LJ Hooker Applecross’ Principal Daniel Lewis confirmed the move this week, saying he was excited to service the new market’s exponential growth underway, propelled by new land releases and redevelopment. 

According to CoreLogic, Coogee recorded 14% growth over 12 months to $1m while North Coogee recorded an 8% increase to $1.38m. The suburbs performed well-above wider Perth’s median house growth of five percent over the last 12 months.

 

As part of the expansion, Mr Lewis has made a further five-year commitment to LJ Hooker, strengthening the brand’s market presence in Applecross – highly-sought after as a riverside enclave in proximity to the city and excellent schools - and Coogee. Applecross, itself recorded 4.2% growth for a median house price of $1.85m, over the last year.

“It’s a good time to undergo expansion,” said Mr Lewis, who joined LJ Hooker in 2020.

“Everything has gotten back to normal in Perth after Covid and the mining sector – which our economy relies heavily on – had a record period for exports last year.

“We’ve recruited well and we’re well-positioned to service the confidence in the city.”

Mr Lewis said Lake Coogee’s profile had boomed of late, particularly after being renamed from Munster.

“That name, alone, probably gave the area a bit of a stigma,” he joked.

“Over the last few years, the growth in the area has been exponential. The land release in the area allowed buyers who were trying to get into areas like Fremantle and South Fremantle, the opportunity to enjoy similar amenities around the southern coast. Coogee and North Coogee has been a little hidden gem.”

The Lake Coogee precinct had been attracting a lot of upgraders, said Mr Lewis. Buyers were looking to upgrade from southern suburbs to the coast.

Mr Lewis said LJ Hooker Coogee would initially begin as a virtual office with a physical office to be introduced over the coming year.

David La Rosa joined the agency in 2020 to become Lead Agent of the new LJ Hooker Coogee venture. LJ Hooker Applecross’ sales division is led by Navid Heshmati.

Mr Lewis said the business’ property management division was also growing at a fast rate.

While investor activity had dried up on the East Coast, Mr Lewis expected attention to turn to Perth where houses were returning gross yields of 5.1% and units 6.2%.

LJ Hooker General Manager of Network, Stephen Mutton, welcomed Mr Lewis’s growth with the brand.

“LJ Hooker Applecross has made great inroads into a competitive riverside market,” said Mr Mutton.

“Daniel has a great vision for his two marketplaces and LJ Hooker is excited to support him in this new chapter. He’ll be able to deliver efficiencies across both offices that will enable sales agents and property managers the time to focus on deliver exceptional customer service and win more listings.

“We’re thrilled with his further commitment to the LJ Hooker offering and growing his agencies into the future.”