It’s been quite a journey from our humble beginnings as a handful of offices to the high powered, efficient real estate network we’ve become.
The Barry Plant story begins in 1958 when a small company named EJ Doherty Real Estate opened its doors in Coburg. The first Barry Plant office opened in Templestowe over 20 years later, in 1979. Both companies earned reputations for consistently achieving enviable results, and in 1999 the 15 Barry Plant offices merged with EJ Doherty (under the leadership of Vic Care) and their 16 offices were to be reborn as Barry Plant Doherty. Between July 1999 and December 2005, Barry Plant Doherty doubled in size to 60 offices, covering a significant slice of metropolitan Melbourne. Both Barry Plant and Vic Care are still directors of the company today.
In early 2006 we expanded into regional Victoria, dropped ‘Doherty’, and became Barry Plant Real Estate once more. In 2016 we opened our first South Australian office. We currently have a network of around 74 offices, each dedicated to achieving the best result for your property.
Below is a timeline of some of our milestone's:
October 2020
Barry Plant Mitchell Shire wins 2020 REIV Award for Excellence for Marketing and Communications
Barry Plant Mitchell Shire took home the award for excellence in the category of Marketing and Communications. “I am so thrilled for the entire office, for being able to win an award like this, particularly in such a challenging year of COVID-19 which has really affected not only our industry but so many others,” said Simon Best, Director of Barry Plant Mitchell Shire. “Our ability to pivot and go in a different direction with our marketing and communications, and to be able to adapt to this extraordinary situation, is something I am really proud of. Even more significant is the fact that the entire Barry Plant Group embraced our campaign and implemented it state-wide.” The winning communications strategy revolved around an eye-catching ‘Zebra-Elephant’ with the slogan ‘We’re here for you, just doing things differently'. The clever visual used the image of an elephant covered in zebra stripes. This message worked beautifully with the ethos of Barry Plant Mitchell Shire, and the company as a whole, which is all about adapting so they could continue to help and support their clients. With the assistance of Barry Plant’s head office, the Zebra-Elephant concept was rolled out across the whole group - used in emails, newspaper advertising, window posters and social media.
February 2020
New Commercial office opens
In February Barry Plant Commercial opened its doors, led by experienced professional Benjamin Klein.
July 2019
New office in Northcote
Barry Plant has been a well known and respected brand in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne for decades... The new Northcote office is managed by Loretta Khoo, Jim Dimitropoulos and George Metax.
July 2019
New office in Mentone-Cheltenham
We welcome the new Mentone-Cheltenham office that has opened on Nepean Highway under the leadership of Michael Care. Michael also owns the Mordialloc office.
May 2019
Two finalists in the REB Women in Real Estate Awards
Linda Baker, director of Barry Plant Norwood in South Australia and Louise Carrigg, director of both Barry Plant Heathmont and Barry Plant Ringwood in Victoria.
April 2019
Barry Plant achieves 15 straight years of 'Highly Recommended' customer service status
The Barry Plant Croydon office led by Matt Jinks and James Brougham were also recognised as the overall National Winner at the 2019 Australian Achiever Awards with a near-perfect score of 99.86 per cent. The offices in Narre Warren, Rosebud, Werribee, and Sunshine were close behind to round out the top 5 for the Barry Plant Group.
Early 2019
New office in Benalla
The thriving regional town of Benalla is the latest location the Barry Plant Group has expanded to after signing an agreement with Brenda Letson, agent and Director of a local office.
April 2018
Barry Plant Glenroy, Manningham & Rowville recognised as some of Australia's best real estate agencies
Once again, Barry Plant Group real estate agencies have placed within the Real Estate Business (REB) Top 50 Sales Offices 2018, with Glenroy, Manningham and Rowville offices featuring on the list at numbers 6, 12 and 30 respectively.
April 2018
Melbourne Victory Game Day Sponsors
Barry Plant are proud supporters of Melbourne Victory Football Club.
November 2018
Wishtober campaign raises $73,000
In October Barry Plant raised $73,000 for Make-A-Wish Australia.
December 2018
Barry Plant's "Oak Club" Celebrates Loyalty
At a gala event at the Plaza Ballroom, Barry Plant Group Directors, Vic Care and Mike McCarthy welcomed 65 new people to their prestigious Oak Club. The Oak Club was created in 2000 to acknowledge the loyalty and contributions of people who have been with the Barry Plant Group for 10 years or more. The oak tree was selected as the symbol for the club because it is known for its strength, longevity and endurance – all characteristics of Oak Club members.
December 2017
Barry Plant Manningham recognised in the REB Awards
The Barry Plant Group’s flagship office, Barry Plant Manningham, has been ranked as the eighth-best real estate agency in Australia in this year’s Real Estate Business’s prestigious Top 50 Sales Offices list. The agency was Victoria’s highest-ranking residential real estate agency (excluding projects).
