Refined Real Estate (powered by Ownly)

Our sales performance at a glance

See how Refined Real Estate (powered by Ownly) has performed in the last 12 months on RateMyAgent*

Reviews

Properties for sale

Sold properties

$452k

Average sale price

$14.9m

Total sales value

*Includes all properties sold (last 12 months) where the agent was a part of the transaction and published on ratemyagent.co.nz. It may not be complete and can exclude off-market, private sales and undisclosed pricing and sold dates. Contact agent for full sales history.

Meet the team

Get to know the 2 agents at Refined Real Estate (powered by Ownly).

Mel Kenny

Licensed Real Estate Agent

(176 reviews)

About Mel

Real estate doesn’t need to feel overwhelming and with Mel, it doesn’t. An award-winning real estate professional with over 20 years’ experience, Mel brings energy, clarity, and a refreshingly human approach to every property journey. With a strong background in sales and a deep understanding of the local market, she knows how to deliver results but never at the expense of people. Mel believes the best outcomes come from trust, honest conversations, and making clients feel genuinely comfortable. She takes the time to listen, explain, and guide turning what could be a stressful process into a confident, well-supported experience. This isn’t about transactions or ticking boxes; it’s about creating a journey where clients feel looked after from start to finish. Known for her high energy, strong work ethic, and genuine care, Mel builds lasting relationships that extend well beyond settlement day. Her reputation as one of the region’s most respected and award-winning agents comes from doing things differently putting people first and delivering results that truly matter. If you’re looking for someone who will work hard, communicate openly, deliver the best outcome for you Mel is always ready to get started.

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Sharni Bichan

Auctioneer / Licensed Real Estate Agent

(122 reviews)

About Sharni

Sharni Bichan is a Property Advisor and Auctioneer with Refined Real Estate, proudly based in Milton and servicing the wider South Otago area. As a mum of five and a long-time local, she understands that real estate is about more than property it's about people, families, and life's next chapter. Sharni was recognised as RateMyAgent's Agent of the Year for Milton in both 2025 and 2026. She is also an award-winning auctioneer, having won the New Zealand Novice Auctioneering Championship and the Australasian NOVAC Auctioneering Championship, becoming the first woman in history to win an Australasian auctioneering title. These achievements reflect her commitment to continually improving her craft and delivering exceptional results for her clients. Combining strong negotiation skills, local knowledge, and a genuine people-first approach, Sharni works closely with sellers and buyers to ensure they feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the entire process. Proud to support local clubs, events, and community initiatives, Sharni is passionate about giving back to the area she calls home. #thismumsellsrealestate #thismumcallsauctions

