Media release - 29^th July, 2014

With more than 1.2 million Australians owning at least one negatively geared property at last count, Raine & Horne has recognised the growth in the residential investment market with the appointment of a dedicated manager responsible for property management.

“When the next batch of figures is released by the ATO, I expect to see a major spike in the property investor numbers, as self-managed super funds and individual investors have dominated residential property in recent times,” said Angus Raine, Chairman/CEO of Raine & Horne.

“Our property management revenues have improved by 10% since June last year, while our offices are reporting that property investors are becoming increasingly sophisticated thanks to improvements in information and communications technology.”

“In recognition of the growing prominence of the investment market, we have appointed the experienced Lauren Kirk as our Business Support and Development Manager, dedicated solely to supporting the property management businesses of our offices nationwide.”

Ms Kirk, who originally cut her teeth in the highly-competitive residential letting market in London, joins Raine & Horne with extensive property management, sales and corporate experience.

“Lauren, who joins us from the corporate office of one of our major competitors, worked for a major independent real estate brand in Sydney and an office of another major real estate group located in the Newcastle/Hunter region,” said Mr Raine.

“I’m excited by this appointment as Lauren’s knowledge and expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that all our offices adopt best business practice, which will assist our landlords and tenants alike.

“She is also providing face-to-face and online tuition for our managers, while her unique business experience means Lauren is well-placed to help our offices acquire rent rolls from our competitors.”

During her 8-year stint with the Newcastle/Hunter-based firm, Ms Kirk rose to the rank of general manager. In this role she was responsible for the management of a large staff of sales agents, property managers, marketing administrators and administration staff.

“I developed business plans and analysis, financial forecasts and marketing strategies for the property management and sales teams, as well as recruitment, training and the development and implementation of new technologies,” says Ms Kirk.

Ms Kirk was directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm’s property management business, which increased its share of a highly-competitive investment market by 5% between 2010 and 2012. She was also the group’s Newcastle/Hunter delegate to its agent advisory council.

The experienced property management specialist also led the acquisition of a competitor, which increased the size of her firm’s rent roll by 40%.

For the past two years, Ms Kirk has worked in corporate and she decided to join Raine & Horne because of the opportunity to work with the real estate group’s national property businesses.

“The prospect of focussing on property management – especially with the expansion of the investment market – was too good to refuse,” says Ms Kirk, who plans to assist Raine & Horne’s property management businesses increase their efficiencies, rent rolls and revenues.

“As a former business owner, I know what it takes to sit in the seat of our principals; I managed a major acquisition and lived through the stresses and strains of running a small business.”

-ENDS-

For further media information contact:

Angus Raine, Chairman/CEO, Raine & Horne on 0409 920 697

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

Investment boom refocusses spotlight on property management