McGrath and Knight Frank have launched a combined project marketing division that will bring together their residential development sales teams under a single dual-branded operation.
McGrath Knight Frank Projects will operate across Sydney, Melbourne and South East Queensland, with the team targeting sales of around 2,000 apartments in 2026 – double their 2025 volume of approximately 1,000.
The division will be led by three principals: Owen Moore heading South East Queensland, Brennan Latimer in Melbourne, and Henry Burke in Sydney.
Owen and Brennan have joined from another major brand, bringing more than three decades of combined experience in project marketing.
Henry Burke said the Sydney team alone has more than $3 billion worth of apartment and master-planned projects launching to market over the next 18 months.
“We see our role as the bridge between visionary developers and astute buyers, ensuring every project we represent stands out in a competitive landscape,” Henry said.
The partnership aims to leverage Knight Frank’s global network to reach international buyers and Australian expats – a significant buyer pool for off-the-plan developments.
McGrath chief executive John McGrath said the international connection was central to the new structure.
“As many buyers of new projects originate from overseas including Australian expats, we have found our partnership with Knight Frank is invaluable,” John said.
Knight Frank chief executive James Patterson said the dual-branded arm would offer developers a full-service model from site acquisition through to project completion and sales.
“Knight Frank’s global reach will elevate McGrath Knight Frank Projects in Australia, with the ability to market via our networks overseas, including our Private Office team, being a huge point of difference,” James said.
The team is positioning itself as a feasibility partner for developers navigating high interest rates and construction costs, using in-house research capability to identify buyer demographics and advise on product-market fit.
Owen Moore said global events including the Rugby World Cup and Olympic Games would drive international attention to Queensland markets.
“With the risks developers are facing to deliver new supply in a challenging market currently facing a housing crisis, our deep expertise of the five key buyer types for new residential real estate in each market is invaluable in safeguarding a developer’s position,” Owen said.
McGrath Research data shows 75,952 apartments are under construction for delivery by 2030 along the east coast, with another 20,501 being actively marketed – representing only one-tenth of approved but unbuilt stock.
The research arm suggests projects breaking ground now could see average price growth of up to 15 per cent by completion, citing persistent undersupply and population growth.
Brennan Latimer said the Victorian market presented particular value.
“The Victorian market is particularly exciting given the value opportunity in Melbourne metro when compared to our other capitals, and when coupled with the future growth prospects creates an exciting opportunity for developers and buyers alike,” Brennan said.
The division’s current portfolio includes Hamilton Grove in Brisbane (60 residences from $1.75 million), Park Modern in South Melbourne (246 residences from $690,000), and Kew Tallawong in Sydney (456 apartments from $560,000).