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About us

At Refined Real Estate its all about people first — the homes, the land, and the keys are just part of the journey. At the heart of it all is community, connection, and helping people feel supported every step of the way. That’s exactly what you get with Sharni Bichan and Mel Kenny two down-to-earth, hardworking professionals who genuinely love what they do and the communities they serve across South Otago. Sharni Bichan is a familiar face in Milton and throughout the Clutha district a Property Advisor, Auctioneer, and proud local who brings heart, energy, and honesty into everything she does. Sharni understands just how important “home” really is. It’s not just a place it’s where life happens, where families grow, and where memories are made. Known for her friendly, approachable style, Sharni has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable from the very first conversation. She’s calm under pressure, a strong communicator, and a skilled negotiator who knows how to get results without losing the personal touch. Her recent results across Milton, Balclutha, Kaitangata, Owaka, and surrounding areas reflect her commitment to going the extra mile. From thoughtful marketing campaigns to strong auctioneering skills and clear communication, Sharni is focused on achieving the best outcome while keeping the process smooth and stress-free. She also continues to sharpen her skills through auctioneering competitions and ongoing professional development across New Zealand and Australia always learning, always improving, always striving for the best for her clients. But what really sets Sharni apart is her heart for people. She is heavily involved in the local community, supporting schools, sports teams, fundraising events, and local initiatives whenever she can. For Sharni, real estate is not just a job — it’s about being part of the fabric of the community and helping it thrive. Alongside her is Mel Kenny a highly respected, award-winning real estate professional with over 20 years of experience helping people buy and sell with confidence. Mel is known for her warm, genuine nature and her ability to make what can often feel like a stressful process feel calm, clear, and achievable. Mel brings a wealth of knowledge and a steady, reassuring presence to every transaction. Her clients appreciate her honesty, her clear communication, and her ability to listen & really listen to what people need. She believes in Keeping it Real in Real Estate which is built on trust and relationships, and that’s exactly what she delivers every time. With strong local insight and a strategic approach to marketing and negotiation, Mel has achieved consistent success across Balclutha and the wider South Otago region. From family homes to lifestyle properties and investment opportunities, she knows how to position a property to attract the right buyers and deliver strong results. Her experience also means she can guide clients through every stage of the process with confidence and care. Outside of Real Estate, Mel is deeply family-focused and community-minded. She loves being involved in local life, supporting community events, and spending time with the people who matter most. That strong sense of connection carries through everything she does, both personally and professionally. Together, Sharni and Mel bring the perfect blend of energy, experience, and heart. They are approachable, honest, and genuinely invested in helping people achieve their goals while making the journey enjoyable along the way. At Refined Real Estate, they are proud to be part of a team that values people, community, and doing things the right way. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about the market, Sharni and Mel are always happy to have a chat, offer advice, and help however they can. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about property it’s about people, place, and home.

Seller review

43 minutes ago

Another Amazing Sharni Experience

As always, this lady is a superstar. If you are in the market to purchase or sell Sharni is all you need, give her a call today and she will do the rest. A++

Sharni Bichan

(122 reviews)

Buyer review

about 23 hours ago

We couldn’t more grateful for the amazing service we received from our real estate agent Mel .

Her customer service was truly amazing. She made the whole process of finding and getting our house so much easier and less stressful. Whenever we had questions or needed help, she was always there, quick to respond, and went above and beyond to make sure we understood everything and felt supported throughout the entire process. Buying a house can be overwhelming, but having someone like her by our side made such a difference. We genuinely felt like we were in good hands every step of the way. Thank you so much Mel for all your hard work, patience, kindness and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you did for us and would absolutely recommend you to anyone looking for an agent who genuinely cares about her clients. 💜🏡💜 10/10 service - truly exceptional

Mel Kenny

(176 reviews)

Seller review

3 days ago

Mel is an absolute delight to work with on the Real Estate journey. She successfully ticks every box

Mel puts her heart on the line with a very considered approach to the entire proceedings. A true champion. Thanks Mel……. Thomas and Paulette Jose.

Mel Kenny

(176 reviews)

Seller review

10 days ago

Always There for Her Vendors

Mel was fantastic from start to finish. She knew our community market well, and gave clear honest advice. Her passion for her job truly shows, shes always there to pick up the phone when you need her the most. Throughout the journey she always showed positivity, determination, kindness and worked what we felt as " round the clock". Thank you Mel for the fast sale of our one of a kind beautiful home.

Mel Kenny

(176 reviews)

Buyer review

10 days ago

🦋 Journey

Working with Mel to purchase our next dream lifestyle property home, was an absolute delight. From our very first walk through the gates and the wee butterfly 🦋 that flew past us at the entrance was the added positivity we needed in our property journey. Mels knowledge, professionalism, and dedication completely exceeded our expectations and she truly went above and beyond. Amazing communication, honesty and caring Agent

Mel Kenny

(176 reviews)

Buyer review

15 days ago

A real person with a can do attitude

Mel was bloody amazing. She made everything feel so easy. Mel supported me through this whole process. Mel is full of knowledge and is one of a kind. She keeps you calm and made you feel like you've been friends for years. She made my dream come true!

Mel Kenny

(176 reviews)

Our properties

Refined Real Estate (powered by Ownly) has 18 properties for sale and sold 33 properties in the last 12 months, showing 4, sorted by most recent activity

Show all 51 properties

Our sales performance at a glance

Meet the team

About us

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Our properties

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