our mission is to provide each of our clients with the guidance, support and expertise they need to realise their dreams.
Our history and expertise
Astra Property Investment was founded by Kent Leicester and Chris Wood, in response to a genuine need among investors for assistance in selecting sound investment properties.
Our long experience in the property industry allows us to identify high capital growth areas and recognise undervalued and potential higher-yield properties.
Astra means 'star-like' in Greek. We chose our name because throughout history stars have been used for guidance and navigation, and to represent optimism, enlightenment and the future.
Kent is a founder of New Zealand’s largest network of property finders. After graduating with first-class honours in business from the University of Waikato, Kent became a full-time investor at age 27. In his first year he generated property deals worth more than $12 million.
Kent’s specialist property sourcing and negotiating skills consistently secure favourable, high-quality investments for Astra clients. He has extensive experience in both New Zealand and Australia and a reputation as a reliable, trustworthy investor and advisor.
"It's extremely rewarding to be able to share our knowledge, change people’s circumstances and unlock possibilities for them they'd never even thought of," says Kent. "Wealth means different things to different people but ultimately it’s about giving people choices in life."
Kent is married to Clare and has a young son. He is a keen triathlete and enjoys all board and water sports.
Chris has over 30 years’ experience in senior business management, working for large multinationals and his own successful start-ups. He began investing in property when he was just 18, and has since developed diverse residential and commercial property portfolios.
He brings to Astra a unique combination of financial analysis and property evaluation skills, developed over three decades in the property and business sectors.
"The beauty of property is that it allows ordinary people to get into substantial investment and, over time, to build successful property portfolios," says Chris. "It's accessible, it’s flexible and it’s secure – there’s no better way to secure a passive income for the long term."
Chris is married to Anna and has two adult sons. When he isn’t working you’ll find him either on the golf course or out on the water fishing.