In profile: Jones Lang LaSalle’s head of NSW sales and investments John Macree

John Macree says he loves selling industrial manufacturing plants as they are "often like a time capsule back to a very different era".

Agent: John Macree

Position: head of NSW sales and investments

Company: Jones Lang LaSalle

Office location: Sydney

How long have you been in the industry? 

28 years. I started in property management working at Government Insurance Office GIO. I then moved into industrial sales and leasing with Hooker Corporation in the mid-1980s. I’ve been in sales with Jones Lang LaSalle for the past 13 years. 

What’s happening in the area you specialise in? 

There’s strong demand for well-leased passive investments in all price points. Current active buyer groups in the sub-$20m range include private investors and self-managed super funds. In the over-$20m range, institutional investors – both listed and wholesale – as well as offshore buyers are active. Residential development sites are in demand – particularly those within a 20km radius of the CBD. 

Describe the most interesting property you have sold. 

I love selling industrial manufacturing plants; they are often like a time capsule back to a very different era. One of the more interesting manufacturing sales was the Capral Aluminium manufacturing facility at Rose Hill. They manufactured a range of products from aluminium and ingots. 

The site had a range of sale issues including flood affectations and site contamination. It also had bomb shelters that were built during WWII – at the time it was identified as a potential target. The reason was that it manufactured aircraft propellers for the war effort. It made it an interesting protracted sale process. 

The property has now been redeveloped and is a premier Industrial business park owned by the Goodman Group. 

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 

Understanding the clients’ needs, and being able to manage issues. The role is more than a sales role – it involves problem solving, providing counsel as well as negotiation skills. 

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 

Re-selling properties for clients – particularly those that are making a healthy profit. 

Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 

I would leverage it into property and invest a small portion into equities. 

Which football team do you support? 

Waratahs in rugby, Manly in NRL and Swans in AFL.

What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 

My iPad. 

Follow on Twitter or LinkedIn (provide details): 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jllaustralia

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/pub/john-macree/55/433/3b0