Raine & Horne Cements Regional and Rural Growth in Kandos

Australasian real estate super brand Raine & Horne is cementing its reputation as one of Australia’s fastest-growing rural and regional groups with the launch of a new office in Kandos in the NSW Central Tablelands, led by long-time Raine & Horne principal, Nicole Stearman.

Ms Stearman, who also leads Raine & Horne Gulgong, has acquired the long-standing independent Shipman’s Real Estate, with former principals Andrew and Jacqui Shipman continuing in the team to provide continuity for clients.

“It’s very much business as usual with Andrew and Jacqui staying on, but now clients will have access to the support, technology, and national reach of Raine & Horne,” Ms Stearman said.

The new Kandos office extends Raine & Horne’s reach across rural and regional NSW, adding to its substantial presence in Gulgong, Mudgee, and beyond.

“We’re very excited to be launching a new office in Kandos, with Nicole at the helm,” said Travis Wentriro, Regional & Rural Network Manager, Raine & Horne Group. “This expansion, together with another new office in Braidwood/Bungendore, demonstrates how rapidly we are building our regional and rural footprint in key NSW markets.

“We are working hard to grow our stable of rural and regional offices across Australia, which will not only benefit local communities but also showcase the depth of our national network.”

Kandos market on the rise 

Kandos, a town famed for its historic cement works that operated between 1914 and 2011, is now attracting strong buyer demand.

Local homes typically range from the high $300,000s to mid-$400,000s, according to Ms Stearman, appealing to both local service industry workers in health, education, retail, and mining sectors in Mudgee, as well as Sydney lifestyle buyers drawn to the region’s affordability and natural beauty.

For Ms Stearman, opening a Raine & Horne office in Kandos is about family as much as property.

“Kandos is surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in NSW, from Bylong to the spectacular Capertee Valley,” she said. “The town is also rich in history, with many character homes just waiting to be brought back to life.

“I live halfway between Gulgong and Kandos, so opening here makes perfect sense. It allows me to be more involved in local community life, which is very important to me.” 

Expanding rural expertise 

Alongside residential sales, Ms Stearman has launched a Raine & Horne Rural division covering Kandos, Gulgong, and surrounding regions. The move reflects strong demand from both local buyers and Sydney lifestyle investors for rural property.

“We’re committed to growing our rural business across Kandos and Gulgong,” Ms Stearman said.

“Most of our team live on rural properties, so we understand what buyers are looking for and the lifestyle they’re investing in. That knowledge is fundamental in serving our rural property clients.”

Recent listings highlight this demand, with properties such as 2812 Glen Alice Road, Bogee, a 100 acre lifestyle property selling for offers over $890,000 attracting immediate offers within a week.

Larger holdings, such as a 250-acre property at 123 Bara Road, Hayes Gap, listed for offers above $1.1 million – are also attracting strong interest from Sydney buyers seeking long-term lifestyle investments.

“Many people are purchasing rural properties with the future in mind,” Ms Stearman explained.

“They might rent the house out now while enjoying weekend access to the land, then move here permanently once their children finish school. We’re seeing more and more buyers taking that forward-looking approach.”

Operating under the Raine & Horne Rural brand, she added, sends an important message.

“It confirms our deep understanding of rural property and shows that we’re genuinely engaged with the sector. We want to look after people and help them realise their rural property goals.”

A career-long Raine & Horne connection

Ms Stearman’s career began as a teenager with work experience at Raine & Horne Mudgee under respected agent David Lynch.

This led to part-time work while still at school, then an administration role when Suzy Kelly and Mike Kearins acquired the agency. She later worked as both a property manager and sales agent.

After a short time away, Mrs Stearman returned to Mudgee in 2006, with Mr Kearins quickly bringing her back into the fold. “Mike was an important mentor to me,” she said.

“The support I’ve had from Raine & Horne – both locally and from head office – has kept me motivated and confident in building my career.”

She added, “They give me the support to get on with running my business, while providing the technology and tools – such as Amplify and DesignPlus – to stay ahead in a competitive market.”