Logan Central property firm joins Raine & Horne’s unrelenting expansion in Queensland

Media release - 27^th August, 2014

• Raine & Horne launches new office in Brisbane’s Logan Central
• Over the past year, Raine & Horne has expanded its Queensland network by 20% – and expects to launch another 6 offices by the end of 2014
• The Logan Central real estate market is enjoying a solid burst of activity driven by experienced interstate investors drawn to the region’s affordability, yields nudging 9% and vacancy rates under 2%

Logan Central’s Land & Home Realty is the latest independent real estate firm to join leading national brand Raine & Horne.

The independent real estate firm, which is led by Principal Debbie Gray, has joined the real estate Superbrand and will operate as Raine & Horne Logan Central from its premises at Unit 1, 94 Wembley Road, Logan Central.

“In the past year, we have increased our Queensland network by almost 20% and we are generating significant cut-through with independent real estate firms, as well as offices attached to our competitors,” said Steve Worrad, General Manager, Raine & Horne Queensland, who expects to launch another six Raine & Horne offices in Queensland by Christmas.

“Independents are joining Raine & Horne because there is a significant bank of trust in a brand that has been around for 131 years.

“Real estate agents are also recognising that with our systems, marketing, technology, recruitment, retention and training, we do all the heavy lifting for them, enabling them to do what they do best – and that is sell and manage real estate.”

Ms Gray agrees that the reach and exposure attached to a Superbrand such as Raine & Horne is engaging.

“A recognised real estate brand name like Raine & Horne has more appeal with consumers in a region like ours,” said Ms Gray.

“While I really love the contemporary branding of Raine & Horne, it was the fantastic service delivered by Steve Worrad and business support and development manager, Sheryl Turnell, that won me over to Raine & Horne.

“I was being courted by another franchise group, but their follow-up didn’t compare to Raine & Horne.

“Steve and Sheryl’s level of professionalism and lines of communication were fabulous and made joining the charcoal and gold of Raine & Horne a no-brainer for me.”

According to Ms Gray, the timing of the move to Raine & Horne couldn’t be better, with interstate investor interest driving up demand for entry-level Logan Central real estate.

“Since the GFC, the Logan Central market has been a bit flat, yet low interest rates and the region’s affordability are combining to draw yield-hungry investors to entry-level properties,” said Ms Gray.

“Older-style two bedroom apartments start from $140,000 and can generate weekly rents of $250 or more, which makes Logan Central a target for investors,” said Ms Gray, who estimates aspiring landlords represent about 90% of buyer enquiries.

“Moreover, the large majority of investors are from interstate, driven by Logan Central’s affordability, excellent investment yields and vacancy rates of around 2%.”

Ms Gray says that joining Raine & Horne will deliver her business the opportunity to compete for more property sales listings, as Land & Home predominantly specialises in home and land packages tailored to first home buyers in nearby Ipswich and beyond.

“Logan Central’s improving infrastructure is proving popular with investors with an eye on the future, while its proximity to Brisbane (25 minutes) and the Gold Coast (35 minutes) make it appealing to tenants,” said Ms Gray.

For all your sales and property management enquiries in Logan Central, contact Raine & Horne Logan Central on 07 3386 6700.

For further media information contact:

Steve Worrad, General Manager, Queensland Raine & Horne on 0498 071 991

Debbie Gray, Principal, Raine & Horne Logan Central on 0431 700 047

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Coordinator, on 9258 5400