Raine & Horne Lower North Shore, among the super brand’s two best-selling offices in its 200-strong NSW/ACT network in 2025, reports that quality, well-located properties in the region continue to attract strong buyer interest despite higher interest rates and uncertainty surrounding proposed Federal Government tax reforms.
Fresh from being recognised as the top office in the Raine & Horne NSW/ACT network for number of sales in 2025 and ranking second for gross commission income, Raine & Horne Lower North Shore, led by dynamic principal Stuart Bourne, says buyer demand remains resilient across Sydney's Lower North Shore despite growing economic and policy uncertainty.
The success of the business, which includes operating offices in Lane Cove, Willoughby, Northbridge and Mosman, comes as buyers adopt a more measured approach to purchasing decisions and vendors carefully assess their next move[iii].
Adding to its recent success, the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) has revealed that Raine & Horne Lower North Shore is among the finalists for Residential Real Estate Agency – Large at its highly anticipated annual Awards for Excellence. Also, sales agent Rebecca Mitchell is among the finalists in the Residential Salesperson category that will be announced at a gala Dinner on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at the Hilton Sydney.
According to Rod Cousins, Head of Sales at Raine & Horne Lower North Shore, well-presented properties continue to attract strong buyer interest, particularly in sought-after suburbs such as Lane Cove, Willoughby, North Sydney, and the prestigious suburb of Kirribilli.
“Appraisal activity is broadly in line with last year, which suggests many owners are exploring their options rather than rushing to market," Mr Cousins said.
"We're seeing strong interest from downsizers considering a move, long-term owners assessing the growth in their property's value, investors reviewing their holdings in light of recent tax and policy discussions, and families looking to upgrade before any further price growth occurs.
"The result is a larger pipeline of potential sellers than actual sellers, although we are still getting some great listings.”
To illustrate, Mr Bourne and his colleague Max Yue have just listed a grand Federation mansion at 44 Carabella Street, Kirribilli[iv].
Overlooking exclusive Careening Cove, the landmark residence occupies one of Kirribilli's largest and most tightly held private landholdings. Set on an extraordinarily expansive 887 sqm parcel with dual street frontages, the stunning property sits magnificently behind sandstone walls and is surrounded by beautifully sculpted gardens. Its graceful two-storey floor plan embraces a seamless connection to the outdoors, with exquisitely ornate copper French doors opening onto a series of private sunlit terraces.
The character-filled property will be offered with an auction guide of $12 million and is set to go under the hammer on 4 July 2026. Adding to its rarity, the residence also provides parking for up to seven vehicles, which is an exceptional feature in the heart of a tightly held harbourside suburb such as Kirribilli, which is also served by several of Sydney’s most prestigious private schools, Loreto and St Aloysius.
Proposed tax reform proposals influencing investor sentiment
Mr Cousins said the Federal Government's proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax treatment for future purchases of established investment properties are a major discussion point among investors on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
"While the proposed measures still need to pass through Parliament and their full impact remains uncertain, investors are paying close attention," he said.
"For established property, we may see less investor competition and a greater focus on owner-occupier buyers. At the same time, new residential developments could attract increased investor interest if the proposals proceed."
Lifestyle and limited supply underpin resilience
Raine & Horne Lower North Shore agent Lorinda Mansfield said the region's long-term appeal continues to support market confidence.
"Sydney is often spoken about as a single property market, but the reality is that it consists of many different sub-markets that behave differently," Ms Mansfield said.
"The Lower North Shore has consistently demonstrated resilience through changing interest rate cycles and policy settings because of its unique combination of lifestyle, infrastructure and limited housing supply."
This resilience continues to underpin confidence across the market – at a slower pace – including cash buyers, self-managed superannuation fund investors and the growing number of parents assisting their children with entry into the property market. These buyer groups remain active and well-positioned to transact when quality opportunities arise.”
One team across four offices with strong community ties
Mr Bourne said one of the keys to his business’s success is its collaborative structure. "Our offices operate as one connected team across Lane Cove, Willoughby, Northbridge and Mosman," he said.
"Every property is marketed across our combined network and shared buyer database, giving our clients access to a larger pool of qualified buyers, greater competition and maximum exposure.
“This collaborative approach helps ensure every property has the best opportunity to achieve the strongest possible sale price.”
Mr Cousins concurred, “We see our team as our customers. If we look after them, support their goals and ambitions, and give them the tools and a pathway to succeed, they’ll deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
The office invests heavily in professional development, leadership and collaboration, helping agents build careers, grow market share and deliver consistent results. “When you combine great people, a strong culture, clear leadership, and a commitment to growth, sustained success becomes a natural outcome,” Mr Cousins added.
The group also maintains strong ties with its local community, including support for the Lane Cove and Hunters Hill AFL Cats, Northbridge Rotary Club and Lane Cove Public School.
"Real estate is fundamentally a people business," Mr Bourne said. "By supporting local schools, sporting clubs and community organisations, we help contribute to the neighbourhoods where our clients live, work and raise their families.
“It also allows us to build genuine, long-term relationships and maintain a strong understanding of the local community, which ultimately helps us better serve our clients.”
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