PHOTO: Melbourne. FILE
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty and Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty have announced a new joint venture, designed to accelerate the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s presence across Victoria, Australia. This collaboration represents a major step in the brand’s expansion across Australasia and the APAC region.
“This joint venture is pivotal for the growth of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in Australasia and APAC,” says Mark Harris, Co-Founder and Managing Director of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty. Harris, who founded New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty 20 years ago, has built it into a leader in New Zealand’s luxury residential real estate market, with 31 offices nationwide.
Victoria’s growing population makes it one of Australia’s most promising real estate markets, with experts forecasting significant value growth over the next five years. “The Melbourne market, particularly, offers a prime opportunity to connect property owners to global buyers,” says Harris. “By merging our strengths and resources, we aim to provide exceptional service across Victoria.”
Rob Curtain, Head of Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty, has led a top-performing team in the Mornington Peninsula luxury market for over a decade. He retains control of Peninsula offices while using the combined expertise of the partnership to drive growth across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Curtain believes the synergy between the two brands will enhance their collective influence and client service, saying, “New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty has long been a success story; this partnership gives us access to unmatched resources.”
The joint venture aligns with a broader growth strategy, including the opening of a central Melbourne office in Toorak, led by award-winning agents Antoinette Nido and Max Ruttner. This expansion will position Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty to re-enter the Melbourne CBD market, with plans for further growth in the near future.
Julian Brown, Co-Founder and Managing Director of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, added, “Our goal has always been to bring Sotheby’s International Realty to markets with high growth potential. This partnership with Melbourne Sotheby’s is a step towards building a robust presence in Victoria, enhancing our brand’s reputation and reach.”
The joint venture signifies a new chapter of collaboration and growth for both New Zealand and Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty, opening doors to broader opportunities and market dominance in the luxury real estate sector.
SOURCE: THE REAL ESTATE CONVERSATION