Media release - 30^th June, 2014

Raine & Horne launches first office in NSW’s Upper Hunter region
The new office will provide real estate services across Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Denman and Scone
With entry-level homes from $250,000 and gross rental yields above 6.5%, Muswellbrook is an attractive proposition for first time buyers and investors

Superbrand Raine & Horne has timed the launch of a new office at Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Valley, to coincide with a gradual return to form of the local real estate market, as local mining expansion gains approval.

Grant Jupe (centre) with staff members at the new R&H Muswellbrook Principal of Raine & Horne Muswellbrook, Grant Jupe, says the local real estate market should begin to collect pace as planned expansion works at the Coal & Allied mine at Bengalla, BHP Billiton’s Mount Arthur Coal and Glencore Xstrata Mangoola Coal Mine kick into gear.

“The mine expansions will help bolster Muswellbrook’s growing population by attracting more contractors in the short term to work on the expansions, which augurs well for the rental market,” says Mr Jupe, who has chosen to switch to Raine & Horne after three award-winning years in Muswellbrook with another major property group.

“Long term, the mine expansions and production stage will create additional full-time employment and encourage more workers to settle down in Muswellbrook, which will boost future property values.

“It’s fair to expect that the expansions, along with other segments of the Muswellbrook economy, such as the wineries, agriculture, horse studs and power stations, will help boost values by 5 to 10% over the next 24 months.”

Mr Jupe, the president of Muswellbrook Rotary for the last 12 months and a recent Chamber of Commerce board member, says, “We have a very strong equine industry with a number of horse studs creating plenty of employment for locals.

“There are lovely wineries in Denman, while the power stations just outside Muswellbrook are also strong employers. These stations supply a vast majority of power to NSW, so they have a very big impact on the local economy and the real estate market.”

In addition, the former site of the Muswellbrook Showground, which is located in the middle of town, has been rezoned for commercial purposes, with a number of key employers due to set up shop, which will also prove a boost for local employment, according to Mr Jupe.

Housing affordability will also contribute to long-term property growth.

“It’s possible to buy a three-bedroom home from $250,000 in Muswellbrook and much less in some cases, while potential gross yields in excess of 6.5% are sure to catch the eye of investors, who should contact us before prices start to take off,” says Mr Jupe.

Raine & Horne Muswellbrook will be located at 22 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook (opposite the post office), and will provide real estate services to Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Denman and Scone.

The local realtor says that opening Raine & Horne Muswellbrook is the culmination of a long-term ambition.

“Starting a business from scratch has been a dream for many years, since I started my trade as a chef with the Australian Army,” says Mr Jupe, also a former miner.

“After discharging from the army and spending a period of time working in coal mines as an operator in the Bowen Basin, I expected I’d open a café but was drawn to real estate about four years ago and I have really enjoyed the experience and have now decided to open my own business.”

The Muswellbrook realtor joins Raine & Horne after weighing up a number of competing brands.

“I met Raine & Horne CEO Angus Raine and COO Brian Reid, and was taken with the fact the head of the network would make time to come out and talk me through the opportunities associated with joining his network,” says Mr Jupe.

“Angus’s personal touch impressed me, and apart from my personal dealings with the firm’s executives, I was also impressed with Raine & Horne’s branding, marketing, website, processes, training support and awards programs – this helped me make the decision in favour of the charcoal and gold.

“While Raine & Horne is new to Muswellbrook, it has good brand recognition in regional NSW and is one of the first companies that people think of when it comes to selling and buying property.”

Mr Raine says that he is excited about the prospects of working with Grant Jupe, who was ranked among the five best agents in NSW and the ACT with his former network.

“Raine & Horne has a strong presence in Newcastle and the lower Hunter, and Raine & Horne Muswellbrook will enable us to service the Upper Hunter – it will be an excellent launching pad into other centres such as Scone and Singleton,” says Mr Raine.

“In addition to a successful sale push, Raine & Horne Muswellbrook will be running a strong property management business headed by Gail Collins, who returns to real estate after a short stint with Member for Upper Hunter, the Honourable George Souris, MP.”

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Grant Jupe, Principal, Raine & Horne Muswellbrook on 0405 294 910

Angus Raine, Executive Chairman and CEO Raine & Horne on 0409 920 697

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Coordinator on 02 9258 5400

Raine & Horne launches new office in Upper Hunter