Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

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The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Real Estate Agents

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John McGrath, chief executive of McGrath Limited told The Weekend Australian that the recent stockmarket savaging caught the veteran real estate agent off guard.
“We were surprised and disappointed,” McGrath told The Weekend Australian in his first interview since an earnings forecast downgrade on Monday.
McGrath again increased their holdings, last week spending $500,000 to top up his stake to near 30 per cent.
McGrath says while listings are down across the industry and in most of the areas it operates in, the agency has increased its share from 3.2 percent to 3.5 percent of the market.
Meanwhile he has his team who bought into the float.
“This is my family, it’s not just an investment or a company I work for,” McGrath says.
“It’s something I started in my loungeroom.
“I can see the medium term long term, I know where we are gong to end up, but in the short term there is no doubt there is a feeling a pain for me as CEO, largest shareholder and founder of the business that we are having to go through this.”
But, he adds: “This is a long-term game.”
“Even post the market downgrade we will be delivering $26m-$27m in earnings.
"We have cash in the bank and we have no debt.
"We think we are in as good a position as ever,” he says, arguing he and the board — which includes chairman David Mackay, a former Kellogg CEO, and tech entrepreneur Daniel Petre — maintain their belief that a public listing was the right path for the company.
But Wendy McCarthy, a founding chair of McGrath Operations who left in June as she was never a float proponent, told Fairfax Media she imagined "he must be finding it very challenging and very disappointing."
"You've got people telling you everything is going to be fabulous and the float is oversubscribed and you believe it," said McCarthy, who praised McGrath's imagination and generosity.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

John McGrath says the listed real estate agency is his family

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The number of women working in the real estate industry is edging closer to that of their male colleagues, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA). 
A breakdown of REIWA’s membership showed that almost 50 percent of ordinary members, defined as agency principals or licensees, are women.
Additionally, there are 3,685 female sales representatives across the state compared with 4,293 male. 
In property management, women outnumber men by more than five times.  
REIWA CEO Neville Pozzi said the numbers speak for themselves, particularly in the field of property management.  
“Our membership shows that the gap between males and females working in the industry is closing, almost to the point where the gap doesn’t exist,” he said.  
“When you look at the contribution women make to the industry, particularly in property management, the local real estate industry in WA is ahead of the game when it comes to gender equality."
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Gender gap closing in WA real estate industry: REIWA

