McGrath has announced the opening of a new office 55km north-west of Melbourne as the network seeks to establish a presence to capitalise on the region’s growing lifestyle-driven market.
The new office, located in Gisborne, will be led by incoming principal Brad Best and serve the Macedon Ranges region, including Romsey, Gisborne, Riddles Creek, and Woodend.
As a fifth-generation local, the network said that Best brings depth of experience and market knowledge to McGrath Gisborne and will be supported by Toni Bloodworth.
Similarly, Best said he would bring a unique approach to the sales process, staying hands-on when more experienced agents would typically step back.
“We believe the highest level of experience should be applied at the point of greatest leverage,” Best said.
“I’ll be actively involved in campaigns, working directly with clients and buyers to ensure every opportunity is maximised.”
McGrath head of franchise network, Chris Mourd, said the Macedon Ranges was a region the brand had long considered for expansion as one of Victoria’s key lifestyle markets, with Best being an important figure in the new office.
“Brad is already embedded in the Macedon Ranges community – he knows the clients, he knows the market, and he’s earned their trust,” Mourd said.
“That combination of local expertise and national strength is what we’re replicating right across our network.”
Best said the Macedon Ranges property market was largely driven by lifestyle buyers from Melbourne who were attracted by the region’s proximity to the city.
“The Macedon Ranges corridor appeals to a broad buyer pool ranging from first home buyers priced out of Melbourne to high-net-worth lifestyle purchasers,” he said.
“Easily commutable, just 60 minutes northwest of Melbourne CBD, it offers great options for those tree-changers in search of land and lifestyle.”
Mourd said the McGrath’s expansion into regional Victoria, which followed a move into the Cootamundra property market, was an example of the network’s intent to continue its growth strategy outside of the capital cities.
“From the Riverina to regional Victoria, McGrath is targeting markets that matter – and we’re doing it by backing operators like Brad who have made a deliberate choice to align with our brand,” Mourd concluded.
