A group of LJ Hooker franchisees has strengthened their northern Gold Coast presence, bringing the network’s Helensvale business into their real estate stable.
Established LJ Hooker principals Shane Colquhoun and Pascal Pierre have acquired the network’s Helensvale franchise, taking over as directors from long-term business owners and husband and wife team, John Groth and Carol Baumber.
Mr Pierre has added the Helensvale agency to his neighbouring LJ Hooker Pacific Pines, while the purchase represents the fourth agency investment for Mr Colquhoun, who also has interests in LJ Hooker’s Nerang and Coomera agencies, as well as Pacific Pines.
The acquisition also confirms Mr Colquhoun as the largest owner of LJ Hooker residential property agencies in Queensland, with oversight of more than 100 staff across sales and property management.
The expansion comes as the city’s north enjoys solid property growth. According to CoreLogic, Helensvale’s median house prices rose 16.2 per cent over 3 years to a median of $604,000. Attached dwellings in the suburb surged an impressive 43 per cent to $529,000 over the same period.
Infrastructure additions including the duplication of the Helensvale to Coomera train line and the linking of light and heavy rail have improved the suburb’s accessibility, while social hubs such as Night Quarter have reinvigorated its lifestyle appeal.
LJ Hooker Helensvale’s Discovery Drive office is in the process of being redeveloped to accommodate further staff, said Mr Pierre, who will become Principal of the new business.
“We intend to triple the number staff at LJ Hooker Helensvale to between 20 and 25 based on our predictions for the region’s growth, and the redevelopment of the site is providing for that,” said Mr Pierre.
“The recent infrastructure investments have spurred a new wave of interest in Helensvale with residential and commercial developers creating an exciting new chapter, as a result.”
Mr Groth and Ms Baumber have operated LJ Hooker Helensvale for 11 years. Mr Groth has been with the brand for a total of 23 years. John will stay on as a sales agent in the business.
Mr Pierre said: “John has a wealth of experience in the Helensvale marketplace and retaining him in the business will make for a smooth transition.
“John and Carol have been exemplary representatives for the brand in the area, and we look forward to working closely with them.”
