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McGrath Estate Agents has expressed its confidence in the Hunter Valley market and aims to contribute to the its much-publicised recovery with the opening of a new office in Cessnock.
Founder and executive director John McGrath said that the Hunter Valley is an important market for McGrath.
“While we have operated in the Hunter area for several years now, we’re looking forward to creating an even stronger presence in the region,” the founder said.
The McGrath Hunter Valley office will be led by principals Sean Redpath and Melissa McLeod.
This is the third franchise office under the leadership of Mr Redpath and Ms McLeod, with already established offices in nearby Newcastle and New Lambton.
Mr Redpath said that the local market was buoyant.
“The Hunter region has experienced healthy and sustained price growth over the past few years, as more and more Sydneysiders cash in on their city properties to enjoy a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle,” Mr Redpath said.
“The Hunter Valley has long been a popular destination for retirees and downsizers. However, with its good value for money and improving employment opportunities, it’s also become sought-after by young families and essential service workers. As a result, we are also seeing increased interest by Sydney-based investors who [are] attracted by good yields of the rental market.”
He added that in a recent report on personal employee incomes, the Hunter Valley ranked number two in the top six areas outside of Sydney for income.
“Significant infrastructure with both government and private investment, such as the new $450 million Maitland Hospital, new Hunter Expressway and GreenHills Shopping Centre upgrade, are also contributing to the area’s growing desirability.”
History
Both Mr Redpath and Ms McLeod have a steep history with McGrath, having both worked with the group in Sydney before relocating to the Newcastle area.
Ms McLeod, who relocated in 2016, said that she was an example of a tree changer.
She said that she and her family opted for an acreage home in Lovedale, with her young son being educated at the local grammar school.
“My husband continues to commute to Sydney for work, which is not unusual for many of the families who have opted for a wonderful yet more affordable lifestyle.”
The new office will initially employ two experienced local agents, with plans to expand the sales team.
Tahlia Parker, who is a partner in McGrath Hunter Valley, hails from the region and is well respected in the community. She will focus on key areas and surrounds of Cessnock, Millfield and Nulkabia.
Kylie Gordon, also well known in local real estate circles, is considered an area specialist in Kurri Kurri and Weston, Cessnock.
The new office will service the Hunter region from Belford in the north, to Millfield in the south, to Maitland in the east, through to Cessnock in the west.
Located two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is renowned as one of Australia’s leading wine-growing regions and tourist destinations. Combined with its championship golf courses, this has proven attractive to tree changers.
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