Tom Staughton joined Kay & Burton after graduating from Swinburne University, starting in property management, then moving into sales where he has spent the past fifteen years.

Since being recognised as one of the company’s Rising Stars in 2013, Tom is now a partner and one of the company’s most senior specialist sales consultants.

A clear, concise and confident negotiator Tom has a very high attention to detail and rates happiness as a big indicator of success. His dynamic approach to how a property can and should be sold is a valuable and memorable asset for everyone who works with him.

Located in Hawthorn, in Melbourne’s inner east, Tom is passionate about his team, Liverpool FC, and spending time with his young family.

WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Tom about the outlook for luxury property in 2021 and the impact of the pandemic.

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What are your predictions for the 2021 luxury market in your area?

The December quarter ended with several strong results, driven by buyer competition and pent-up demand after the market was in a holding pattern for 5 months. With stock levels remaining low, interest rates at historically low levels and buyers considering their living arrangements (due to the pandemic), we are seeing a unique set of circumstances that will continue to give momentum to the property market over the coming months.

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Are you noticing a significant change in buyers and sellers after 2020?

The two key changes we are seeing are buyers focusing heavily on their living arrangements, with a home office and proximity to parkland(s) now key considerations for many. The second is the absence of passive buyers in our marketplace.  

For those sellers who were considering downsizing in the coming years, COVID has sped up this process, with many now putting their home on the market, with the intent to move closer to children/grandchildren or to a coastal/rural setting. 

What advice you would give to vendors for the best outcome?

I’m a big believer in acting first and I feel if vendors are considering selling this year that there is no better time than the present. Whilst the fundamentals point to a strong year in the real estate market, we are still facing many challenges globally that could impact on our market down the track. 

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What advice do you give buyers?

Try to establish a relationship with an Agent or Buyers Advocate. Many homes no matter the market trade ‘off market’, so having this relationship may give you an additional selection of homes to consider that are yet to be listed online. 

What are vendors saying?

Vendors are encouraged by the number of buyers inspecting property now, this is certainly giving validation to their decision to list their property.

Where do you see demand coming from?

Property has become a big priority for many during this pandemic. With travel ruled out for the foreseeable future and people spending more time in their homes, many families are upsizing and upgrading as they consider lifestyle more important than ever.  

Where are the buyers from?

Most buyers we are currently dealing with are local families, however we are seeing several buyers from interstate and Asia looking to relocate due to lifestyle and schooling requirements. 

What are your interests outside of real estate?

I am a huge fan of Liverpool FC (who play in the English Premier League), and was fortunate to get over to Liverpool in 2017 with some close friends to see a couple of games at Liverpool’s home ground ‘Anfield’. 

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However, much of my time outside of work is spent with my family. Alicia and I have two children Claudia (9) and Will (7) who keep us on our toes. 

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

Listening is key to success in our industry. Many agents have tunnel vision on what clients should consider, for example a buyer's location or a seller method of sale. It is important to have a clear understanding of buyers’ and seller's needs and not to assume, as this will only lead to a poor outcome for all. 

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