McGrath Estate Agents has extended its presence on the New South Wales South Coast with the opening of a new office in Merimbula under the leadership of industry veteran Trent Pool.
The expansion into the popular Sapphire Coast is a natural progression for the McGrath network, which already has offices along the state’s coast including Thirroul, Wollongong, Dapto, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.
With 20 years in the real estate industry, Mr Pool recognises the enormous potential of the Sapphire Coast market.
“Merimbula and its surrounding region offer one of the most unique and valuable lifestyle propositions on the East Coast,” Mr Pool said.
“This is a market where quality of life meets smart investment.”
The new office will service the area from Bega to Wandella in the north and from Eden to Nadgee in the south, and from Merimbula on the coast to Rocky Hall in the west.
Key suburbs include Merimbula, Tura Beach, Pambula and Pambula Beach, Mirador, Berrambool, South Pambula and Eden.
Mr Pool cites a varied buyer demographic including sea-changers from Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, often early retirees or remote workers, as well as local upsizers and downsizers, particularly in Tura Beach and Merimbula.
A significant market for the Sapphire Coast is the retiree and sea-changer cohort from the Snowy-Monaro region.
“We’re seeing increased enquiry from high-calibre buyers, stronger competition, and a maturing market ready for a higher level of service,” Mr Pool said.
“There’s untapped potential in prestige property marketing; a gap McGrath is ideally placed to fill.
“McGrath’s reach, paired with our deep local knowledge, is already setting new benchmarks here — and we’re just getting started.”
Median house prices in Merimbula are sitting just above $890,000 showing steady growth of 3.6 per cent over the past 12 months, while Tura Beach has a $872,500 house median.
Coastal homes with views are hotly contested, often selling between $1.2 million and $1.6 million.
“Merimbula offers consistent sales activity, growing buyer interest from metropolitan and regional tree- and sea changers, and a limited housing supply which drives competition and price stability,” Mr Pool said.
“With McGrath, we are positioned to further elevate service standards and capitalise on our national brand presence in a tightly held, relationship-driven community.”
Head of Franchise Network for McGrath Chris Mourd believes the addition of Merimbula to McGrath’s growing network is a judicious move.
“We are strengthening our regional footprint,” Mr Mourd said.
“The natural beauty of the Sapphire Coast draws a diverse demographic that sees the long-term benefit of investing in such a sought-after lifestyle area.”
“Coastal property is a finite resource and buyers, both investors and owner-occupiers, are recognising its intrinsic value.”
