Media release - 6^th September, 2012

New home concessions set to spur first home buyers

Celebrating ten years with the Raine & Horne network, award-winning property firm, Raine & Horne Collaroy, says first home buyers are itching to purchase after the new home concessions come into effect on 1 October, 2012.

The leading Northern Beaches real estate firm recently walked away from Raine & Horne’s National Awards in Melbourne with no less than 10 accolades, including third place in the Top Office (Dollar Value) and fifth in the Top Office (Number of Sales) categories.

“It was a great night for all of our offices and I am proud of our staff, who continue to push the envelope every year in service and results,” says Lachlan Yeates, co-principal of Raine & Horne Collaroy, Raine & Horne Dee Why and Raine & Horne Commercial Northern Beaches.

In addition, Mr Yeates personally took bronze in both the Top Salesperson (Dollar Value) and Top Principal (Number of Sales) divisions. Lachlan Yeates (R) accepts the award for Your Broker Top Referring Office

“Property volumes this year have been down by about 25%, but that hasn’t meant that the sales have been lower.

“On the contrary, we’ve sourced some great property sales, and in May, Raine & Horne Collaroy recorded its best ever month for sales commissions.”

Furthermore, Mr Yeates says the market has continued to build as Spring approaches and that first home buyers are priming themselves to pounce in the warmer months.

“It is highly likely that we will see a surge in first home buyer activity in mid-Spring if interest rates remain low.

“We have already noticed first home buyers fidgeting in preparation for the concession changes to the NSW First Home Owners Grant Scheme on 1 October, 2012.

“The grant will net a first home buyer $15,000 when they purchase or build a new home.”

Appealing to those first home buyers who are ready to pounce, Mr Yeates confirms that Raine & Horne Collaroy will be releasing for sale 28 apartments in the Iluka development at 26 Shackle Avenue, Brookvale in early September.

“The Iluka apartment complex is scheduled to be completed in January 2013, with one to two bedroom dwellings starting from just $425,000.

“We are expecting first home buyers to snap them up.”

Indeed Mr Yeates reveals the development has already sold four of the 28 off-the-plan apartments to investors, much to the chagrin of first home buyers, who are watching and waiting for the 1 October start-date.

Furthermore, Spring fever has also affected properties in the median $750,000 price range in Collaroy, with Mr Yeates confirming a jump in sales since the beginning of August.

“Most of the property we listed in August sold within a week of hitting the market.”

“In recent months, buyers have been starved for fresh properties to purchase and as a result, they are now moving quickly to secure any new homes that appear on the market.”

Celebrating Raine & Horne Collaroy’s decade-long partnership with the Raine & Horne network, the firm was also presented with a special award for 10 Years of Service.

“Our partnership with the Raine & Horne brand has been one of great success,” says Mr Yeates.

“Raine & Horne is a family-owned Australian Superbrand, which means that they personally care and support the needs of an extensive office network.”

Moreover, in a stunning achievement, the combined Northern Beaches offices of Raine & Horne Collaroy, Raine & Horne Dee Why and Raine & Horne Commercial Northern Beaches pulled-off a clean sweep in the Your Broker Referral awards.

This included the win by Stewart Syron of Raine & Horne Financial Services, who grabbed the “Your Broker of the Year” award, and Natalie Robson of Raine & Horne Dee Why, who collected the gong for Top Referring Agent.

Vincent West of Raine & Horne Commercial Northern Beaches also secured silver in the Top Commercial Salesperson (Sales Dollar Value) category.

“The Raine & Horne name is synonymous in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with award-winning service in every facet of real estate – from buying and selling residential properties, to property management, brokerage and commercial sales,” adds Mr Yeates.

For those considering a property transaction this Spring, contact Raine & Horne Collaroy on 02 9982 7733, Raine & Horne Dee Why on 02 9971 9000, or Raine & Horne Commercial Northern Beaches on 02 9971 9000.

For further media information contact:

Lachlan Yeates, Co-Principal Raine & Horne Collaroy on 0414 660 033

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator on 02 9258 5400

First home buyers poised to return to Sydney’s Northern Beaches