Raine & Horne Commercial, has strengthened its growing regional presence by launching a flagship office in the NSW Southern Highlands.

The new office, based in a purpose-built commercial property office in Mittagong, is spearheaded by award-winning real estate principal Matthew Anstee and leading Southern Highland’s commercial property specialist Lisa O’Neill.

Despite only recently opening its doors, Raine & Horne Commercial Southern Highlands has already clocked up more than $11 million in sales, highlighting the region’s buoyant commercial property market and the team’s deep local expertise.

The expansion is part of Raine & Horne Commercial’s ongoing strategy to meet growing demand in key regional hubs across Australia. For instance, the network has several strategic offices across major commercial regional business hubs in NSW, including the Central Coast, Port Macquarie, Wollongong, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and Dubbo.

Mr Chris Nicholl, CEO of Raine & Horne, said, “The Southern Highlands economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, agribusiness, manufacturing, and professional services. It is strategically located near major population centres such as Sydney and Canberra. 

“The Southern Highlands is powered by a diverse and resilient economy, creating fantastic opportunities for small businesses looking for industrial, retail, and office space,” Mr Nicholl said.

“There is also strong interest from investors keen to secure high-quality commercial properties with solid, long-term leases.

Mr Nicholl said the decision by Mr Anstee, backed by Ms O’Neill, to launch Raine & Horne Commercial Southern Highlands couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Matt is renowned for record-breaking sales and building exceptional business relationships, which are all underpinned by the highest level of professionalism,” Mr Nicholl said.

“Lisa brings an incredible passion for commercial property, and her experience as an industrial property investor gives her a unique perspective that truly connects with vendors and buyers.”

Mr Anstee said the launch of Raine & Horne Commercial Southern Highlands comes at a perfect time, with the region experiencing a surge in commercial property activity.

“We’ve hit the ground running well. Lisa has already completed over $11 million in commercial sales, which is an incredible result for a new office,” Mr Anstee said.

This impressive tally includes the sale of a prime industrial warehouse on a substantial 2,954 square metre block at 19 Gantry Place, Braemar, which sold for $2.27 million[i]. Ms O’Neill and Mr Anstee also secured the sale of a 1,000 square metre warehouse on a 3,627 square metre site at 11 Old Dairy Close, Moss Vale[ii], for $3.3 million. Additionally, the duo has exchanged on a 20,000 square metre prime industrial site at 16-18 Old Dairy Close, Moss Vale, with subdivision or development potential for $5 million[iii].

Mr Anstee added, “Off the back of this early success, we’ve quickly expanded our team with additional sales support to keep pace with demand.”

Local expertise meets national strength as Raine & Horne Commercial Southern Highlands fills major market gap

Mr Anstee said the decision to expand into commercial real estate, adding Raine & Horne Commercial to his established residential and rural businesses, was driven by clear market demand.

“No one in the Southern Highlands truly offers dedicated commercial property sales and leasing,” he said.

“There are competitors focused on property management, but when it comes to sales and leasing with the backing of a major national brand such as Raine & Horne Commercial, there’s a real gap.

“We have the experience, the brand strength, and the expertise to deliver real results — and that’s exactly what we will do for our vendors, buyers, lessors and lessees.”

Surging sales activity and growing demand as family-owned properties and expanding businesses drive Southern Highlands commercial market

Ms O’Neill said commercial property sales activity in the Southern Highlands had gained momentum over the past 18 months, with estate planning playing a significant role.

“We’re seeing long-held family-owned properties come to market as owners look to restructure, divest, or plan for the next generation,” she said.

“For many, it’s simply the right time to sell, and this is creating new opportunities for buyers and investors.”

Ms O’Neill added that office, retail, and industrial properties with strong leases are attracting yields of 6-7%.

“Properties with secure leases are performing well in the current market — price them correctly, and they’re selling,” she said.

Ms O’Neill said many local small businesses are now outgrowing existing spaces.

“We’re seeing strong demand from small business owners who started in their backyards or garages and are now looking for larger industrial, retail, or office spaces to support their growth,” she said.

For all your commercial property sales and leasing requirements in the Southern Highlands call Raine & Horne Commercial Southern Highlands on 02 4861 4444 on visit the office at 79 Main Street, Mittagong. 

[i] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/southernhighlands/properties/19-gantry-place-braemar-2575-new-south-wales

[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/southernhighlands/properties/11-old-dairy-close-moss-vale-2577-new-south-wales-L31446182

[iii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/southernhighlands/properties/16-18-old-dairy-close-moss-vale-2577-new-south-wales