Harcourts Ignite has opened its fifth office in Queensland’s Wide Bay region, marking five years since the agency launched with a single location.
The new Burrum Heads office at 1/47 Burrum Street formalises what the agency says has been an existing presence in the coastal community, having already built a rental portfolio servicing landlords and tenants across Burrum Heads, Toogoom, Howard, Torbanlea, and Pacific Haven.
“Our property management portfolio in Burrum Heads has grown to the point where establishing a permanent, physical office was the logical next step,” co-owner Michael Vella said.
The expansion follows a growth trajectory that has seen the husband-and-wife team of Michael and Julie Vella build offices in Childers, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, and Maryborough.
Julie said the agency’s 48-strong team had been central to that growth.
“Our agents are consistently acknowledged for outstanding service. We have award-winning Titanium Sales Agents and Rising Stars across our network,” she said.
“Our people are the reason we are here today.”
The Burrum Heads office will be staffed by local residents – a hiring approach the Vellas credit as a key differentiator across their network.
“You cannot manufacture local knowledge or a genuine love for an area,” Michael said.
“Our Burrum Heads team members are not visitors; they are neighbours, and that makes all the difference for our landlords, tenants, buyers, and sellers.”
Harcourts Queensland CEO Andrew Friebe said the agency had created “a blueprint for sustainable growth” in the region.
“Expanding to five offices in five years requires immense diligence and a deep understanding of the local market,” Friebe said.
The Vellas indicated further expansion is planned, though details were not provided.