New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Expands to Australia in Strategic Move

In a bold new development, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty (NZSIR) has announced its expansion into the Australian market through a joint venture with Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty. This move marks a significant milestone in the growth of the globally recognized real estate brand across Australasia, with a key focus on Victoria, one of Australia’s most rapidly expanding regions.

Mark Harris, co-founder and Managing Director of NZSIR, emphasized the impact this venture will have on the agency's market presence. "This joint venture represents an important step in the growth of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in Australasia,” Harris stated. “Victoria is the fastest-growing state in Australia, projected to surpass a population of nine million by 2040. This expansion not only enhances our brand’s footprint in Australia but also boosts cross-border opportunities between New Zealand and Australia.”

NZSIR, which Harris co-founded alongside Julian Brown two decades ago, has become a leader in the luxury real estate market in New Zealand, with 27 offices nationwide. This joint venture aims to build upon this success, bringing the prestige of Sotheby’s International Realty to Melbourne’s property market, which is set to experience significant growth.

While the Melbourne property market is currently undervalued compared to Sydney, population growth forecasts suggest that this gap will narrow over the next five years. Harris sees the joint venture as a prime opportunity to capitalize on this upward trend, offering Melbourne property owners a chance to showcase their homes on a global stage.

Rob Curtain, who has led Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty since 2019, will continue to oversee the Peninsula offices, which have dominated the prestigious Mornington Peninsula market for over a decade. Curtain is enthusiastic about the partnership, noting that NZSIR’s expertise will accelerate Melbourne’s growth. "New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty has long been one of the brand’s great success stories," Curtain said. "This partnership is the perfect fit, providing the strength and resources needed to expand our presence in Victoria."

As part of the expansion strategy, a new central Melbourne office will soon open in the elite suburb of Toorak. The office will be led by award-winning agents Antoinette Nido and Max Ruttner, both of whom bring extensive experience and a reputation for excellence in the Melbourne market.

With this strategic move, the collaboration between NZSIR and Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty is poised to reshape Victoria’s luxury real estate landscape, providing unparalleled service and global exposure to clients in the region.