November 2017
Barry Plant Group raises $100,000 in annual "Wishtober" initiative
In it's 4th consecutive year, Barry Plant’s fundraising initiative “Wishtober” raised $100,000 for Make-a-Wish® Australia, a charity that makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
October 2017
Barry Plant Manningham wins REIV Property Marketing Award
Congratulations to our Barry Plant Manningham office who won the top award for a property marketing campaign under $10K at the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) Awards for Excellence held last night at Crown Casino Melbourne. Faced with the challenge of targeting a wealthy buyer pool for an ultra-modern, hilltop mansion in Warrandyte the experienced team at Barry Plant Manningham put together a clever, targeted campaign that showcased the sheer magnificence of the home.
May 2017
Loretta Khoo ranked as one of the top women in Real Estate
Listed as number 25 in Real Estate Business (REB) Top 50 Women in Real Estate. This is the first time that Loretta has made it onto the list and to jump in at 25th spot, with just six years of real estate experience, is a reflection of her highly successful career. Loretta attributes her success to a focus on providing honest, reliable service and always doing everything she can to get the very best result for her clients.
2017
Awarded Australia's No. 1 Real Estate Agency
Considered the top award in real estate, the Gold AREA was presented to Barry Plant Manningham recently for their innovation, service, marketing excellence in an extensive work in their local community – awarding them Australia’s Number 1 Real Estate Agency. The multi-award-winning team, led by Spiro Drossos, Mark Di Giulio and Theo Politis has changed the face of real estate. Embracing innovation in all areas of their business, but always having a sharp focus on meeting their clients’ expectations in providing a smooth process, great communication and of course, working for the best possible result. “The Manningham office just keeps on raising the bar in real estate. Whether it’s innovation, training, exceptional marketing, or just great passion by every team member to provide the best service and outcome for every client, they are a stand-out business” – Mike McCarthy, Barry Plant Group CEO The team at Barry Plant Manningham have now extended their award-winning service into the Whitehorse and Eltham areas.
April 2017
WINNER - Barry Plant Boronia takes out 1st Place for Customer Service in Real Estate
Barry Plant Boronia has taken out first place in the Real Estate Services category of the 2017 Australian Achiever Awards, with a phenomenal score of 99.68%. Director of Barry Plant Boronia, Mark Schroeder, says that every member of his team, from admin staff to sales, has played a role in achieving this honour. “We have a well-rounded, caring and empathetic team,” Mark says. “Our entire staff is focused on delivering excellent service, and the culture within our office promotes it.”
January 2017
A fresh new look for the Barry Plant Group
The Barry Plant Group announced the launch of its new branding, to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2017, at the Annual Barry Plant Kick Start conference today. Victoria’s number one real estate network has made subtle changes to its logo over the years, but this is the group’s first major update since 2006. The new look is fresh, contemporary and sophisticated, broadening the brand’s appeal and versatility across all demographics and markets. It will ensure that Barry Plant remains at the leading edge in Victoria’s real estate market and provides a platform to fulfil the Group’s goal of taking their brand to new markets interstate.
October 2016
Barry Plant has raises over $100,000 for Make-A-Wish Australia
For the third year running, the Barry Plant raised in excess of $100,000 during October for Make-A-Wish – an organisation that grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. The total amount raised this year brings the three-year figure of funds raised by Barry Plant for Make-A-Wish to $350,000.
2016
Barry Plant opens 5 new offices
Norwood, South Australia, Drouin, Greensborough, Keilor East and Brunswick
2015
New office opens in Bayside
Barry Plant Mordialloc
2014
Two new offices open in regional Victoria
Broadford & Ballarat
2013
New office opens in Mornington Peninsula
Barry Plant Rosebud
2012
Ranked as Australia's No. 1 Sales Group
REB Awards
2012
Barry Plant opens two new offices
Tarneit & Bendigo
2011
Success in Property Management
Barry Plant now manages 20,000+ rental properties
2011
Barry Plant opens five new offices
Sunbury, Keysborough, Healesville, Doreen-Mernda and Mildura
2010
Barry Plant opens two new offices
Epping & Caroline Springs
2009
Barry Plant achieves 1000 property sales in 1 month
Breaking a sales record, in just one month the Barry Plant Group sell 1,000 properties.
