MacCallum Inglis enters new era with McGrath Estate Agents

Story submitted by McGrath

MacCallum Inglis this week announced a new era in its four decades of stock and station agency, joining leading real estate network McGrath Estate Agents as its first broadacre sales and livestock services business.

Co-principals Michael Burke, Stuart Sheldrake and Angus Patterson have rebranded the business as McGrath Upper Hunter following the retirement of founder Peter MacCallum.

The move will showcase the Upper Hunter to clients with interests throughout the eastern seaboard, with the local team value-adding to the client services of McGrath’s metropolitan and coastal agencies.

John McGrath, Founder of McGrath Estate Agents said, “the opening of McGrath Upper Hunter heralds a milestone for the company.”

“It’s been a long-held ambition to offer broadacre sales and livestock services alongside our real estate sales, property management, project marketing and mortgage broking services.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Michael, Stuart and Angus to our company, our agents and our clients.”

The Kelly Street business brings to McGrath market leadership across livestock, bloodstock, stud, land, agribusiness and commercial property sales and leasing.

McGrath Upper Hunter is also the area’s leading residential and rural property sales team. It also manages the Upper Hunter’s largest rent roll.

The agency has facilitated some of the region’s major sales, including:
• 76,000 acre Glenrock Station
• $43,000 per acre (record land price) for the Alanbridge Stud in the Segenhoe Valley;
• Divestment of the Royal Hotel in 2020 and Golden Fleece Hotel in 2019

Since joining McGrath, the team have facilitated excellent sales activity.

A standout sale, by Michael Burke, this week was the auction of ‘Birnam Wood’ at 262 Turanville Road, Scone selling for $2,290,000 by McGrath Chief Auctioneer Scott Kennedy Green.

The new era for the agency comes as favourable seasonal conditions encourage restockers to drive livestock prices at the Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre and tree-change buyer enquiry.

McGrath Upper Hunter operates at Scone’s weekly fat and monthly store sales and holds annual events for Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Speckle Park and other breeds.

“Throughput is probably 30-40% down on average at the sales, and we’re seeing record prices as a result of demand,” said Mr Sheldrake, auctioneer and Head of McGrath Upper Hunter’s livestock division.

Mr Sheldrake said the reception from local clients to the rebrand ‘was very encouraging’.

“We’re combining our local and industry expertise with marketing and support systems that provide an innovative customer experience, and our clients are appreciating that,” he said.

Mr Burke said, “white collar buyers are looking for everything from residential to rural properties –anything under 1000 acres that’s not purpose-built for agribusiness”.

“Scone’s rental vacancy rate is near zero and that’s attracting a lot of investor interest, as well.

“Bringing the McGrath name and professionalism to the Upper Hunter will resonate strongly with city and coastal buyers.

“Equally appealing to my partners Stuart, Angus and myself is the high quality service and
delivery that embodies the McGrath brand. To be the first stock and station agency within their network is something we are proud of and look forward growing that within the industry.

“We’re excited to value-add to the wider network, as well, helping other McGrath agents service the rural interests of their clients. The timing is excellent as we continue to experience strong seasonal and market conditions,” Michael Burke said.

McGrath Upper Hunter offers a full-service stock and station, real estate sales and property management
from 198 Kelly Street Scone. The team can be reached on 02 6540 1200.