Sydney Sotheby's International Realty Director, Gayle Walker will head up the Tasmania Sotheby’s International Realty new office.
With almost 20 years of luxury real estate experience behind her, Ms Walker will lead the launch of a new Sotheby's Realty office in the Sandy Bay area.
Ms Walker launched Gayle Walker Real Estate in 2007, before merging her business with Sydney Sotheby's International Realty in 2015, and became Principal of the Lower North Shore office.
She told WILLIAMS MEDIA the decision to leave her role in Sydney to head up the new Tasmanian office was an easy one.
"While travelling to Tasmania to visit family just over a year ago, I fell in love with this beautiful state. It was like a window had been opened to one of Australia's best-kept secrets.
"Coupled with the beauty of the landscapes and quality of life, I could see the immense appeal and opportunity as to why so many people are moving across, particularly from New South Wales and Victoria.
"With my strong network after nearly 20 years in real estate and my connection with Sotheby's Realty, the choice was an easy one," Ms Walker said.
Principal at Sotheby’s International Realty Greater Australia, Scott Bowie says Ms Walker is a huge asset to the Hobart operations.
“Her sales record speaks for itself and her long and varied experience will certainly be of great benefit to her clients," Mr Bowie said.
Known for her community-mindedness, Ms Walker says she will endeavour to continue that spirit in the Tasmania office.
“I spent 19 years working and living in Sydney’s Lower North Shore, and am looking forward to building the same kind of community here in Hobart. Tasmania’s luxury property market shows no signs of abating and I can’t wait to bring my experience into this exciting, unique and stunningly beautiful area."
She says the top end of the property market in Tasmania shows no signs of abating.
"Interstate buyers are snapping up luxury properties due to the lifestyle benefits and value for money. Several past clients of mine have purchased historic homes on acreage here and realised their dreams of provenance and lifestyle.
"With major hotel chains opening here, plus the direct flights from China to Hobart, the opportunity of Tasmania is now open to the world, and the top end of the market is full of opportunity. It's not abating," she said.
Speaking to WILLIAMS MEDIA, Ms Walker says the only way is up for the Tasmanian property market.
"The style of homes here is more diverse, and there is something to suit everyone within a much smaller radius. Even though the market continues to be one of the strongest in Australia, pricing is far more realistic, hopefully providing a much less stressful lifestyle with more affordable options.
"Equally, for investors, the yields are some of the highest in the country, and there continues to be a demand for stock.
"It's such an exciting time to be here and to be a part of this growth. With all that Tasmania has to offer including property development, the music and art culture, fine food and wine, the trajectory is only going to continue in an upwards direction throughout 2019.
"For many years, people have talked about growth in Tasmania, and it is only now really starting to gain momentum.
"Not only is it more affordable, but the lifestyle here is second to none, and people, like myself, are embracing it," Ms Walker said.
The new office will shortly launch several prestigious properties aligning with the vision to establish Sotheby's International Realty as the luxury leader in Tasmania.
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