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Robert Ward has taken the helm as chief executive officer of the newly-merged Di Jones Real Estate and LJ Hooker Wahroonga, effective 2 April.
Mr Ward has worked at LJ Hooker Wahroonga between January 2003 and March 2016.
Following his appointment he said LJ Hooker is a great brand, but the direction and change I wanted to take the business in, was not aligned with the LJ Hooker strategy. 
"LJ Hooker is a cottage industry," he said. 
"By obtaining a brand that is independently owned, we eliminate the middle layer of the franchise owner allowing us to implement growth strategies far greater than possible within a franchise network."
Q&amp;A With Robert Ward – CEO Di Jones Real Estate 
Age: 33 Years Old
How did you get started in Real Estate?
I started my real estate career in 2001 and got my certificate whilst at Richardson and Wrench – Turramurra. After a very positive start to my career, I purchased the asset PRD Nationwide Wahroonga in 2003 – I was only 21 at the time and the Youngest Franchise Owner in Australia (REI Magazine). The franchise changed to LJ Hooker in 2005 – 2015.
During that time I was awarded ‘Best Young Talent in LJ Hooker internationally 2007; 2011 Franchise Owner of the Year. 2013-15 Top 3 in the network and the LH Hooker Office - Top 5 in the Network
I grew up with 3 sisters. My mum was a university lecturer and my father was in I.T. Unlike my sister’s, I didn’t do very well in school at all. My mum used to cry every time she found out I skipped school because she was worried about where I was headed. However I found myself in real estate and in doing so, found my passion, which in turn created success.
Why do you think you experienced such rapid success?
I think it was just probably a combination of confidence and naiveté.
As a young leader – how do you motivate people?
Lead from front and set a good example. Trust the direction that your staff chose to head in. Understand the Why! It doesn’t matter whether they are 25, 40 or 60 years old, everyone works for a different reason. Not everybody is motivated entirely by money. It is important to understand why people work and when you do this, you can effectively lead them to achieving whatever it is that motivates them.
Aside from an expanded footprint, how will your appointment as CEO benefit DI Jones and what can we expect to see from the brand?
What we bring to the table is an understanding of technology and todays customer. We empower the consumer, our agents and our clients and their listed properties through better technology – it enables us to provide a better service and maximize reach whilst keeping our sales team happy. I always say I in business I have two types of clients - the sales team/our agents who need support, tools and information; and external clients. We look after them by providing unparalleled service to them which in turn keeps them happy leaving us with exceptional staff and client retention.
Why did you decide to move on from LJ Hooker?
LJ Hooker is a great brand, but the direction and change I wanted to take the business in, was not aligned with the LJ Hooker strategy. LJ Hooker is a cottage industry. By obtaining a brand that is independently owned, we eliminate the middle layer of the franchise owner allowing us to implement growth strategies far greater than possible within a franchise network.
Why did you approach Di Jones?
It was quite simply the values, history, reputation and the people. We wanted a sexy brand, which is attractive to both potential clients and employees whilst standing for the right values. Di Jones came with 25 years of sexy and is extremely well known with a great reputation and values.
LJ Hooker is a very well respected brand globally and is losing one of its top performing offices in the network, how do the staff feel about the merger and what feedback have you had so far from existing clients and colleagues?
Our clients and staff in the office have been 110 percent on board since announcement. Everybody worries about whether their clients and staff will stick with them or will they be fearful when they are subjected to change, as people are naturally anxious about change. However we have such a great culture and team, that there has been no doubt at all about this merger from our staff and clients and they support the direction the business is headed in. People generally rely on experiences from the past, and if that is positive, they generally trust the plans for the future. In fact many of our clients have asked why it took us so long. Brand is about the people not the colours.
Are there aggressive growth plans in place outside of Sydney – if so what are they?
Growth strategies are about creating efficiencies, migration patterns, demographics, key areas where clients exist and offering a centralized service via a company owned model. It is a fairly targeted approach and one that will result in providing a better service to the existing and potential client base.
What is the feeling about Di Jones on the North Shore? Are they familiar with the brand – how do you see the transition from both a client and employee point of view?
The merger announcement has been extremely well received. The Di Jones client demographic is very similar in our key areas. It has actually been very interesting and informative educating our market of the changes. Many of our clients have asked in the past if we could help them with their properties in other suburbs, however now the requests are far more pronounced. We have been receiving an influx of requests on a weekly basis and this merger has been extremely well received.
The traditional franchise real estate model has created a stereotype that you can only operate in your suburb, which in turn can lead to pigeonholing. The second you drop the suburb, you open up your opportunities to a wider market. We have far greater reach as a whole, but also in the eyes of our existing and potential clients.
Personal Life
Rob is married and has three sons.
 
Di Jones Real Estate announced the merger with LJ Hooker Wahroonga February 2016.
 
 
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Robert Ward takes helm following Di Jones LJ Hooker Wahroonga merger

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A real estate agent and company director accused of creating fictitious real estate listings to obtain early commissions and defrauding his company’s trust account of $808,173.69 has been handed a two-year jail term after he pleaded guilty to 12 charges in a Parramatta local court in Sydney.
The charges included a number of Crimes Act offences, including fraud and making and using false documents as well as offences under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act for fraudulently converting money. A number of other charges were admitted and taken into consideration for sentencing.
Shaun Andrew Crockford, from Claremont Meadows, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment to be served by way of an Intensive Corrections Order commencing 30 March 2016 and concluding 29 March 2018.
Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said Crockford, who was the sole director and company secretary of Quakers Hill Property Management Pty Ltd, created false contracts for sale of land signed by fictitious vendors and purchasers, false bank account statements, false sales ledgers and false stamped bank deposit slips.
“He was robbing Peter to pay Paul to keep his cash flow going,” he said.
“He fabricated 71 sales contracts for the purposes of drawing commissions from debtor factoring agencies, he provided fabricated records to the agency’s auditors over a number of years and created several fake owner statements issued to landlords detailing remittances that were never paid.
“Mr Crockford also fabricated a sales inspection report, exclusive agency agreement and sales contract document using the name of a former client and used an old contract reference number on the sales document.
“Furthermore, as a result of the defalcation of the trust fund, there was insufficient money to cover genuine purchasers’ sale deposits to account to genuine vendors on five real estate sales transactions in 2015.”
Properties were ‘created’ by Crockford for his fraudulent transactions in suburbs including Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Cherrybrook, Beaumont Hills, Schofields and Castle Hill.
NSW Fair Trading appointed managers over Quakers Hill Property Management Pty Ltd on 9 January 2015.
On 5 November 2015, NSW Fair Trading cancelled Crockford’s real estate agent’s licence and disqualified him from holding a licence for 15 years. He is also disqualified from being involved in the direction, management or conduct of the business of a licensee for 15 years.
 
