McGrath Wantirna opens as demand strengthens in Melbourne’s east

McGrath Estate Agents has announced the opening of its newest office in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Wantirna. The move confirms the network’s strategy of growth across the Victorian capital.

McGrath Wantirna provides a presence in the City of Knox, which is outperforming the broader Melbourne market in terms of days on market. Homes in the Knox area take an average of 24 days to sell; 13 days faster than the capital’s average of 37.*

Geraint Gardner, co-principal with Nicole Gardner said, “We are seeing an increase in buyer activity in the Knox area, particularly from families and multicultural communities, which is driving faster sales than the broader Melbourne market.

“We’re backing this momentum. McGrath Wantirna offers a premium brand, industry-leading marketing and a broad reach giving our clients the best of both worlds: local expertise with national and international exposure.”

Head of Franchise at McGrath Estate Agents, Chris Mourd said, “We see significant opportunity in Wantirna and the broader catchment, and we’re excited to support Geraint Gardner and Nicole Gardner as they take the next step in growing their business with McGrath. They have an established local presence, a strong team and clear ambition, and our role is to help accelerate that with premium brand positioning, better marketing leverage and the support of a high-performing national network.”

Mr Gardner said the Knox area is a well-established, family-driven market with significant long-term potential. It has easy access to the city via EastLink and the Eastern Freeway with a commute of just 35 minutes while still being close to all that the Dandenong Ranges offer.

McGrath Wantirna will service the area from Boronia in the north, to Scoresby in the south and from Ferntree Gully in the east to the edge of Wantirna South in the west. Key suburbs include Boronia and Wantirna with a focus on expansion into the Ferntree Gully market which has maintained a steady growth in median house value over the past five years.**

“Buyers are drawn to the Knox area for the space, schools and lifestyle,” said Mr Gardner. “We have excellent schools including The Knox School and Waverley Christian College both attracting families to the area.” There is also a strong demand from first-home buyers and upgraders. The area is seeing a growing diversity in the buyer pool, particularly from Indian, Sri Lankan and Chinese communities.

Mr Gardner reports that another big drawcard is land size. “Most blocks are generous in size which creates ongoing opportunity for subdivision and redevelopment.” In March, the Victorian government announced its plan to sell a 9.6-hectare Wantirna site alongside an area earmarked for a specialised health precinct. The zone would include residential and mixed-use development.

McGrath Wantirna’s business development area (BDA) is well serviced by the Knox Westfield shopping precinct and several train stations. Positioned at the gateway to Mount Dandenong adds a lifestyle element to buyers with interest in both owner-occupier and short-term rental opportunities. Ferntree Gully’s position at the base of the Dandenong Ranges is an appealing factor for the AirBnb market.

Median house prices in the City of Knox local government area sit at $1,027,000 for the past 12 months.***

McGrath Wantirna opens with a sales team of six including Abby Ivankovic and James Diab. Three property managers control a portfolio of 300 properties which they plan to expand with their newly extended business development area.

Nicole and Geraint Gardner share 38 years’ experience in the local real estate market. “Our business has always been built on relationships, trust, consistency and results,” said co-principal Nicole Gardner. “As a husband-and-wife team, we bring a strong sense of stability and a personalised approach to every campaign.”