This is the first time these awards have been held and were conducted by Real Estate Business and sponsored by Domain.

The AREA’s are unique in that they are the only awards open to every real estate professional and group across Australia, providing recognition and support to the industry’s leading individuals and organisations at a national level.

Winning the award capped off what was an already successful evening for the Barry Plant Group, being named finalists in the Best Boutique Network category (fewer than 100 offices), and the Best Training and Education.

Mitch Palmer of Barry Plant’s Glen Waverley office was also a finalist in the Rising Star category.

CEO Mike McCarthy and Property Management Consultant Yvonne Martin were delighted with the prestigious accolade.

“We have more than 26,000 properties under-management in Victoria and we knew we were the biggest in the State, however we were absolutely thrilled to be named number one in the country against some tough national competition,” Mike said. “I believe our success and growth is as a result of the professional level of service and training for all property management staff that has been implemented throughout the group.”

The property management award completes a well-earned double for the 80 plus office Barry Plant Group which, last year, was named Australia’s Number One Real Estate Company for sales by the leading national industry publication, Real Estate Business Magazine, which developed the AREAs for 2013.

These accolades are truly remarkable when you remember that the current organization only came together in July 1999 with 29 offices and wouldn't have been anywhere near #1 in Victoria, let alone Australia! Congratulations to everyone across the group who is involved in property management and in particular to Kerry Fraser and Yvonne Martin whose leadership in this area has been exemplary.

Stacey Moseley, Editor of Real Estate Business magazine said the AREA’s are in a unique position to recognise the industry’s leading agents and real estate groups Australia-wide.

“The Australian Real Estate Awards highlights what it takes to be successful, and those agents and groups that have been able to adapt to changing market conditions have ultimately come out on top.”