_Your partner in property - Erin van Tuil
What does your role entail?
My role is unique in that I have one client with one mixed-use development, Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, Sydney. Primarily I am in charge of the client relationship between Crown Resorts and Knight Frank, but I also head up the sales and marketing team to find purchasers for the 82 residences that sit on top of a luxury hotel with fabulous restaurants and amenities which is directly on the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
Image: Erin van Tuil in front of Crown Residences at One Barangaroo with dogs Cella and Orla
How has COVID-19 impacted your working life?
Whilst in business terms it was challenging in the initial weeks of lockdown, we have seen a strong return in our levels of enquiry and interest. Within six weeks we were back to conducting viewings and negotiating transactions, but also working with our client planning for the next stage in our sales campaign when the building is completed later in 2020. We were quick to implement change with a new system for virtual viewings and an enticing display suite tour film. In addition we bought loads of hand sanitiser and got to grips with multiple VC platforms – I see colleagues more now than I did pre-Covid, though these days they can be a little more pixelated.
What is the market sentiment as we emerge from lockdown?
The sentiment in the super prime market in Sydney is positive. There are unknowns which for some are challenging, but for others are part and parcel of managing High-Net-Worth, diverse portfolios. We have seen positivity through our return to previous activity levels, as well as through the exchanging of contracts on transactions negotiated prior to lockdown which is very encouraging.
What is happening with your existing clients? What business are you doing today?
Today, we met with an influencer in the Sydney property market to discuss activity levels and see how we can work together, and we conducted a second viewing with a potential purchaser who first viewed 12 months ago. Our existing buyer clients are typically behaving with a ‘business as usual’ approach and are positive about the fundamentals of the Australian market that they believe will inevitably continue on an upward trajectory. The fundamentals that make Sydney a great place to live and invest have not changed; we have clear governance, exceptional lifestyle, great education facilities and of course the weather.
What do you think the reminder of the year will be like?
I think we will see activity continue, but there will be caution from some. A pivotal point for Australia is September when we are due to see the end of one of the governments initiatives to support the economy. This could impact some decision making. On the flip side, this year will see the transition of Crown Residences at One Barangaroo, from an off-plan product to one that can be inspected which we anticipate will produce an increase in interest.
Image: Crown Residences at One Barangaroo nearing topping out
Where might there be opportunities?
Australia is often referred to as ‘the land of opportunity’ and there are plenty to be had across multiple sectors. I would, of course, always advocate for prime property in Sydney. The growth in prime property has been steady for the past 30 years, there is limited supply, certainly on Sydney Harbour and the desire to live in a country of wide open space where you can sunbathe, ski, mountain climb, surf, experience the desert, ancient rainforest or pristine white beaches, without having to find your passport is something to envy.
Given your lockdown experience, what insight have you taken from it?
Lockdown has been a positive experience for me. I have enjoyed spending more time in my home and less time commuting. It has been a ‘sea-change’ for me without any expense to my productivity and business responsibilities. My team and I have adapted quickly and now, when we do meet in the office, at least once a week, we are more collaborative, engaged and focused. My work plays a very important role in my life and I have always felt that this came hand in hand with being based in an office; I was wrong. More time in my home has also been a happy experience for my dogs and my kitchen now feels it has fulfilled it’s true potential.
What are your final thoughts?
I love my job and I am immensely proud of our achievements with this project. We have set new benchmarks within Australia achieving results that have not been seen here before, but more importantly our purchasers are excited and our client is pleased. As we move into the next phase of marketing, I am looking forward to seeing the building complete and to working with our client to execute the last stage of this incredible icon. Lockdown has brought us new challenges, but my team and I continue to take care of our purchasers and our client to the very best of our ability, pandemic or no pandemic – it is what we do best.
For further information, please contact:
Erin van Tuil
Partner, Crown Residences at One Barangaroo
+61 409 325 700