By Nathan Hunter

For five years, I immersed myself in the world of prestige residential real estate — selling high-end apartments and homes in some of Newcastle’s most exclusive suburbs. In that space, presentation was paramount, marketing had to be meticulous, and communication with clients was critical. Every listing was a production, with styling, photography, and carefully worded copy—each element crafted to capture hearts and command top dollar.

Then, in October 2024, I made the leap into a whole new world: Commercial and Industrial real estate. I teamed up with Steven Dick, Newcastle’s most experienced commercial broker, and let me tell you—it’s been a steep but exciting learning curve. Steve brings 37 years of experience to the table, and the way he understands zoning, lease structures, rental yields and the nuances of industrial metrics is nothing short of instinctive.

But Here’s What I’ve Learned…

Despite the jargon, the zoning codes, and the different buyer personas, one thing hasn’t changed: People are people.

Whether someone is selling a waterfront penthouse or leasing out a warehouse in Mayfield, what they want is the same—clear, consistent communication. That’s something Steve and I have made the cornerstone of our approach. We’ve created a contact and reporting system for owners that we believe is second to none—and from what we hear, it’s unlike anything else in the commercial market.

The 3 P’s—With a Commercial Twist

When it comes to preparing a property for sale or lease, we guide our clients through what we call the 3 P’s:

1. Presentation

This principle was drilled into me in residential—and it absolutely applies in commercial. The psychology is the same: whether a buyer is walking into a five-bedroom coastal home or a 500m² warehouse, first impressions count. Clean, bright, well-maintained properties attract more interest, better tenants, and faster results. It’s that simple.

2. Price

Unlike residential, commercial property is driven largely by the numbers. Area, frontage, height clearance, parking, and, above all, price per square metre. We sit down with our clients to analyse market data, compare recent leases or sales, and ensure their property is priced for performance, not stagnation.

3. Promotion

Marketing high-end homes can be expensive, but I’ve learned that commercial marketing—when done strategically—can be high-impact without breaking the bank. Thanks to Steve’s decades in the field, we apply industry-savvy tricks that maximise exposure without unnecessary cost, tailoring campaigns to match both the property’s audience and the client’s budget.

A Fourth P: Communication

So yes, I still talk about the 3 P’s—but I’ve added a fourth: Communication. In this space, where deals can take time and decision-makers are often more analytical, regular updates and total transparency are even more important.

If you’re struggling to lease or sell your industrial or commercial property—or you’re just not sure where to start—give Steve or me a call. With experience, strategy, and the 3 P’s (plus a C), we’ll guide you through every step.

Nathan Hunter | Licensed Agent | 0414 406 163