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NSW real estate agent gets two-year jail term for fraud 

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The debate around the NSW government's recent decision to amend the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act to exempt large commercial property managers from holding real estate licences rages on, with the Shopping Centre Council of Australia preparing a list of FAQs around the issue.
The council cites a lot of Victorian data -- it claims the Victorian Valuer General has a lot more relevant data -- but the NSW figures would be roughly the same, it says.
The SCCA argues that the impact would be even less in NSW as the state government has set higher thresholds for exemptions.
For context, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal's 2015 Reforming Licensing in NSW report recommends that large commercial property managers who manage an estimated property value of at least $40 million, or a gross floor area of at least 20,000 square metres, or are managing properties for a related corporate entity should be exempt. 
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many commercial buildings will be affected?
A: Less than 1 percent.
In Victoria, according to the Victorian Valuer-General, only 510 commercial buildings (of a total of 72,857 commercial buildings) exceed 10,000 square metres. This means only 0.7% of commercial buildings would have been affected.
The NSW Valuer General has advised that he is unable to supply similar data for NSW. There is no reason to believe, however, the proportion in NSW would be substantially different to that in Victoria.
Q: How many commercial property sales will be affected?
A: Fewer than 4 percent.
According to RP Data, fewer than 4% of commercial property sales in NSW are for amounts greater than $10 million. Therefore, more than 96 percent of commercial sales will be unaffected. According to JLL's Australian Shopping Centre Investment Review and Outlook there were 41 sales of retail properties (including shopping centres) in NSW in 2014 which exceeded $10 million.
The buyers and sellers were, in all cases, either institutions or wealthy investors who understand property risks and do not need the protection of legislation.
(Many sales of commercial buildings worth more than $10 million already occur 'off market,and no real estate agent is involved. This change will therefore actually involve far fewer than the 4 percent of commercial sales referred to above.)
Q: How many real estate agents will be affected?
A: Around 2 percent.
In Victoria in 2014 SCCA members held 302 agent and agent representative licences. According to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) there were a total of 23,279 such licensees in Victoria at June 30, 2014. Assuming all SCCA members had taken advantage of the regulation, only 1.3 percent of licensees would have been affected. If we assume the number of licensees managing commercial buildings is around 200 (an estimate we believe to be excessive), then only 2.2 percent of licensees would have been affected. We don't have figures for NSW but believe the proportion in NSW would be similar.
Q: How many real estate agencies will be affected?
A: Around 0.2 percent.
Sales of commercial properties in excess of $10 million are almost always handled by the large commercial real estate agencies (JLL, Savills, Colliers, CBRE, Knight Frank), not the smaller commercial agencies. These agencies are members of the SCCA and/or the PCA and support the SCCA and PCA policy to provide these exemptions.
In reality, the same agents who handle the sale of these properties will continue to do so because they are very experienced in such transactions and shopping centre owners are likely to continue to utilise the services of these specialists in the large agencies because of their expertise, not because they are licensed. The transaction threshold of $10 million will therefore have negligible effect on the commercial real estate agencies.
According to CAV, there were 3,599 real estate agencies in Victoria in 2014. Only six (i.e. 0.2 percent) would have been affected if the exemptions had been in place in Victoria in 2074 and had been applied to retail property sales over $15 million. This is also true of NSW.
Q: What is the current cost of this regulation to commercial property owners in NSW?
A: In excess of $4 million a year.
