Raine & Horne Great Southern has been named the leading rural office in Raine & Horne’s Western Australian network for 2025, with the Albany-based business also placing among the group’s top performers nationally for gross commission income and number of sales.
The office, led by principal John Hetherington and managing director Julie Hetherington, also operates as Raine & Horne Rural Great Southern.
Sales agents Brett Lukey, who focuses on Denmark, and Kojonup-based Bill Bennett finished as the network’s top two agents for gross commission income, while John was recognised as one of the brand’s leading principals for sales GCI.
The team’s biggest deal of the year was the $13 million sale of Kimanis, a 3,438-acre mixed farming property across seven titles at Dartnall, 12.5 kilometres from Tambellup. John said the office’s results came down to long-standing local knowledge rather than any single factor.
“Bill lives in Kojonup and breathes Kojonup and immerses himself in that community. That’s why he does well there,” he said.
“Brett’s been in real estate in Denmark for over 20 years, and he’s very well respected there.
“I’ve been working in real estate for over 20 years as well. So, it’s longevity in the industry, it’s experience, and it’s our knowledge that sets us apart.”
The Great Southern region covers almost 39,000 square kilometres and around 60,000 people, stretching across Albany, Katanning, Denmark, Mount Barker and Kojonup.
John estimates he drives about 69,000 kilometres a year visiting clients and properties across the patch.
“I get lots of calls done on the road, but I also really enjoy dropping in and catching up with farmers,” he said.
“This is what regional and rural real estate is all about – getting out there, seeing people face to face and staying connected with the communities we work in.”
John said residential conditions in the region had softened since the Federal Budget. “Listings, appraisals, sales, prices – they’re all down.”
He pointed to a mix of factors behind the slowdown.
“While the decision to leave interest rates on hold in June is good news for borrowers, the changes to the capital gains tax discount, along with three interest rate increases this year, have impacted the housing market in our region, although farming land hasn’t dropped in value.”
Despite the softer conditions, John said a shortage of entry-level stock was keeping demand alive. “The message to vendors is that it’s a good time to sell. There’s entry-level buyer interest, but there’s nothing coming onto the market.”
He also flagged an ongoing squeeze on rentals, and a pattern of city buyers chasing cheap rural land. “I’m selling these little blocks of land for anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 or $70,000. It’s city people desperate not to miss out.
“They’re desperate to own their little piece of Australia.”
Community sponsorship – of golf, bowls and football clubs across the region – has also fed the business, John said. “It comes back to you tenfold because when they sell, they say, ‘Hey, use John.'”
As managing director, Julie oversees property management and supports the sales team, John said. “She does a bit of everything and is critical to the success of the team.”