Hackthorne is a boutique real estate agency based in Cashmere, Christchurch, selling properties both locally and across the wider Christchurch area. The agency is licensed under REAA 2008 and is run by owner and licensed agent Shane Langman, who started Hackthorne with the vision of creating a company unlike a traditional real estate agency.
Having worked with major real estate brands for a number of years before founding Hackthorne, Shane set out to bring a more consultative, compassionate approach to selling homes. He's well known for selling properties in Cashmere and surrounding suburbs, but has experience across a broad range of Christchurch neighbourhoods, having sold homes in areas including St Martins, Murray Aynsley, Sydenham, Halswell, Opawa, Beckenham, Burwood, Riccarton and beyond.
Client testimonials consistently describe Shane as honest, patient, communicative and genuinely invested in getting the right outcome for vendors and buyers alike, particularly during what can be an emotionally difficult process such as selling a long-held family home.
In Cashmere, Christchurch, Hackthorne positions itself as something different from a traditional real estate agency — a boutique operation built around one agent's determination to change how real estate gets done.
Hackthorne was founded by Shane Langman, its owner and licensed agent, after several years working with major real estate brands. Rather than continuing down that path, Shane set out to build a company that put compassion and empathy at the centre of a process that can be genuinely emotional for the people going through it — whether that's selling a family home held for decades or navigating a difficult market as a first-time buyer.
Clients consistently describe Shane as consultative: someone who listens to what they want and follows through on what he promises. That reputation for exceptional service is a recurring theme across the testimonials on Hackthorne's own website.
While Shane is well known for selling homes in Cashmere and its surrounding suburbs, his sales history stretches well beyond the immediate area. Properties he's sold span suburbs including Murray Aynsley, Akaroa, Hoon Hay, Sydenham, Halswell, St Martins, Opawa, Wigram, Sockburn, Addington, Lincoln, Burwood, Beckenham, Cracroft, Heathcote Valley, Riccarton, Somerfield and Rolleston — a genuinely wide footprint for an agent whose reputation is most strongly tied to one neighbourhood.
The volume and consistency of client feedback on Hackthorne's site is striking. One vendor, Roy, described selling a property that had been in his family for more than 45 years — an emotional process Shane fully respected, working quickly to secure a near-identical replacement offer after an initial deal fell through, ultimately settling in weeks rather than the months Roy had expected.
Other clients echo similar themes. Wayne and Kate said Shane "completely changed our impression of real estate agents," describing his approach as more like a trusted friend than a typical agent. Tom and Meg, who worked with Shane on both sides of a transaction, praised his "straight-shooting approach" with no smoke and mirrors. Robyn and Ian credited him with achieving their retirement plans after 38 years in their home, while Margot and Lukas called him "highly efficient and extremely sincere" in delivering a result in a difficult market and tight timeframe.
Several testimonials specifically mention older or first-time sellers feeling supported and never patronised — Ken and Lucille described feeling comfortable from their first meeting through to a successful auction, while Gail and Peja, describing themselves as "older nervous sellers," said Shane responded to their needs with compassion and kindness throughout. On the buying side, Sophie and Michael, first-home buyers, called Shane "the most genuine real estate agent" they'd met, praising the time he took to walk them through the process.
For anyone considering selling, Hackthorne's process starts with booking a property appraisal — a first step to understanding a property's value and options before deciding how to proceed. Whether a sale ultimately goes to auction, private treaty, or another method, testimonials suggest Shane stays closely involved through open homes, feedback sessions, and right up to settlement, and in at least one case, continued to help proactively even after a difficult-to-sell rental property had gone unconditional.
Hackthorne is based in Cashmere, Christchurch, and operates as a Licensed Real Estate Agency under REAA 2008. For vendors and buyers looking for an agent known as much for compassion and communication as for results, Hackthorne's client testimonials offer a consistent picture of what to expect.