During deliberations on the National Occupational Licensing System, we provided details of the cost of only three aspects of regulation - licensing, professional development and trust account regulation - for commercial property owners around Australia. This amounted to more than $12 million a year. The cost in NSW could therefore reasonably be assessed as $3.84 million a year, This does not take into account a range of other costs such as management time involved in implementing and overseeing systems to ensure compliance with the legislation. (There is also a cost to the NSW Government in staff resources in Fair Trading currently occupied in licensing, compliance and enforcement).
Q: What impact will this have on tenants?
A: None.
Retail tenants have never been protected by the Property Stock and Business Agents Act. This Act regulates the relationship between property owners (the'consumer') and property managers ('estate agents'). Tenants remain fully protected by the Retail Leases Act, which regulates the relationship between the owner/manager and the retail tenant, and is unaffected.
The RLA, as well as regulating most aspects of the owner-tenant relationship, also provides dispute resolution provisions involving the Small Business Commissioner (mediation) and NCAT (arbitration).
Q: Is the exemption supported by retail tenants?
A: Yes.
The real estate license concentrates on residential property and real estate agency matters and teaches the licensee nothing about shopping centre management or leasing or the Retail Leases Act. This is why the exemptions are supported by both the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA).
Q: What impact will this have on trust accounting requirements?
A: None.
Property managers receive money on behalf of owners in three ways: Sale deposits (i.e. when a building is sold). There is currently no requirement in the Property Stock and Business Agents Act for such deposits to be paid into a trust account i.e, it is unregulated. Therefore nothing changes. It is a matter for the sale agreement as to where such moneys are deposited. As a matter of commercial practice, such deposits are usually held in trust accounts until the sale is finalised. This will not change.
Security deposits for leases (i.e. tenants are required to pay a security deposit equivalent to some months rent). This is regulated by the Retail Leases Act (s.24), not by the Property Stock and Business Agents Act, so nothing changes. In NSW, as a requirement of the Retail Leases Act, cash security deposits are required to be deposited with the Rental Bond Board so nothing changes. In practice, however, cash deposits have largely been replaced by bank guarantees so money is not involved.
Rent. This is currently required by the Property Stock and Business Agents Act to be paid into a trust account. Once the rent is paid by the tenant, however, this is the owner's money and it should be up to the owner to decide how it is banked. Large commercial owners move it immediately out of a trust account into an operating account in order to meet the operating expenses of the centre or building. This is 'double handling' and an unnecessary expense for owners. Large commercial property owners don't need Parliament to direct them how to bank their money.
Q: Is this the 'the thin end of the wedge' for deregulation of licensing?
A. No.
It is nonsense to suggest this will be the 'thin end of the wedge' and will lead to the complete removal of licensing. These exemptions do not apply to residential real estate or to rural property and no government is likely to ever deregulate in these areas. Nor is it likely there will be further exemptions for commercial property. The SCCA and PCA have no interest in pushing for further exemptions and are not arguing for wider exemptions. Once the exemption is granted the SCCA has no further interest in real estate licensing (as we have shown in Queensland).
Q: Will this mean the entry of 'cowboy operators' in the industry?
A: No.
Those who would benefit from the exemptions are/ in nearly all cases, publicly listed entities. They have an obligation to investors to manage their assets responsibly and only contract the services of reputable individuals and companies to manage and lease their assets or conduct sales transactions. It is insulting to the directors and senior management of these entities to suggest they would now contract 'fly-by-night' operators or that commercial property management will become the 'wild west'. The sums of money involved in exempt transactions means property owners will continue to do due diligence and only contract reputable companies to handle such transactions.
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Little impact from proposed commercial property management licencing exemption laws: Shopping Centre Council 

