One of Sydney’s most consistent real estate performers, Raine & Horne Marrickville | Dulwich Hill, led by directors Paul Signorelli and Filippo D’Arrigo, has credited disciplined processes, strong culture and deep community ties for a decade of sustained growth, culminating in industry recognition and market-leading results across Sydney’s Inner West.
Mr Signorelli and Mr D’Arrigo became shareholders in 2016, and joining the ownership group of the business founded by Michael and Yvonne Smith, who originally established the office as a small independent in Earlwood in 1978 before joining Raine & Horne in 1983 to leverage the scale of a rapidly expanding national network.
The office relocated to Marrickville in August 1987, targeting a more diverse residential market supported by a strong retail and industrial base. Mr Signorelli joined the business in 1996, and Mr D’Arrigo in 2002. “Once we were appointed directors, and with Paul also becoming licensee in charge, our day-to-day stewardship of the business became full-time,” Mr D’Arrigo.
10 years of growth across all metrics
Since 2016, Raine & Horne Marrickville | Dulwich Hill has recorded strong growth, with its rent roll doubling in size over the past decade. The office has also expanded across other key metrics, including team size, while productivity per staff member has improved, a result partly attributed to Raine & Horne’s market-leading focus on innovation.
For example, Raine & Horne was the first major Australian real estate group to integrate predictive sales technology powered by artificial intelligence into its marketing operations with the launch of Amplify in 2017.
“Our sales business has also grown in both the number of listings and sales volumes it achieves annually,” Mr D’Arrigo said. In 2025, Raine & Horne Marrickville | Dulwich Hill was ranked in the real estate group’s Top 10 offices in NSW for the number of sales transactions and Gross Commission Income (GCI) categories
Raine & Horne Marrickville | Dulwich Hill’s successful approach has centred on fundamentals. “We didn’t chase shortcuts,” Mr Signorelli avowed. “We doubled down on the fundamentals, prospecting, client service, and follow-up.”
The business also invested heavily in training, accountability and marketing, including appointing a dedicated Marketing Manager. Mr D’Arrigo said, “Our marketing strategy combines property showcases, video content, market updates, team features, local community stories and public relations.
“This balanced content mix allows us to not only promote listings but also build genuine connections with local businesses, community and residents.”
This disciplined approach has helped the office maintain its leading position in the Inner West.
“Every team member understands their numbers and what’s expected of them,” Mr Signorelli said.
“On top of that, we’ve stayed very connected to the local market, being visible, involved, and genuinely engaged with the community.”
Early rebrand and office transformation reinforce market position
The business has also positioned itself at the forefront of brand innovation, becoming the first in the Raine & Horne network to roll out the leading Australasian real estate group's rebrand in 2024, alongside a full office renovation.
“The decision to roll out the rebrand early came down to leadership and positioning,” Mr Signorelli said. “We saw it as an opportunity to sharpen how we present ourselves and reinforce that we’re forward-thinking.”
“It wasn’t just about new colours or logos but about signalling to the dynamic Inner West real estate market that we’re evolving with it.”
Mr D’Arrigo and Mr Signorelli also decided to combine the rebrand with a major, much-needed office renovation.
“The goal to rebrand and renovate the office simultaneously was to completely transform the space into something that reflected a modern professional environment with a contemporary design. Moreover, the results were immediate,” Mr D’Arrigo said.
“Stronger brand recognition, increased enquiry, and a renewed sense of energy within the team. It also gave our clients and our people a clear message that we’re investing in the future and setting the standard locally.”
A focus on people and clear career pathways has underpinned long-term staff retention.
Rising through the ranks of the business, Mr Signorelli and Mr D’Arrigo said their strategy from day one was clear. “When we became shareholders back in 2016, we were both long-standing team members,” said Mr D’Arrigo.
“We were fortunate to be coming into a business that had a solid reputation, consistency in systems and performance across all departments.”
“Our immediate priorities were pretty clear - continue to evolve as a business that was predictable in its performance, not reliant on a few individuals, but built on strong processes and a shared culture.”
“Clarity is important, “noted Mr Signorelli. “People stay when they know where they stand and where they’re going.”
He added, “It’s not about perks; it’s about purpose and progression.”
The agency has continued its legacy of promoting internal growth, including bringing Robert Alihodzic into the business as a shareholder in 2021.
“That pathway to ownership is something we’re proud of,” Mr D’Arrigo said. “It shows the team that there’s a genuine future here for those who want to build a long-term career.”
Dulwich Hill expansion and auction success
The Inner West continues to attract strong buyer demand, particularly in Dulwich Hill, which Mr D’Arrigo and Mr Signorelli recognised when they incorporated Dulwich Hill into the trading name in 2024.
Mr Signorelli said, “The change reinforces our commitment to the local community, improves the clarity for our clients, and strengthens our positioning with vendors and landlords across both suburbs. It aligns our brand with where we actively operate and highlights that we’re deeply embedded in Dulwich Hill, not just active in it, and to better reflect our strong presence and market share in the area.”
The office’s commitment to Marrickville and Dulwich Hill has also translated into strong auction outcomes, with the team recently achieving a 78% clearance rate at in-room auctions in April, with 9 of 13 properties selling after strong bidding.
According to Mr D’Arrigo, the campaigns recorded an average of 15 groups at open homes and six registered bidders per property, pointing to steady demand and market confidence in Sydney’s Inner West.
“That result really comes down to preparation and control of the process,” Mr Signorelli said.
“We’re not leaving outcomes to chance. Instead, we’re very deliberate in how we build towards auction day.
“In a tougher market, a 78% clearance rate isn’t accidental.”
The agency’s performance has been recognised at the highest level within the network, with Mr Signorelli and Mr D’Arrigo awarded the inaugural Max Raine Award in 2024 for their long-term commitment, tenacity and leadership.
The Inner West office has also secured multiple accolades, including at the 2025 Raine & Horne NSW Awards, where it was named Number 1 Office for Marketing Excellence and Outstanding Property Management Office.
Further reinforcing its market leadership, the agency has been named RateMyAgent Agency of the Year for 10 consecutive years.
“The last decade for Filippo and me has been about building something that is meaningful with people you trust,” Mr Signorelli said.
This article was independently written and edited by Real Estate Today. © Real Estate Today 2026 – All Rights Reserved.
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