Christie’s International Real Estate has launched a new team covering the Kiama-Gerringong-Berry triangle on the NSW South Coast, extending the global luxury brand’s presence along the state’s eastern seaboard.
The team is led by Affiliate Partners Craig Higbid and Kerrie Higbid, alongside Senior Sales Executives Dean Lewisman and Daniel Watt.
Christie’s International Real Estate opened its first Australian agencies in NSW earlier this year, and the South Coast is its latest addition to a run of prestige pockets along the coast.
The expansion follows a rapid rise in $4 million-plus sales across the region over the past six years, according to the release, as buyers – largely from Sydney – have turned to the South Coast for what the team describe as more affordable luxury.
Craig, who has spent decades working across the region’s property market, said the appetite for a global agency presence had existed for some time.
“There’s been demand for a high-profile global presence here for a while. And Christie’s International Real Estate has simply made it permanent,” he said.
Craig said the pandemic had been a turning point for interest from out-of-area buyers, with the trend continuing since then.
“Over the last five years, around 75 per cent of our buyer market has come from out of the area,” he said.
“The beauty is we’re only 90 minutes south of the city and yet we’ve got pristine country on the coast. The South Coast is magical, and buyers from abroad are now seeing that.”
Daniel, who brings a decade of experience in prestige property and a finance background to the team, said the region’s premium segment had shifted.
“What’s apparent is how the land on the coast is being truly capitalised.
“The prime lifestyle segment is now attracting serious capital investment and we’re seeing waterfront sites bought, knocked down and rebuilt into something remarkable,” he said.
Kerrie, who has around 30 years of experience in the industry, said expat buyers were increasingly drawn by more than lifestyle.
“What I’m increasingly seeing is a change in what expats want. Yes, they’re craving a coastal haven that still brims with small-town energy, but more than that, it’s safety,” she said.
“And to an overseas buyer, Australia isn’t just a safe place to settle or invest property dollars – pockets like the South Coast are particularly appealing.”
She argued Gerroa is an area yet to be fully recognised for its value.
“Gerroa is as good as Palm Beach. And it’s a similar travel time from the city,” Kerrie said. “People are only just waking up to that.”