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McGrath Estate Agents has opened a new office in Liverpool, in Sydney's South West, bringing the total office count to 81.
Chief executive John McGrath said  Liverpool will no doubt be a beneficiary in terms of the demand for housing with significant investment in the region for infrastructure and services.
“Its affordability, close proximity to both Sydney and to the proposed new airport at Badgerys Creek will be a very positive economic driver for the area," he said.
McGrath Liverpool will service the local area from Fairfield in the north, to Catherine Field in the south, to Cecil Hills in the east, and Glenfield in the west. 
Principals Luke Mannion and Anna Younan will lead four sales agents. The office is the third in the McGrath franchise under Mr Mannion’s leadership. 
McGrath Limited reached agreement to acquire the largest franchise group within its network in October 2015, with 10 McGrath franchise offices across Sydney’s mid to upper North Shore, North-West and Northern Beaches region, becoming McGrath company owned offices.
The 10 McGrath offices, under the leadership of Shane Smollen, was one of the largest real estate agency groups in Australia.
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McGrath expands in Sydney’s South West with new Liverpool office

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GUEST OBSERVER
An overhaul of education and training standards is in the best interests of the consumer and the profession. Responding to the review of training in the property services industry conducted by NSW Fair Trading, REINSW is firmly of the view that the overwhelming majority of issues that attract the attention of the regulator and aggravate consumers, can be resolved by substantially improving the education of property professionals for both entry and continuing professional development. We suggest a higher entry level education standard. It not only better equips the new entrant for the profession, it also allows that new entrant the opportunity to commit themselves to the disciplines required by the profession. This will then, it is submitted, positively impact on a higher retention rate and increase the aggregate competencies of the profession. In order to reduce the churn, which the panel has identified at 80 per cent of new entrants, REINSW proposes new entrants complete an additional three units prior to starting work. This will at least in part address this at the commencement of the new entrants employment and with on-going study together with practical on- the-job experience will grow the new entrant into a capable, knowledgeable and skilled professional. REINSW has also called for additional on the job training. Under the Institute’s suggested educational regime the student will take seven units of competence into the workplace and receive an additional 17 units of competence within the context of practical application and repetition. The complete education, which involves both classroom and on the job training, particularly in a service industry such as real estate is not so much desirable, but essential. Without it the service provider is ill-equipped to respond to the demands and disciplines of the profession. The delivery and assessment of training should be undertaken by trainers who regularly update their property industry work experience and skills. The qualification level of the trainers should be at least a one-step higher level than the qualification currently being taught within the relevant property associated discipline.
 
John Cunningham is President, REINSW and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_Prod/web" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Real estate agent education, training overhaul needed: REINSW

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Soon we will be hearing more and more about the big sister of underquoting and this will be overquoting, and it bites.
Be warned, unlike the roar that politicians and our Real Estate Industry (REI) make about underquoting, this one will bite deep and hard into the pockets of REA’s and their offices.
Now that I have your attention, pour yourself a cup of coffee and read on. I will explain what overquoting entails. I will also explain the dangers it poses to both vendors and agents.
Overquoting
<ul>
<li>For most agents working in our industry, the term overquoting is mainly referred to as: buying the listing.</li>
<li>Buying the listing in turn refers to: informing the vendor that their property will sell for a lot more than what the market is demanding or dictating at the time.</li>
<li>The purpose of overquoting is: to obtain a listing under false pretense of a high sales price. Higher than the estimated values placed by other agents in the area.</li>
<li>The REA’s intention is: to eventually “condition” the vendor to accept less, as the buyers inspecting the property, offer what the market is truly dictating.</li>
</ul>
Underquoting serves the function to condition the buyers to believe they will buy the property for less, as low price guides are given by REA's. The agents on the other hand, hope that the auction frenzy will motivate them to pay more as they add competition to realistic buyers.
Underquoting, as a form of bait advertising, is a marketing process readily used in a heated property market.
The use of overquoting by the agent, is to win the listing and to have the chance of selling the property. The sales process which precedes winning the listing conditions the vendor to accept less than what the agents originally quote in their Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
Overquoting is a form of deception used by agents, to convince vendors to sell through them and their office.
What will vendors do?
Now please pay very close attention as this is what I mean when I say overquoting will bite and bite hard.
Vendors will not sit back and take it on the chin, unlike buyers when they are deceived by bait advertising.
When vendors believe that their properties have dropped in value, as they compare the agent’s CMA to what is being offered, vendors will act and take action against the agent.
Real estate agents (REA) will soon find themselves in hot water and face litigation.
In the case of underquoting, the accumulated losses of individual’s time and money as a buyer, may total around $1000 on average. A loss, that may not necessarily warrant time and effort, to report the REA that is believed to be underquoting.
On the other hand, a perceived loss of $10's of thousands of dollars, to a vendor, will warrant a claim against the agent.
I have written about this in the past and have said; until losses justify time and effort spent by consumers, to lodge claims with the authorities, REA’s will do as they please.
However, be warned for what is to eventuate and is just around the corner.
Some REA’s will take it in their stride and heed this advice but some will also believe they are above the law and the authorities. It won’t surprise me to see the same REA’s that underquote lead the way to overquoting practices. Sadly most will again be members of the REI's.
The difference this time folks, it won’t be a toothless tiger on their case, it will be a vendor determined to be compensated.
 
EDWIN ALMEIDA is licensee in charge of <a href="https://www.just-think.com.au/" target="_blank">Just Think Real Estate</a>.<a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/"> </a>
He is also the creator of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JustThinkProperty" target="_blank">Oz Real Estate.TV</a> and a presenter for <a href="https://propertyinvestingvault.com/" target="_blank">propertyinvestingvault.com</a>.
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