A former representative of Australia in water polo, Oliver Booth understands the impact of a strong work ethic, discipline, and enthusiasm. Moving straight from University into real estate, in only three years, aged 24, he was appointed a director of the company.

Oliver’s track record of success includes property sales worth a combined total of more than half a billion dollars since 2014, with an average sale price of over $4 million and achieving the highest selling price for a Toorak residence to date.

Out of hours (and outside of COVID-19 restrictions), Oliver can be found training in the pool, playing golf, or relaxing down in the Bellarine Peninsula where he spends many of his weekends.

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WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Oliver about the impact of the pandemic on Melbourne real estate.

What are your predictions for the 2020 luxury market in your area?

Due to the pandemic, I predict we will find an increase in a number of larger family homes hitting the market within the next 12 months. A number of our clients are seemingly spending more time at their coastal and rural properties and recognising that their ability to work from home and spend less time in the city means they may not need such a large land holding in the city and are now more focused on their lifestyle more than ever.

What advice do you give buyers?

History has shown that in times of economic uncertainty, it is common for people to turn to bricks and mortar as a safe investment. As we all know, property values peak and trough but on the whole, and if held long enough we usually would see a steady increase in value, proving that property is a comfortable and solid investment. In many situations at the moment, for first home buyers in particular, buyers are seeing that it is actually cheaper to purchase than rent due to low interest rates.

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Many of our current vendors have chosen to sell their properties now, despite talks of dropping house prices, as they recognise a lack of stock can mean greater competition amongst buyers. This has proven to produce some great results over the last few months. 

Given the ever-changing environment, vendors are trusting the relationship and advice from their agents more than ever. Working closely as a team is paramount in achieving a great outcome for all parties involved.  

What changes (if any) have you noticed in buyers and sellers since the COVID-19 situation began?

Given the current climate, we have experienced an increase in buyer enquiry from expats living in Singapore, New York, London and Hong Kong who are either wanting to return home to live or who are wanting to invest their money in residential property; what they would consider a safe investment for the future.

Due to the increase in international enquiry we have adapted our business to a digital platform, making available virtual walkthrough tours of homes which have subsequently allowed us to sell a number of properties in the last 6 months to buyers who have actually never physically walked through the property, which really is quite amazing.

Now that public auctions and inspections have been put on hold, we have seen more genuine buyer enquiry from those who are ready to buy now rather than those just monitoring the market.

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What are your personal hobbies/interests outside of real estate?

After a week’s work I will head down to the Bellarine Peninsula where I get to unwind and recharge for the week ahead. I love to travel and I am very much looking forward to planning my next adventure in the not too distant future. I also love playing water polo and I’m keen to get back into the pool as well as a cheeky 18 holes of golf.  Another passion of mine is cooking and spending time with my family and friends whenever I can.

What is one thing you have learned over your years as a luxury agent? 

I have been fortunate enough to sell some of Melbourne’s finest real estate over the past 6 years and with that experience has come many important lessons which continue to help me progress to this day. One of the most important things as an agent I believe is to be honest and genuine. If you say you are going to do something, then do it and always go above and beyond to deliver to your clients and always put them first.

Melbourne is a small place and at the end of the day your reputation is everything. The connections I have made with my clients over the years have been incredible and many relationships which begun as professional relationships are now friendships and I am forever grateful for that. 

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