McGrath Estate Agents today announced a new office in the Garden State with the opening of McGrath Clayton to be headed up by Ethan He and Jason Xi. 

Chris Mourd, Head of Franchise Network for McGrath, said the company is very focussed on growing its  footprint in Victoria. “We’ve enjoyed a long and successful presence already in Monash. This is a key market  for Melbourne real estate, and we are delighted that this is now underpinned by Ethan and Jason joining us as  principals in our new Clayton office. 

“We believe Ethan is one of the best emerging agents in Australia and together with Jason, they are highly skilled and entrepreneurial principals, dynamic and engaging in their approach to their business, and who will  greatly enhance our offering to Melburnians in this culturally diverse region.” 

Mr Mourd adds, “The McGrath Clayton office is strategically positioned in the heart of Monash. This area is a hub of opportunity, driven by key institutions like Monash University, ranked 37th globally, Monash Health,  and the Victorian Heart Hospital. Offering a mix of residential, educational, and healthcare demand, it is an  ideal location for us to support the demands of our clients and capitalise on the suburb’s growth and potential.”  

McGrath Clayton will service the area from Notting Hill in the north, to Springvale in the south, to Noble Park and Mulgrave in the east, to Oakleigh South in the west. Key suburbs will include Clayton, Oakleigh and Clarinda. 

Clayton is fast establishing itself as one of Melbourne's most sought-after suburbs, offering a combination of lifestyle, connectivity, and growth potential. Clayton is Monash University’s largest Campus, the renowned Monash Medical Centre, and a wealth of shopping and recreational amenities, the area appeals to a wide range of residents and investors alike. The upcoming Suburban Rail Loop will further transform the area, enhancing public transport access and driving demand for properties. Coupled with consistent price growth and one of the region's highest rental returns, Clayton continues to offer good investment opportunities for residents and landlords. 

McGrath Clayton Principals Ethan He and Jason Xi will lead a team of 25 to cover property sales and property management, with a rent roll of 1,400. 

Mr He and Mr Xi have a combined 33 years’ experience in real estate in the area. Mr He, a graduate of Monash University, has lived in Monash for over 15 years and in his words, “knows the area back to front. I’ve probably sold a property in every street of Clayton.” 

In their previous business First National JXRE – Clayton, together they have sold 183 properties in the last 12 months according to realestate.com.au

Strong sales results include: 

• 14 Francis Street, Clayton - $2,410,000 (4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 1008 sqm 
• 12-14 Marshall Avenue, Clayton - $3,880,000 (two adjoining properties, 6 bedrooms)
• 19 Dunstan Street, Clayton - $1,990,500 (4 bedroom, 2 bath house on 1007 sqm) 

Ethan He describes Clayton as a vibrant area that is known for its sense of community engagement, cultural diversity and rich restaurant and café scene. 

“We have a unique and central business hub. Equally just 30 minutes from the CBD, the area presents a fantastic opportunity for homeowners. Clayton attracts a diverse mix of buyers, including young professionals, families, students and investors. With many homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, they attract families and young professionals. It also offers affordability for first home buyers and investors in the apartment sector sub $1 million. 

“We have seen developers also reshaping the area with new apartments, townhouses, and shared accommodations, adding to Clayton’s vibrant, evolving appeal”, he concludes. 

Jason Xi adds, “The rental market in Clayton is strong, with a low vacancy rate of around 1.5%. This is largely due to an influx of students and professionals seeking accommodation near educational institutions and employment hubs. Monash University and the nearby business hubs draw students and professionals, boosting demand for rental and shared housing, all of which adds to the diversity of the area.”

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