Get to know Heath Thompson, Director of Beller Project Marketing
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Oct 23, 2018
Get to know Heath Thompson, Director of Beller Project Marketing
Director of Beller Project Marketing, Heath Thompson has worked on a number of property developments across Melbourne.
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Image supplied by BellerPictured: Heath Thompson, Director of Beller
Growing up in a family of property developers, the property industry was always in Heath Thompson's blood.
Now the Director of Beller Project Marketing, Heath has worked on a wide variety of property development projects - ranging from apartments to hotel accommodation across Melbourne and country Victoria.
He's currently working on MAST in the bayside suburb of Brighton, a luxury boutique residential development with a price tag to match.
WILLIAMS MEDIA recently caught up with Heath to find out what it takes to be a good project marketer, the issues facing the property development industry, and his outlook for the Melbourne market.
How did you first get into property development?
My father was a developer and I worked with him for 13 years after University, acquiring, building, and selling apartment projects, as well as accommodation hotels.
Property development, town planning, zoning, buying and selling were dinner time conversations for my family, and I grew up with an innate understanding of the property development industry.
Pictured: MAST in Brighton, a development Heath is currently working on. Image supplied by Harvey Publicity.
My background has provided a very strong understanding of property development, which has helped me to better understand the needs of my developer clients, as well as being able to demonstrate the finer details of a project to our purchasers.
What do you love most about your job?
Working with developers to create a product that is well received in the market and achieves a successful sales campaign, whilst maximising revenue.
I like to think of the development as a whole, rather than just a sales campaign.
Related reading: The ‘sweet spot’: a new standard for developers
This is ingrained in me as most my life has been as a developer, the process has been with me through my whole life – I look at the profitability and the project holistically. I am not just focused on selling apartments.
You’re currently working on MAST in Brighton - can you tell me a little bit about this residential project?
MAST is a project that we were appointed to work on very early on in the process, prior to achieving a town planning permit.
We have targeted a niche in the market that doesn’t want to compromise on quality or living space. Each apartment is an individual home that has been designed to maximise the use of space, provide substantial amounts of storage, and classic timeless styling.
Pictured: MAST in Brighton, a development Heath is currently working on. Image supplied by Harvey Publicity.
MAST has sold more than 10 per cent over the developer’s initial expectations. All other agents thought it would achieve in its original form about $10,000 per sqm, but our Beller Project Marketing team ended selling up to $15,000 per sqm – we achieved better results as we implemented our recommendations, we even surprised ourselves!
What other projects are you currently working on?
Ciel - Bentleigh East, Ville – Hawksburn Village, Edmond – Ormond, Supply Co – Richmond and future projects in Glen Eira, Stonnington and Bayside regions.
What sets Beller apart from other project marketing companies?
We pride ourselves on being able to add value via a consultative approach to each development, and our track record of delivering on every project we have committed to.
Our clients appreciate genuine feedback, market research, and our ability to identify specific markets within markets to achieve the best result.
What makes a good project marketer?
We tell it how it is. This applies to purchasers as well as developers, and allows us to build a strong relationship with people that is based on trust and delivering on our promises.
Pictured: Supply Co in Richmond, a development Heath is currently working on. Image supplied by Harvey Publicity.
Our buyers appreciate our technical knowledge and in-depth understanding of all facets of their purchase, and our developers appreciate that we are not afraid to give real information so they can base their decisions on facts rather than a convenient fiction.
What are some of your career highlights from your time in the industry?
My highlights vary depending on which stage of my career I focus on. I’m very proud to have been involved in some great projects as a developer, and equally as proud to have been able to assist other developers to make their projects more successful.
Related reading: Investing in property within Melbourne’s most sought after public school zones
I would have to say that MAST is a standout project that has proven that good design and a clear direction as to the intended buyer creates a successful outcome.
What advice do you have for people who are just starting out in their careers?
Focus on the details and look at the long-term outcome. Too many agents are shortsighted and focus on immediate success, which can often make for a very short career.
Pictured: Supply Co in Richmond, a development Heath is currently working on. Image supplied by Harvey Publicity.
What are the biggest issues facing the industry at the moment?
Finance! All sides of the market are affected. Developers, buyers and sellers are all being impacted by tighter lending criteria in all property sectors.
Money is still cheap, it’s just much harder to get.
What changes would you like to see in the industry?
I would like governments to look long-term and stop making decisions that only impact their current term. We need long-term thinkers to make the right decisions for the future.
What’s your outlook for the Melbourne market?
It’s going to be a tough couple of years, but there will be opportunities for those that keep their eyes open to what is available. Not all is rosy, but don’t believe all that you read!
Related reading:
The key steps to successful property development – graceful exits
Biting off more than you can chew is a common developer failing, or is it?
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