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Perth powerhouse expands into exclusive projects

By Juliet Helmke
27 October 2021 | 12 minute read
Vivien Yap Amaro Velho reb

A major network’s top Australian seller is expanding her footprint in West Australia while making the most of a niche market.

Vivien Yap, principal of Ray White Dalkeith Claremont, has launched a new business dedicated to marketing exclusive projects, recruiting two highly regarded project operators in Amaro Velho and Chad Toquero.

Ms Yap, who recently took out the number one spot in REB’s 2021 Top 50 Agents in Western Australia, called the new business a natural extension of her current one.

“I have been involved in selling luxury real estate in Perth for 10 years now, and during this time, I have worked with many international and local developers to sell their prestige stock,” Ms Yap said.

“Now is the time to seize this opportunity. The Perth market has never been so active, and COVID has accelerated local buyer demand and growth. We will be able to service the full suite of buyers from prestige penthouse buyers to professionals looking to buy their first investment and even first home buyers.”

Ms Yap has reportedly already been approached by a number of developers from Perth, Sydney, and further abroad to project manage their forthcoming properties. By her calculations, the moment is right for expanding into this dedicated space.

“The time is now to be able to service our developers on a large scale. We have a highly experienced team, and we are in it for the long haul.”

Ray White group managing director Dan White agreed that the timing of the new business was perfect.

“Perth offers one of the best lifestyles on offer in the country, and it’s been amazing to see the local transformation in the property market in the last 18 months,” he said.

“Prices are yet to return to where they were at the peak of the mining boom, but with growth almost hitting 9 per cent for houses and 6 per cent for units over the past 12 months, it is rapidly getting there. There’s plenty of off the plan projects right now in Perth, and we only expect supply from developers will grow once the international border opens again.”

Mr White expressed his deep confidence in Ms Yap’s capabilities and the talent she’d recruited to join her in the venture.

“Ray White and Vivien Yap offer an excellent opportunity for developers as she is well-known for her passion and high energy. Vivien’s assembled a top team who have her same impressive high work ethic,” Mr White commented.

Amaro Velho said there was a clear need for the business in Perth’s market.

“There has been a gap in this market for a long time, and there’s been players who have come and gone. No doubt, it’s a niche market, but it’s a fast-growing one. We’re in it for the long term, which is exactly what you need to have the staying power in projects,” he said.

“Many off the plan marketing campaigns can take three to four years. The business will also offer a consultancy service for developers who are looking for an edge in sales and marketing strategy.”

Mr Velho shared plans for a build that’s set to be completed in 2023 as an example of the projects they’re excited to deliver to the Perth market.

The team is already actively marketing the Forbes Residences, a project of the Mustera Property Group and Singaporean architectural firm WOHA, located on the Swan River with views to Perth’s CBD.

A collection of 34 residences with a maximum of four residences per floor, prices range from $1.6 million to $3 million for the three- and four-bedroom units.

“This building will set a new benchmark for apartment living in Perth, and it’s creating a buzz across the city. Demand has been strong for this building,” Mr Velho said.

And they expect interest to continue at this speed, with Ray White’s economist Nerida Conisbee noting that Perth has seen the biggest decline in time on the market in Australia, now selling far more quickly than any other location except Hobart.

Ms Yap is confident she’s struck at an opportune moment, with a range of buyers interested in new luxury constructions.

“This is an exciting time to build a powerful yet niche project business out of my Claremont location,” she said.

“We will cater for all types of buyers. Investors looking for high-end stock and also expats or interstate buyers who are planning to move home in the next 18 months or so. We’ll have off the plan projects for all buyers looking for apartment towers, townhouses, and very upmarket first home buyers.”


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