Media release - 1^st July, 2013

Fast-growing Wyong region set to benefit from Raine & Horne service and brand strength

Raine & Horne launches its sixth office on the NSW Central Coast in the last 12 months*
Buyer enquiry in the Wyong region has tripled since May 2012
Homes under $500,000 highly sought after by Sydney-based buyers
An expanded Central Coast Business Park, a new headquarters for A-League champions the Central Coast Mariners, and a Chinese theme park, will deliver additional employment and stronger real estate values to the Wyong Shire

Raine & Horne is continuing its rapid expansion and growth on the NSW Central Coast, with the launch of its sixth office in 12 months – Raine & Horne Wyong.

Located at Suite 6, 36 Alison Road, Wyong, Raine & Horne Wyong will be led by experienced husband and wife team, Wayne and Cheryl Wheeler.

Mr Wheeler, a 26-year Central Coast real estate veteran, says he’s excited to be joining Raine & Horne, which is celebrating 130 years of operation in 2013.

“The Raine & Horne name is well respected in our region and our experienced agents are set to provide the residents of Wyong and surrounding districts with blue-ribbon results through the highest levels of integrity and hard work,” said Mr Wheeler.

According to Mr Wheeler, Wyong is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW and with interest rates at record lows, he urges local homeowners to capitalise on growing demand for local housing.

“Buyer enquiry in the Wyong Shire is three times the volume it was 12 months ago and the hot-ticket items are modern residential homes below $500,000.”

8 Silverbirch Avenue, Mardi

According to Australian Property Monitors, the median house price in Wyong is $295,000, while auction clearance rates are running at a healthy 75%.

To illustrate the level of buyer demand, a four bedroom home at 8 Silverbirch Avenue, Mardi sold for $469,000 in just three days.

“Built in 2002, the home attracted three motivated parties, including two from Sydney,” said Mr Wheeler, who added that city buyers are sighted regularly at open homes in Wyong and surrounding suburbs.

“Sydney buyers are increasingly recognising that properties in the Wyong area offer excellent value in terms of price and lifestyle,” said Mr Wheeler.

“Wyong is positioned just 15 minutes from some of NSW’s most pristine beaches and has excellent local public and private schools.”

A number of major developments, including a new home for A-League champions, the Central Coast Mariners, are also set to drive up property demand and prices in the Wyong Shire.

“The new Central Coast Mariners headquarters at the old Wyong RSL site at Bryant Road, Tuggerah, is scheduled to have a new motel and will create further opportunity for local employment,” said Mr Wheeler.

“In addition, the Central Coast Business Park at Tuggerah is almost completely developed, with only a few vacant parcels of land still available to build on, which is evidence of the consistent growth the local area has experienced over the last decade.”

The Wyong Shire Council has also formally approved the construction of a $500 million Chinese theme park, which will include a replica of Beijing’s famous Imperial Palace.

The unique tourist attraction, scheduled to begin construction in 2015, is projected to create between 1,500 and 2,000 local jobs, according to Wyong Shire Council, which Mr Wheeler contends will help underpin residential and commercial property values in the region.

Responding to the opening of Raine & Horne Wyong, Angus Raine, CEO of Raine & Horne, said, “Wayne and Cheryl have been residents in the Wyong Shire for nearly forty years and are passionate supporters of the local community.

“They understand the marketplace in Wyong and the surrounding districts and will continue to provide exemplary customer service in sales and property management.

“We are proud to have them on board,” added Mr Raine.

* Following Raine & Horne Toowoon Bay, Raine & Horne Killarney Vale, Raine & Horne Toronto, Raine & Horne Lake Munmorah, and Raine & Horne Commercial Erina

-ENDS-

For further media information contact:

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

Wayne Wheeler, Principal, Raine & Horne Wyong on 0407 000 466

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

Raine & Horne launches sixth Central Coast office in 12 months