Mixed martial arts fighter Israel Adesanya has entered the property market in New Zealand. He recently opened a residential development in Mount Wellington, NZ. His company Stylebender Ltd, which has Israel’s father Olufemi as the director, managed to construct high-end rental units. Stylebender Ltd received resource consent from Auckland Council in May 2023 to build an apartment block on 60 Hillside Road and to subdivide the address into 43 principal units, with two or three bedrooms per residence.
Israel Adesanya is swiftly establishing himself as one of New Zealand’s foremost “mega landlords,” embarking on a subdivision spree across the nation. His latest venture, offering rental homes in Palmerston North under the moniker “Stylebender,” attracted significant attention. He is listed as a minority shareholder of Stylebender, with 95 per cent of the company owned by a trust, Milli Banx, registered at the same address as Israel and Olufemi. Stylebender bought the 1900sq m Mount Wellington property in 2021 for $4 million with a mortgage registered to ANZ.
“It’s really good to have a developer in town putting well-designed properties into the rental market,” one resident said. The development, named Adesanya Close, is the latest addition to an expanding property portfolio which has reached a value over $20 million, property records show. According to property manager Wade Thompson, the listing garnered 3000 views in December alone, with three out of seven units swiftly snapped up. Those who missed out at Adesanya Close were now in line to fill another upcoming subdivision in Manawatu, said Thompson.
Adesanya, previously reported to own over 19 properties, is now speculated to possess a considerably larger portfolio. Thompson stated, “By the end of this year, I will have 15 on my own, and I know of others who are managing his properties. He owns properties from Auckland to Dunedin.”
At just 34 years old, Adesanya is believed to be New Zealand’s second highest-paid athlete, with 2023 earnings estimated at $8.4 million. Reports indicate that he inked one of the most lucrative contracts in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) history, second only to Conor McGregor’s $100 million deal.
Adesanya has previously expressed his investment in property as a post-retirement fallback plan from combat sports. He emphasised the importance of setting oneself up for the future in a sport where athletes often continue competing beyond their prime.
His father, Olufemi, plays a significant role in managing his property ventures, contributing to their success. Thompson praised both father and son as astute businesspeople with a humble demeanour.
The three-bedroom homes at Adesanya Close were listed for rent at $750 per week, with one also offered as “El Beracca Retreat” on Expedia and Airbnb for up to $400 a night, garnering rave five-star reviews.
