This expansion reflects Buxton’s commitment to supporting diverse communities, pairing its 165-year legacy as Victoria’s original real estate firm with deep local expertise, and strengthening its position as a premium real estate service provider across the corridor connecting Ballarat and Bendigo with Melbourne.
For Simon Best, who grew up in the area and began his career in property management in 1997, joining Buxton was a natural fit. After exploring several options, the connection was immediate.
“We sat down with the whole Buxton head office team, and our leadership team walked away knowing it felt right,” says Simon Best, Principal of Buxton Kilmore & Wallan.
“There was a good connection with good people and a solid strategy. Kilmore is the oldest inland town in Victoria, and Buxton is Victoria’s original firm—that shared heritage was a green flag for us. We have a strategy for our business, and we believe Buxton is better placed to help us achieve our goals operationally and culturally.”
Serving Two Distinct Communities with a Team-First Approach
The new offices will serve two geographically close but demographically distinct markets. Wallan is a fast-growing satellite suburb popular with first-home buyers and investors, while historic Kilmore offers a mix of township living and rural properties, with sales ranging from residential blocks to expansive farms.
A cornerstone of the business is its collaborative leadership model. Simon Best serves as the Principal Director, with Maria Page leading the Property Management division and agents Kieran Knight and Sarah Fraser heading sales.
“You can’t be the smartest person in the room when you’re in business,” Best notes, reflecting on his leadership philosophy.
“It’s about identifying people’s strengths, delegating, and having the confidence to let them run with it. I give guidance, but I don’t micromanage. If you give someone a role and the right supportive culture, they grow that role for the better. They dictate the tempo of the business.”
This approach has fostered remarkable loyalty, with half of the team having worked with Simon Best for over a decade.
Leveraging Brand Strength for Local Growth
According to Simon, joining a major brand provides crucial support in a market where many competitors are independents.
“A good brand gives you support, guidance, and an overarching culture,” he says. “We have the backing of a great brand for training and support, and the ability to bounce ideas off other franchisees is invaluable. Our team is excited to bring Buxton’s resources and reputation to our communities, where we already have strong personal and professional connections.”
“Our expansion into Kilmore and Wallan is a deliberate step in growing our footprint in Victoria’s key growth corridors,” says Mark Earle, Board Member of Buxton Real Estate Group.
“Simon and his team embody the local expertise and community-first values that Buxton was founded on over 160 years ago. We are thrilled to welcome them into our network and support their vision for serving these distinct and important markets.”
With big plans for growth in 2026, the new Buxton team is poised to become a leading real estate service provider in Melbourne’s northern fringe.
