Media release - 11th August, 2016

Superbrand Raine & Horne is launching a major assault on Sydney’s popular Upper North Shore property market with the opening of a new office located in Hornsby.

Raine & Horne Hornsby will be led by experienced local agent Chris Hopkins and his wife Susie, and will deliver the 133-year-old family owned and operated firm’s unique sales and property management services to residents from Hornsby and Hornsby Heights, to Asquith, Mount Colah, Mount Ku-ring-gai, Berowra and Berowra Heights on Sydney’s northern perimeter.

RH Hornsby opening - Brian Reid, Chris and Susie Hopkins, Angus Raine Raine & Horne Hornsby, which is located at Level 1, 147 Peats Ferry Road, Hornsby, can also service the needs of owners, buyers, investors and tenants in prestigious Wahroonga and Waitara.

“We have a strong network of offices on the North Shore, and with the addition of Raine & Horne Hornsby, we have the ability to provide sales and property management services from Kirribilli to Berowra,” said Angus Raine, Executive Chairman, Raine & Horne.

“The Hornsby market doesn’t get a lot of headlines, however with a median apartment price of $630,000, it gives first home owners the chance to own property on Sydney’s popular and well-located Upper North Shore.

“Overseas investors have also recognised that Hornsby offers plenty of attractions such as a major retail precinct, railway access to the city and north-western Sydney, as well as being the gateway to the coastal delights of the state’s magnificent Central Coast.

“While investment yields are challenging, vacancy rates are close to zero, which enables investors with a property in Hornsby to enjoy consistent cash flow.”

Mr Raine added that he is delighted Mr and Mrs Hopkins have joined Raine & Horne.

“Susie and Chris are Hornsby locals to the core, and Chris’s real estate experience includes seven years in the region with another leading network, where he won a number of sales awards, as well as a stint as an independent,” said Mr Raine.

“Chris knows the Upper North Shore property market like the back of his hand, and his skills as a sales and leadership trainer will come in very handy as Raine & Horne Hornsby executes its business plans.”

An old boy of St Leo’s College Wahroonga, Chris said linking with Raine & Horne was a no-brainer, after weighing up the service offerings from a number of competing real estate groups.

“We decided early that the support of a company that was focused on meeting the needs of our clients was paramount. We also needed the backing of cutting edge technology and IT systems, which would help us to deliver great outcomes for our clients. Raine & Horne stood out in this regard,” said Mr Hopkins.

“We wanted a strong cultural match for our business, and after meeting with Angus Raine and CEO Brian Reid, we were convinced the family culture offered by Raine & Horne ticked this box.”

Looking ahead to the traditional spring selling market, Mr Hopkins is urging vendors to get in now, as the number of Hornsby properties for sale is near historic lows.

“A number of economic factors seem to have played a role in discouraging owners from listing their homes for sale, yet we still have plenty of buying interest from upgraders looking to snap up well-priced homes in suburbs such as Berowra, and from overseas investors seeking apartments in Hornsby,” said Mr Hopkins.

“In Hornsby, there’s been a massive increase in new multi-level unit developments, but many of them sell well before they’re built.”

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Chris Hopkins, Co-Principal, Raine & Horne Hornsby, on 0419 681 141

Andrew Harrington, National Communications Manager, Raine & Horne, on 02 9258 5400

Raine & Horne has Sydney's North Shore covered with launch of Hornsby office