2008
Barry Plant arrives in Pakenham
Pakenham office opens
2007
Three new offices open
Melton, Oakleigh & Belmont
2006
Barry Plant opens two offices in Mitchell Shire
Wallan & Kilmore
2005
Barry Plant opens four new offices
Dandenong, Geelong, Mount Waverley and Point Cook
2004
Barry Plant opens six new offices
Highton, Frankston, Mornington, Mill Park, Leopold and Cranbourne
2003
Two new offices open
Werribee & Craigieburn
2002
Barry Plant opens five new offices
Diamond Creek, Essendon, Sunshine, Bundoora & Woori Yallock
2001
Two new offices open
Docklands & Emerald
2000
Barry Plant opens two offices
Noble Park & Wheelers Hill
1999
Barry Plant merges with E J Doherty
15 Barry Plant offices merged with EJ Doherty's 16 offices to be reborn as Barry Plant Doherty.
April 2019
Barry Plant agents starring in TV show "Find me a Dream Home"
Host Nikki Osbourne, aided by Barry Plant agents, helps house hunters find their dream home. They have the budget - the challenge is to present them with three homes that they’ll love and let them choose.
March 2019
Changes for Barry Plant Glenroy & Epping
Barry Plant Glenroy, once again named in the REB Top 50 Sales Agencies in Australia earlier this year, has opened a new state-of-the-art office in Pascoe Vale Road, Glenroy. Clients, media and partners enjoyed celebrations in February to launch the new office, which proved a busy month for the team at Barry Plant Glenroy, as they also took over the management of the Barry Plant Epping office.
March 2019
New leadership for Barry Plant Sunbury
An experienced leadership team, consisting of Simon Best and Maria Page, is looking forward to reinvigorating and refreshing the Barry Plant Sunbury office with a focus on enhanced customer service and communication.
February 2019
Happy 50th anniversary in real estate Barry!
Congratulations to one of our founding partners, Barry Plant, on celebrating an incredible milestone of 50 continuous years in Real Estate.
February 2019
New offices in Shepparton, Nagambie & Tatura
Shepparton, Nagambie and Tatura are the three latest locations the Barry Plant group has expanded to after signing an agreement with Matthew Chilcott, Director of Chilcott Real Estate.
May 2021
Barry Plant partners with the Pat Cronin Foundation.
Every Barry Plant office is a local business, with strong connections in their local community – with schools and sporting clubs and community groups. “Being able to help the Pat Cronin Foundation deliver their life-saving message to such a broad young audience is a really worthwhile thing to do. Our franchisees were unanimous in backing this initiative.”
1 July 2021
Changing of the guard at Barry Plant.
After 18 Years as CEO of The Barry Plant Group, Mike McCarthy is stepping aside from the role and handing the reins to Nigel O’Neil. Nigel has been with the group for over two years spending time learning about the group and its people. More recently, he has been working with the Executive team to formulate a strategic plan for the Group to 2030 and beyond. Nigel has significant experience at an Executive level in real estate over the last 15 years and is excited about what the future holds.
May 2021
Barry Plant raises $16,676 for The Royal Children's Hospital.
“It’s such an important cause and we know that members of our Barry Plant family have reason to be grateful for the services of the Royal Children’s hospital – so it’s a cause we can really relate to.”
March 2021
New owners and directors of Barry Plant Emerald Sales.
Barry Plant Emerald is slated for a significant management change with Justin Barrot and Riley Nicholas becoming the new owners and directors of the thriving sales business. The property management side of the business will remain with the current owners under the leadership of Len O’Donnell.
February 2021
Twelve Barry Plant agents in Victoria’s Top 100
In the recently released list of AREA finalists for Top Residential Agent, the Barry Plant Group had twelve agents make the list in Victoria. Kieron Hunter – Highton, Chari Emirzade – Geelong, Theo Politis – Manningham, Andrew Koulaouzos – Taylors Lakes, Ashley Hutson – Lilydale, Josh Stokes – Lilydale, Tim Stickley – Barry Plant Noble Park Group, Ned Nikolic – Melton, Mark Di Giulio – Manningham, Michael Steenhuis – Blackburn, Chang Wang – Noble Park Group, Ray Harb – Point Cook. “There are up to 10,000 agents representatives operating in the Victorian real estate industry and to have twelve of our agents make the cut for the top 100 is a testament to just how hard they worked during the extended lockdowns in Victoria last year, to continue to provide real estate services in a safe and innovative manner.”
January 2021
Barry Plant offices rank amongst Australia’s Top 50 Sales Offices 2021
Two Barry Plant offices have starred in REB’s annual Top 50 Sales Office ranking of Australian real estate offices. Barry Plant Manningham placed 6th on the list and Barry Plant Rowville placed 27th. “In a year that saw multiple lengthy lockdowns in Victoria, it’s a testament to the innovation and dedication of the leaders and teams of the Manningham and Rowville offices that they have overcome significant challenges and still managed to make this elite list.”
October 2020
Barry Plant teams up with Simonds Homes and Satterley to auction a brand new home to support childhood cancer
Founded in 1992, My Room is a volunteer-led organisation that is committed to supporting young cancer patients and families through their treatment journey. The money raised from this auction will go to supporting the four major pillars of the organisation: family support, medical equipment, clinical care, and research and clinical trials. My Room’s goal is to achieve a 100% cure rate for childhood cancers.