McGrath is opening a new office in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, its 15th office in South-East Queensland.
McGrath remains firmly in expansion mode, continuing at pace with its rapid opening of offices in South-East Queensland. It's most recent opening is in Caloundra, and brings to 15 the number of offices in South-East Queensland, and 18 in Queensland more broadly.
The successful real estate company is also expanding its operations in Melbourne and Western Sydney.
John McGrath, CEO of McGrath, said Caloundra is one of South-East Queensland's emerging lifestyle destinations.
"Caloundra is gaining in popularity with seachangers who are recognising the great value and buying opportunities available in this beachside community. With major investment in infrastructure for the surrounding region, I expect the entire Coast will experience further growth and Caloundra will no doubt be a beneficiary of that," he said.
McGrath Caloundra will service the area from Parrearra in the north to Bribie Island in the south. It will service Caloundra, Pelican Waters, Little Mountain, Currimundi and Meridan Plains.
The new office will be led by respected husband and wife team, Jodie and David Hedley-Ward. Jodie and David bring a depth of local knowledge and experience. Jodie was a ‘Residential Salesperson of the Year’ finalist at the ‘REIQ Awards for Excellence’ in both 2014 and 2015, while David has extensive local and international real estate experience, having worked throughout Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Eight sales agents will join the team, including Carol Carr, Bree Charles, Linda Weaver, Danyell Sparksman, Nef Pearce, Fran Fuller and Dana Paxton.
Major new infrastructure projects in the area include the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the Maroochydore Principal Activity Centre, proposed expansion of the Sunshine Coast airport, and the $5 billion Aura community development in Caloundra South.
Aura is one of Australia’s largest master-planned, sustainable communities. It will add more than 20,000 new homes to the area over the next 30 years, with an estimated population of 50,000 on completion. Its developer Stockland estimates that 1,700 jobs will be created in the first year and 18,500 over the next 10 years, and has committed to $1.3 billion in local infrastructure over the life of the project.
Caloundra and its surrounds have experienced steady price growth. Over the past three years the median house price in Caloundra increased by 12% to $433,500. Nearby Golden Beach experienced 22% growth to $475,000. (Source: CoreLogic RP Data, November 2015)
David Hedley-Ward said he expects the significant investment in the region will boost the market and lead to job creation and population growth. "Caloundra has been increasingly popular with investors and young buyers looking at making a seachange. It provides an affordable and relaxed lifestyle with all the key amenities available, and its only one hour's drive from the Brisbane CBD," he said.
Mr Hedley-Ward said he was attracted to the McGrath brand for its high level of professionalism, superior marketing and values. “The McGrath brand is widely respected throughout the industry," he said.
McGrath Caloundra is located at Shop 2/5 Forest Park Street, Meridan Plains.