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He’s operating under a new network as Laing+Simmons The Forest, with a view to building out market share across the postcodes of 2085, 2086 and 2087.
Shane Broekman is making the move from LJ Hooker to come under the umbrella of the Laing+Simmons Narrabeen group.
Calling the Frenchs Forest, Belrose and Davidson markets on Sydney’s Northern Beaches a “sleeping giant”, Broekman’s connection to the area is not only a professional one – he’s now raising his family in the same area he grew up in.
Stating it’s an area of the Northern Beaches he’s always lived and worked in, he acknowledges “it’s undergoing fundamental change”.
He outlined: “Like other councils, there’s a new housing target on the table. Rezonings have been gazetted. Major infrastructure investments are either newly completed or progressing, such as the new Northern Beaches Hospital, the new shopping precinct on the site of the soon-to be-relocated The Forest High School, and the new Glenrose Village.”
According to him, it’s all driving further interest in the local property market – and while this has historically been characterised by freestanding houses, “that is changing too”.
“More apartment development means more choice not only for people looking to move into this beautiful area, but also for long-term locals who want to downsize but have never really had the choice to do so.”
He expects the change in density will lead to a change in diversity, and demographic, especially given the average period of ownership for a home in the area is sitting at 14 years. But with more choice available, the agent expects ownership duration rates “could conceivably halve”.
It all leads Broekman to the belief that “an area that has been a sleeping giant for a long time is set for considerable growth”.
With growth squarely on the agenda of Laing+Simmons The Forest too, Broekman sees opportunity on both the sales and property management sides of the business.
He concluded: “In line with the Laing+Simmons people-first approach, we’re focused on broadening our reach while ensuring we always prioritise the customer experience.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
