A significant trend in the real estate industry in regional Australia is the growing dominance of family-owned businesses, with a significant number of Australasian firm Raine & Horne’s regional offices are family-run.

This trend coincides with the broader celebration of family businesses on National Family Business Day on Tuesday, 19 September 2024. Promoted by Family Business Australia, this day honours the vital role that family enterprises play in shaping Australia’s economy, community, and culture.

Notably, Raine & Horne was inducted into Family Business Australia’s inaugural Hall of Fame in 2012, highlighting the firm’s significant contributions and long-standing commitment to the family business sector.

Mr Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne is the fourth generation of his pioneering family to lead the 141-year-old real estate giant since its founding on 23 May 1883 highlighted the distinct advantages a family-owned real estate group brings to the market.

“Long-standing leadership within family businesses ensures stability and consistency of service and business values, which is why our principals continue to trust us.” Mr Raine stated.

He added, “Family businesses such as Raine & Horne have secured a significant and enduring role in the real estate sector. Our long-term vision, personalised service, local expertise, and deeply rooted trust are key factors driving our network’s success.”

Global reach and cutting-edge innovation

Raine & Horne boasts an extensive network of 350 offices throughout Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Fiji, India and Dubai. “When selling with Raine & Horne, the service provided extends beyond geographical borders, offering local, regional, national, and international marketing that gives properties vast exposure,” said Mr Raine.

He continued, “Although we are 141 years old, we are a forward-thinking, dynamic, and diverse business. Over the past seven years, we have invested millions in our property platform, which we call our technology ecosystem. We were the first to introduce AI and social media marketing technology Amplify in 2017, partnering with CCT from Europe.”

Enduring legacy and unmatched resilience

Raine & Horne’s success reflects the enduring entrepreneurial spirit of Australians and the strength of family businesses. Despite the challenges of running a family enterprise, the Raine family has built a lasting legacy. The company oversees a portfolio of over 130,000 investment properties and achieves annual sales of approximately $10 billion.

“Our company has weathered economic downturns, two world wars, and several pandemics, yet it has remained steadfast, thriving under successive generations of my family,” said Mr Raine. “Surpassing 141 years and continuing to thrive is a remarkable achievement.”

Today, Raine & Horne employs over 3,500 real estate specialists, offering services across residential, commercial, and rural markets. The brand also provides financial services under the Our Broker name and has expanded globally. Mr Raine continued, “Our success is founded on ethical standards, personalised service, and local knowledge, sustained by our franchising model introduced by my late father, Max Raine.”

Brand recognition and ethical standards

Raine & Horne is widely recognised for its strong brand presence among buyers and sellers. The brand is respected for its extensive experience, professional service, integrity and innovation.

Continuing its tradition of brand innovation, Raine & Horne recently launched its National Brand campaign, ‘Part of the Landscape,’ aimed at enhancing brand awareness and reaffirming its market leadership. “This campaign, perfectly timed for the spring selling season, creatively uses generative AI to integrate our iconic Ampersand, symbolising our enduring presence in real estate,” said Mr Raine. The campaign will coincide with the 2024 National Brand Refresh.

Family values and innovation drive success for Raine & Horne on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast of NSW, Mr David Keenan, Co-Principal of Raine & Horne Ettalong Beach/St Huberts Island, finds it deeply rewarding to work alongside his sons, Sam and Jack, in property sales as part of the broader Raine & Horne family. His business partner, Mr Andrew Tregent, continues his own family legacy as a second-generation Raine & Horne principal, following in the footsteps of his father, Tom.

Having been with Raine & Horne for 20 years, Mr Keenan speaks highly of the support he received from former chairman Max Raine and his son, Angus Raine. “They’ve always made me feel valued and supported throughout my career,” he notes.

Attending numerous national conferences has only reinforced this sense of belonging. “Being part of a family business is significant to me, especially as I integrate Sam and Jack into our business. The lessons I teach them as their father—honesty, trust, and making the tough calls—are the same principles I instil as their boss.”

Mr Keenan also praises Raine & Horne’s technology leadership. “Jack, Sam, and I are all passionate about new technology. Tools like Amplify allow us to bring big city marketing technologies to the Central Coast, which benefits our vendors and buyers alike.”

He adds, “Amplify helps us capture the attention of Sydney buyers, who make up about 75% of our market. These AI-powered tools are crucial in helping us list and sell properties.”

Family ties drive success in Southeast Queensland

In southeast Queensland, Mrs Jacqui Read, Principal & General Manager of Raine & Horne Robina/Mudgeeraba/Nerang, runs the business alongside her husband, Mr Jason Read, and daughter, Ms Jasmin Turpin, with another daughter, Ms Jemma Turpin, working in property management.

Mrs Read acknowledges that working in a family business can sometimes blur the lines between work and home, leading to real estate discussions around the dinner table. However, she believes this also fosters unity, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals. “Having family involved adds a significant layer of trust, and while there’s a risk of talking real estate at home, real estate is a lifestyle, and our girls have grown up in it,” says Mrs Read.

“Jasmin and Jemma have different personalities, with one gravitating towards sales and the other towards property management. Both have been highly successful in their respective fields, which is gratifying as a parent.”

Reflecting on their association with Raine & Horne, Mrs Read compares it to being part of an extended family. “We transitioned from another group because we appreciated the family-oriented atmosphere with Angus Raine at the helm. Their technology, such as Amplify, was instrumental in growing our business when we joined Raine & Horne.”