Husband-and-wife team launches McGrath office in Melbourne’s east

According to the network, the office will focus on the key suburbs of Boronia and Wantirna, while looking to expand into the Ferntree Gully market.

Head of franchise at McGrath Estate Agents, Chris Mourd, said the Gardners, who shared 38 years’ combined experience in the local market, brought a strong team with clear ambition.

“Our role is to help accelerate that with premium brand positioning, better marketing leverage and the support of a high-performing national network,” Mourd said.

He said the network was prepared to support the pair as they took the next step in growing their business, amid growing opportunity in Wantirna and the broader catchment.

According to Geraint Gardner, the area was seeing an increase in buyer activity, particularly from families and multicultural communities drawn to the space, schools and lifestyle.

Property sales in Knox have been outpacing the broader Melbourne market, taking an average of 24 days to sell, compared to the capital’s average of 37 days.

“We have excellent schools, including The Knox School and Waverley Christian College, both attracting families to the area,” Gardner said.

“There is also a strong demand from first home buyers and upgraders. The area is seeing a growing diversity in the buyer pool, particularly from Indian, Sri Lankan and Chinese communities.”

Additionally, Gardner said many blocks of land were generous in size, creating ongoing opportunities for subdivision and redevelopment.

McGrath Wantirna has opened with a sales team of six, including sales agents Abby Ivankovic and James Diab, and three property managers with a portfolio of 300 properties, which they plan to expand.

Nicole Gardiner said the pair’s business had always been built on relationships, trust, consistency and results.

“As a husband-and-wife team, we bring a strong sense of stability and a personalised approach to every campaign.”