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A Sydney real estate office is welcoming its first new principal since the 1980s.
After over 35 years at the head of Raine & Horne Randwick/Coogee, local linchpin Terry Brandtman is handing the reins over to a new generation of leadership.
Taking over from Brandtman as principal is Craig Sewell, formerly the founding director of local brand Mint 360 Property. Brandtman will stay on the team as a sales agent.
“I have been an acquaintance of Terry’s for a very long time, and he will remain an integral part of our team, contributing as a conjunction agent, ensuring continuity and preserving the strong relationships he has cultivated over the years,” said Sewell.
“Terry has been an influential figure in the industry, and I’m honoured to build upon the strong foundation he has laid for Raine & Horne Randwick/Coogee.”
Going forward as the agency’s new principal, Sewell plans to double down on property management. Currently, the office’s rent roll sits at around 1,850 rental properties – a number he believes may be set to grow.
“I’ve already had a chat with a couple of other principals in this region that have rent rolls that want to focus on sales. So there are opportunities to pick up other rent rolls around Randwick,” he said.
With current rental yields averaging 3.5 per cent to 4 per cent, Sewell believes the Randwick property market offers “reasonably healthy” opportunities for investors, with prospects set to strengthen in the future.
“Despite a limited supply currently, the imminent increase in unit constructions signifies growth potential,” he said.
Focusing on building the agency’s rent roll will also play to Sewell’s strengths. Since starting out in the sector in 1991, Sewell has built a strong property management team.
“We were finalists in 2019 and 2020 for REB’s Property Manager of the Year but were beaten by my good friend Gerard Hill and the team at Raine & Horne Newtown,” Sewell recalled.
“Throughout our journey, we’ve been recognised as finalists for Principal of the Year by both the REI and REB, showcasing our unwavering dedication to excellence.”
When making the decision to transition to the Raine & Horne brand from Mint 360 Property, Sewell cited personal relationships as the deciding factor behind the change.
“My associations with individuals such as Gerard Hill and executive chairman Angus Raine, along with the strategic opportunities presented by Raine & Horne, drew me towards this partnership,” he stated.
