Professionals Real Estate 
After 20 years of success as an independent agency, Elite Property in Sydney’s inner west is joining the Professionals network and firming up plans to expand the business.
Headed by husband-and-wife team Steve and Lilly Vella, the agency aims to capitalise on the sustained demand for property in the Five Dock region which is poised for heightened activity as construction of the Sydney’s Metro extension edges closer to completion.
The agency, to be rebranded as Professionals Vella Property, currently supports a staff of seven in residential and commercial sales and leasing, including a property management team of three. Lilly Vella heads the property management division while Steve Vella leads the sales team.
Mr Vella said the Professionals network was chosen after they talked to a host of major nation-wide franchise groups.
“We found Professionals the best team to deal with and that gave us a great deal of insight into what they’re about and how they operate. The Professionals are a great fit for us.
“We know the Five Dock area well and now that we’re a part of larger group, it allows us to leverage off the support that they offer so that we can better service our existing clients and new clients.”
Mr Vella said the Five Dock area is primed for further growth, not least because of the Metro.
“It’s a market that still offers buyers a piece of the Australian dream,” said Mr Vella.
“We have the right mix of free-standing homes, apartments and duplexes, and there’s still plenty of land, not to mention we also have a large quantity of commercial and industrial property that we look after.
“The new Metro has generated a lot of interest in the market. It’s already a very tightly held market which has driven significant growth in property values over the past decade or so.
“Compared to a year ago, there’s been a big drop in listings, so that makes for a very competitive market environment. Many of the properties that we sell do not remain on the market for long.”
Professionals Vella Property has set its sights on expanding following the rebranding.
“We’re always looking to grow, but it’s important to have the right team,” said Mr Vella. “We have quite a large area to cover, so no doubt we will be hiring staff in future.”
Professionals Vella, located at 72D Great North Road in Five Dock, officially start trading on September 15.
