Media release: Monday, 12 December, 2011

Affordable homes fuelling buyer interest in St George

• Two bedroom apartments available below $500,000 in the St George region
• Lower interest rates expected to attract more homebuyers
• Raine & Horne adds an eighth office to its growing stable of offices in southern Sydney

A combination of affordability, variety and accessibility is set to drive homebuyers in southern Sydney real estate markets in 2012, according to leading real estate firm Raine & Horne.

Nick Tringas, Principal of the recently-opened Raine & Horne Brighton-Le-Sands, said the St George area offered good buying prospects for owner-occupiers and investors.

“At this point in time, with interest rates falling and more affordable homes on offer, there is plenty for buyers to get excited about in southern Sydney,” he said.

“We have a range of quality apartments, as well as beautiful waterfront homes which will appreciate in price over the long-term, and when you add in the area’s ease of access to the city, you have all the factors for a great home purchase.”

Mr Tringas said two bedroom apartments were available in Sans Souci for $500,000 and under, while he recently sold a 1000 square metre property on the Sans Souci Peninsula for $1.93 million.

“The home is located at 68 Vista Street, Sans Souci, and has water views as well as six bedrooms and five bathrooms,” he said.

Additionally, the $2.3 million sale of a brand-new five bedroom designer home at 29 Plimsoll Street, Sans Souci is testament to Raine & Horne Brighton-Le-Sands’ growing track record as a real estate agent of choice.

“The Plimsoll Street property sold in 28 days, and is in keeping with our office’s average of 30 days on market for most properties we sell,” Mr Tringas said.

These are encouraging results for the new Raine & Horne Brighton-Le-Sands office, which has continued the leading real estate brand’s southern Sydney expansion, joining local Raine & Horne offices in Sans Souci, Kogarah, Rockdale, Bexley, Kingsgrove, Bardwell Park and Miranda.

Situated at 166 Bestic Street, Kyeemagh, Mr Tringas said the location of Raine & Horne Brighton-Le-Sands, in close proximity to the major thoroughfares of General Holmes Drive and The Grand Parade, was a major asset for the new business.

“We are just across the road from the beach, and in a location that has good levels of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, which will ensure good exposure for the office and the Raine & Horne brand.”

Indeed, it was Raine & Horne’s distinctive brand which proved the deciding factor in Mr Tringas’ decision to make the switch to Raine & Horne, after running an independent real estate office.

“In terms of the St George real estate market, Raine & Horne represents a fresh brand which has an eye-catching appeal, especially following its recent re-branding, and this will make us stand out from some of the older agencies in the area,” Mr Tringas said.

The addition of local knowledge and experience is another positive for Raine & Horne Brighton-Le-Sands, said Mr Tringas, who is a life time St George resident and a second generation real estate agent who has been licensed for 20 years.

Raine & Horne CEO Angus Raine said the St George real estate market was one of Sydney’s hot spots, with excellent long term growth prospects, given its affordability and excellent location in respect to the city, the airport and beaches.

“Nick, his wife Kelly and four children, are committed to promoting a healthy community and as a consequence Raine & Horne Brighton-Le-Sands will support the Brighton Beach Nippers and the Brighton Athletic Club in 2012.”

Likewise Raine & Horne Brighton-Le-Sands will be a sponsor of the Sean Maroney 000 Challenge, an annual aquathon at Brighton Le Sands, which will be held in March.

Raine & Horne is an iconic Australian property firm, with more than 360 offices worldwide. Also an established Superbrand along with Qantas, Vegemite, Woolworths and Myer, the company has four distinct property service brands including Raine & Horne Residential, Raine & Horne Commercial, Raine & Horne Rural and Raine & Horne Financial.

-ENDS-

For further media information contact:

Nick Tringas, Principal Raine & Horne Brighton-Le-Sands on 02 9335 9800 / 0412 414 600

Kit Bashford, National Marketing & Communications Manager on 02 9258 5400