When Ben Khong first left school, he started his own fashion business - RPM Clothing. Though the business is still in operation today, Khong eventually decided to sell out, and subsequently spent a season on the ski slopes. His time at Mount Hotham eventually led him to a career in real estate.

Khong has worked in Victoria's prestige property market for 20 years, with time spent at Castran Real Estate at Mt Hotham, Glenvill Group, Look Property Group, Neometro, and Knight Frank. He is currently employed as a sales agent with developer Cranecorp.

Khong told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS he loves working with the developer's design team, and he takes a 'two ears, one mouth' approach when dealing with his clients - he aims to listen twice as often as he speaks.

How did you get into real estate sales? Have you always worked in the field or did you do something different previously?

I have been involved in real estate for 20 years, however I got my start in the business in a rather roundabout way.

When I first left school I started a fashion business called RPM Clothing (which is still running today), but after five years in the business I decided to sell my stake and move to Mount Hotham to work as a ski instructor. It was at this job where I found myself regularly referring my clients to the local real estate agent John Castran of Castran Real Estate. It was then that I decided to stop being the middle man and joined his business. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My job is very engaging and interesting, and I enjoy being part of a like-minded team who are driven by excellence. In high-end project sales you have the opportunity to help people move onto the next phase of their life. Generally, we’re dealing with clients who are downsizing from their family home and are looking for an entirely new lifestyle, in a bustling location, and a more contemporary home that’s easy to live in. 

I also love that I get to work with some of Melbourne’s top architects and designers, as well as being exposed to the latest finishes, appliances and design forums. Working with Hassel, the architects and interiors partner for Otter St, and having a key brand alliance with Roger Seller, has meant I get to offer my customers amazing brands such as Valcucine, Lema and Fantini. 

What is the key to your sales approach?

I’m patient and use the ‘two ears, one mouth’ analogy in life, meaning that I try to always listen twice as much as I talk. I prefer to be seen as someone who is able to match the needs of a client to an apartment rather than push them into something which doesn’t align to their lifestyle preferences. 

We’re really open to sitting down with our clients to discuss their specific needs in terms of design and offering key advice gleaned from our decades of experience working with Melbourne’s top architects to give them a home they’re going to love for years to come.

You’re currently working for Cranecorp’s Otter Street. Can you tell us about the project?

Otter St is a boutique luxury apartment development of 17 apartments within a building of six levels – it’s being developed by Cranecorp and Icon Developments as a collaboration. All the apartments are spacious with high exposed concrete ceilings, European oak flooring, as well as luxe finishes. They all come with Valcucine kitchens, Lema joinery and Fantini tapware.

The site of Otter St is unique in that it’s located down a quiet side street about 25 metres from Melbourne’s bustling Smith St, so there’s easy access to public transport, cafes and culture, while still retaining the privacy and quiet that you expect when living in the suburbs.

A lot of our buyers are coming from areas like Boroondara and Stonnington where you have these quiet, leafy suburbs, but they’re a 45-minute drive to the CBD. With Otter St the residents don’t really need a car anymore because everything is within walking distance. 

Can you tell us about the Melbourne prestige market - is it still strong?

Melbourne’s prestige market is very strong. We’ve had a huge influx of wealthy overseas buyers, predominately from Asia, on top of the strong demand from locals; particularly dual income buyers without kids, or the typical downsizers. There are very few genuine prestige offerings, i.e. larger floorplans, top quality finishes and appliances within a boutique development.  

Where do you live now, and where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?

I currently live in Elwood on the beach. I have travelled extensively, but I always keep coming back to Melbourne. I like that it offers some of the most incredible coastal environments, whether it’s the Bellarine coast or Mornington Peninsula with their great wineries, and we’re within five hours some of Australia’s best ski resorts. Melbourne has such an eclectic mix of people that makes living here so stimulating – I don’t think it’s an accident that we keep winning the title of the most liveable city in the world.

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