In profile: JLL's national director - head of metropolitan sales and investments, Sam Brewer

Agent name: Sam Brewer

Position: National director - head of metropolitan sales and investments 

Company: JLL

Office location: NSW

How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the property industry since 2002. I began my career at Chesterton International as an industrial sales and leasing agent, and moved on to CBRE running their South Sydney Industrial team for two years.

I then spent several years in development before joining JLL in early 2010, initially running the Mascot business as head of office, South Sydney. As of 2014, I now run the NSW metropolitan sales and investments business.

What’s happening in the area you specialise in?

It’s no secret that residential development sites are absolutely booming in Sydney at the moment.

Both local and offshore (largely Asian) developers in particular are seeking large-scale development sites between 100 and 1,000 apartments. This has resulted in price growth of over 20% since late 2013 for such sites. We’re also seeing demand levels similar to those not seen since 2007 for suburban investment stock such as service stations and freestanding office buildings.

Describe the most interesting property you have sold.

There is a lot of growth in South Sydney, with prices moving quickly. In November last year I advised a client on a residential development site in Zetland that their site should sell for around $30 million in an open market environment. During the campaign we received over 100 enquiries and 10 offers, with an eventual sale price of $47.5 million – showing that when marketed properly in a rising market, anything is possible.

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 

Having strong integrity is key to being successful in this role – you’ve only got one reputation. Your best clients are often your colleagues, so maintaining internal relationships is also really important.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

I love the varied characters we deal with in metropolitan sales. Many of the private investors and developers we deal with started their careers with very little and have built extreme wealth. There’s a lot to learn from them. 

Where would you invest a spare $750,000?  

If I was taking a conservative view of the market, I would probably invest in an art deco apartment in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. If I was taking an aggressive view of the market, I’d use it to put towards a residential development site within 20 kilometres of the Sydney CBD.

Which football team do you support?

I support the Brumbies.

What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?

My Android smartphone.

You can connect with Sam on LinkedIn.