McGrath partners with Hodges in Melbourne as it deepens focus in Victoria

McGrath Estate Agents today announced an exciting new partnership with Hodges Real Estate that will accelerate its expansion in Melbourne.  The partnership to be branded as Hodges McGrath will operate in Bayside Melbourne and Rye in the Mornington Peninsula.

John McGrath, CEO of McGrath said, “Hodges remains the longest operating real estate agency in Victoria, having opened in 1854.   It’s a company that's steeped in history and 172 years on, remains one of the most respected businesses in the country. So when the opportunity came up to partner with this amazing business we were thrilled beyond belief. And moving forward as we join forces with Hodges in Bayside Melbourne, we will be preserving their great heritage whilst integrating their team into Australia's highest performing real estate group.  And now with our partnership with Knight Frank it will give their team and Clients access to a global market through the Knight Frank Private Office.” 

Michael Cooney & Julian Augustini, Directors of Hodges Real Estate said:  "This was a very considered decision for our business. We were looking for a partner who shared our culture and values, and who could help us continue to grow in a way that creates greater opportunities and outcomes for our clients. We found that alignment in McGrath, which we regard as one of Australia’s most progressive real estate groups.

"There is a strong synergy between our two companies, including the importance we place on our people. We both believe that attracting and retaining great professionals, and giving them the right environment to succeed, is key to delivering exceptional results for our clients.  Hodges has always focused on our strong local relationships, with our people playing an important role in the communities they serve through long-standing grassroots connections and involvement.”

Fellow Hodges Director Andrew Boyce concurs. “It was important that we partnered with a company that also shared that commitment,” he concludes.

Hodges McGrath will consist of five Melbourne Bayside offices:  Brighton, Sandringham, Beaumaris, Mentone, Bentleigh and Rye.  The Bayside suburbs will span from Elsternwick in the north, down to Mordialloc in the south and to Bentleigh in the East. Rye on the Mornington Peninsula will also co-brand into the new group.  Its key suburbs will be Rye, St Andrews Beach, Fingal and Tootgarook.

The Hodges McGrath partnership comes at an important time for Melbourne.  Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows Melbourne recorded Australia's largest capital-city population increase during the most recent reporting period, adding more than 105,000 residents.  As the city continues to grow, demand for specialist property advice, premium marketing and access to broader buyer networks is expected to increase.  Melbourne has recently been named the 3rd most liveable city in the world for 2026 [1], according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index.

Against that backdrop, Chris Mourd, Head of Franchise Network for McGrath believes that “the signals are there for a new era for Melbourne real estate. The union of Hodges and McGrath brings together complimentary strengths to benefit vendors, and buyers in their property journey.

“For vendors, that means the local and trusted expertise that has defined the Hodges brand is now complemented by the scale and reach of a major national network with deep international roots.  For Melbourne clients this means something simple but powerful: while property remains fundamentally local, buyer demand is increasingly global,” Mr Mourd concludes

Bayside Melbourne Market Commentary (attributable to Julian Augustini):

We expect Melbourne to realise capital growth going forward, as it’s lagged behind other capital cities in recent years.  Bayside Melbourne consists of well-established suburbs with mature parks and excellent recreational facilities such as Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Victoria Golf Course, Brighton Yacht Club and Sandringham Yacht Club. 

The area continues to attract interest from buyers drawn to its unique combination of lifestyle, amenity and community.  With its beaches, leafy streets, village-style shopping precincts, and an impressive mix of restaurants and cafés, Bayside benefits from a coastal lifestyle while remaining within easy reach of Melbourne’s CBD.  Its vibrant community atmosphere, excellent schools, recreational spaces continue to resonate with families, young professionals and downsizers alike.

In terms of property, the area offers a real diversity in values.  The median house price ranges from

$3.2 million in Brighton to $1.37 million in Mentone.*   These Bayside suburbs skirt Port Phillip Bay and will continue to appeal to buyers as they are easily accessible to Melbourne CBD.

There is a good mix of property from new apartments to townhouses surrounding railway stations and shopping precincts.   These range from $500,000 upwards to $4 million and there is some increased activity from FHB and downsizers.

Rye, in the Mornington Peninsula is known for being a holiday home destination and offers the benefit of Port Phillip Bay, the well known Mornington Peninsula wineries, hot Springs and excellent golf courses.  It offers good value for those working from home, or retirees seeking lifestyle options where the median house price is $950,000.*

Some Melbourne Bayside record sales include:

$3,752,250 for a 5 bedroom home at 12 Red Bluff St, Black Rock

$4,500,000 for a 5 bedroom home at 33 Plummer Rd, Mentone

$3,900,000 for 3 bedroom apartment at 1/12 Black St, Brighton

$5,750,000 for a 6 bedroom home at 19 Littlewood St Hampton

*rea.com.au