Sydney's Belle Property has announced its first venture into the Victorian market, merging with Melbourne heavyweights hockingstuart.

The merger of the two companies will see Belle Property gain more than 40 offices and 600 people across Victoria’s premium lifestyle suburbs with coverage in Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, the Surf Coast and regional Victoria.

Belle Property CEO Peter Hanscomb said they had been looking to break into the Victorian market provided the right opportunity arose with an agency that would align with Belle Property’s approach.  

“We have had our sights on Victoria, but as a mature and sophisticated market we needed to ensure we aligned with the right brand," he said.

"hockingstuart is brand of astounding innovation with many ‘firsts’ under its belt."

Known for changing the way customers interact with properties online through its industry-first suite of digital marketing tools, hockingstuart was the first agency in Victoria to publish a property magazine, as well as the first to conduct auctions on Sundays.

Acting CEO and Director of hockingstuart Armadale, Andrew James,  said the group were "thrilled" to be joining an operator with roots across the country. 

“We are extremely excited about this merger between hockingstuart and Belle Property as we will be part of a national brand that will take our group to the next level," he said.

"It will help to position us for success in an ever-changing and competitive real-estate landscape.”

Initially launched in 2000, Belle Property was franchised and re-launched by Mr Hanscomb in 2007 and has since grown continuously, with more than 85 offices operating across NSW, QLD, SA, ACT and the NT. 

He said it was vital that the next stage in the company's journey was as seamless as possible.

“Due to our focus on innovation, customer experience, Academy training and market-leading results, we have attracted great talent and strong business minds that have allowed us to continue to grow and expand,” he said.

“We know that Belle Property is already recognised in Melbourne via our unique relationship with the lifestyle magazine Belle that shares our namesake, so we have already seen a positive response to the news from hockingstuart’s team who are enthusiastic about the change to come."

Similar to this: 

Belle Property expands into Wellington Point

Leading office on Sydney’s Lower North Shore signs long-term deal with Belle Property

hockingstuart appoints new CEO