The surge of Sydney buyers forced out of Sydney in the hunt for value and affordability is changing the face of real estate in regional NSW.
Richardson & Wrench today (November 25) adds a second Hunter Valley independent to its network, with the signing of Thomas Real Estate, a third generation family real estate business in the growth region of Branxton. Earlier this year R&W signed up Col Campbell Real Estate which had operated from its Maitland main street location for more than three decades.
With the development of neighbouring Huntlee and its projected population of 20,000, more than 60 per cent of the Branxton agency’s business now originates in Sydney, from buyers looking for established homes in Branxton or new investment homes in Huntlee which require management.
“In the case of Branxton, improved road infrastructure has shrunk the travel time to Hornsby to just 90 minutes making it attractive for investors and owner-occupiers seeking a lifestyle change within reach of Sydney.” Said R&W Managing Director Andrew Cocks
“This is a shift we are seeing in a broad arc radiating from Sydney, to Newcastle and the Central Coast, presenting plenty of growth opportunities for our network.”
Having secured two strategic offices in the Hunter, Mr Cocks is exploring further opportunities to grow the network and increase its brand presence.
“The great thing about the Hunter is the diversity of its economic and employment base,” said Mr Cocks. “It has enormous growth potential which makes it an attractive destination for those priced out of Sydney and looking for a career and life change.
“Coal, agriculture and viticulture are the foundations of the Hunter economy but its service sector is growing and so too is tourism. It has a first class university and beaches that would rival any in Sydney. There is incredible momentum, particularly in the Branxton, Huntlee and Greta region, with a new home construction boom that is providing further employment.”
Andrew Thomas, whose grandfather established Thomas Real Estate as a stock and station business in 1953 will be the person who leads the agency into its future with Richardson & Wrench while his father Neil continues his true passion, heading Thomas Livestock.
