Culture powers success as Raine & Horne Double Bay | Bondi Beach hits $435 million in first-half sales

One of Australia’s most successful real estate offices, Raine & Horne Double Bay | Bondi Beach, led by uber agent Ric Serrao, says its greatest achievement isn't the awards lining the shelves, it's the people who have helped earn them.

Despite a property market shaped by higher interest rates and significant changes to the way investment properties are taxed and cautious buyer sentiment, Raine & Horne Double Bay | Bondi Beach has delivered another exceptional six months, completing 150 property transactions, leasing 180 properties and negotiating $435 million in property sales during the first half of 2026.

This included the $12 million sale of a block of apartments at 71 Fletcher Street, Tamarama, in March[i], the luxury penthouse sale at 22–23 Darling Point Road, Darling Point,[ii] for $11.6 million, and the $11.5 million sale of an exquisite architectural residence at 16 Napier Street, Dover Heights[iii].

Mr Serrao said, “The first half of 2026 has delivered exceptional results for our team, with strong sales outcomes despite the market headwinds and reflects the trust of our clients, the dedication of our people, and the continued strength of the Eastern Suburbs market.

“Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, buyer demand for quality homes in sought-after locations such as Bondi, Double Bay, Rose Bay and Bellevue Hill is still strong.

“While an increase in available stock has created a more balanced market, well-presented properties continue to generate solid enquiry and competitive interest.”

Auction performance has remained encouraging, with the Eastern Suburbs recording an average clearance rate of around 60%, demonstrating continued confidence from active buyers in the market, Mr Serrao said.

Celebrating excellence across the business

Those outstanding sales results from H1 2026 follow the office’s strong performance at the 2025 Raine & Horne NSW/ACT Awards, held recently at the iconic Horden Pavilion, where the Eastern Suburbs real estate powerhouse secured a large haul of awards and Chairman's Club honours, along with four long-service recognitions.

The office claimed Top Multiple Office – Sales GCI and was once again named Top Office – Sales GCI, a category it has dominated since 2000. It also finished second for Top Office – Number of Sales Transactions.

For Principal Mr Serrao, however, the awards tell only part of the story. "The achievement I’m truly happiest about this year is having four staff members reach long-service milestones of between 15 and 25 years," Mr Serrao said.

The long-serving team members include former principal Martin Maskin (25 years), Helen Vlachos (20 years), Hannan Bouskila (15 years) and Christophe Serrao (15 years).

Mr Serrao continued, “The trophies are wonderful recognition, but businesses aren't built on awards – they are built on people. I'm very proud of those long-term relationships.

“In an industry where people often move around, we've been fortunate to build a team that genuinely enjoys working together," he added.

“That stability benefits our clients because they know they're dealing with experienced people who have worked together for many years.”

That philosophy has underpinned one of Australia's most enduring real estate businesses. Mr Serrao has led the Double Bay-based operation for more than two decades, building a culture centred on professionalism, long-term relationships and client service. He has also committed the business to the Raine & Horne network long-term, citing its family values, innovation and ongoing support as key reasons for continuing the partnership.

"The support we receive from Angus Raine and the corporate team has always been exceptional," Mr Serrao said. “We genuinely value the culture, innovation and backing the group provides."

The office's sustained success was also reflected in the major individual award categories.

Mr Serrao was named Top Principal – Sales GCI in NSW/ACT, extending a remarkable decade-long run at the top of the category, while also being recognised as a Chairman's Club Lifetime Member. He also finished in the Top 10 for Number of Sales Transactions by a Principal.

Paul Langsam finished second in Top Salesperson – Sales GCI and remains a Chairman's Club Lifetime Member. Long-serving team member Mr Bouskila finished third in Top Salesperson – Sales GCI, second in Top Salesperson – Number of Sales Transactions, and third in Top Auction Salesperson – Residential, while fellow long-serving team member Mr Christophe Serrao earned Chairman's Club Salespeople Silver recognition. Alex Lyons won Top Salesperson – Highest Transaction and finished fourth in Top Salesperson – Sales GCI, while Operations Officer Lucy Apoyan was named Outstanding Office Support (Residential).

Mr Serrao said maintaining perspective during changing market conditions was critical. “I think we'll see another challenging three to six months, followed by a really strong 2027.

“We expect demand to remain steady throughout the second half of the year, supported by the area's enduring lifestyle appeal, limited supply of premium homes and continued interest from local and interstate purchasers.”

His advice for buyers is therefore simple. “Buy when you're the only one at the auction.”

For vendors, preparation remains essential. “Prepare your home before you even interview the agents.”

At the same time, for anyone building a career in real estate or navigating today's property market, Mr Serrao's advice is equally straightforward. “Be tenacious. Be persistent.”