Scott Staniforth: On the ball

Name: Scott Staniforth
Company/organisation: Otan Property Funds Management
Position: Business development
City of residence: Perth
Number of years in the industry: On and off over six years

During a stellar career, Scott Staniforth played 106 Super rugby games and made 12 appearances for the Wallabies. He’s since swapped his rugby jersey for business attire, making his mark in property investment. He tells Property Observer how he’d spend $500,000 and who he tips to win this year’s Rugby World Cup.

What sparked your initial interest in property?

Coming from a farm, it was a natural fit. I remember vividly a career night at school where I spoke with a real-estate agent most of the night. I promptly went back to the boarding house and looked up property courses then investigated enrolling in a bachelor of commerce degree, majoring in property economics at the University of Western Sydney.

What was the first property you bought?

A two-bedroom unit in North Sydney.

Are you a trader or holder of property?

A bit of both, but generally I prefer to hold.

So far, who or what has been your biggest influence in your life or career?

My beautiful wife – she has been my sounding board throughout my rugby and property careers.

What are the ingredients you need to be successful in the property market?

A good work ethic and persistence. People who are honest, fair and think outside the square make the best investors.

Are you bullish or bearish about house prices? Why?

I think the market has bottomed out, so buying at today’s prices will put you in a good position. In WA, the resources boom is putting a lot of pressure on rental prices and supply is pretty limited. Prices won’t boom like they did before the global financial crisis, but there will be a smaller one that will bring steady increases in sales and prices.

If you had a $500,000 to invest right now, where would you invest it?

I would spread it out across the different projects in our fund, from Subiaco to Karratha, as this would provide diversity and they would mature at different times.

What skills learnt on the rugby field have you found useful in the property industry or in your current role?

I find a lot of similarities including team work, respecting people’s differences, patience, and doing the little things that others aren’t prepared to do.

Who was the toughest opponent you ever faced on the playing field?

I had a few. On his day, Jonah Lomu was very tough, but through consistency of performance, I would say Tana Umaga.

Who are you tipping to win the World Cup?

Wallabies to win, with Ireland the dark horse.

Do you have a favourite iPhone application?

LinkedIn.

What are you reading at the moment?

The Social Network by Ben Mezrich

What are you listening to at the moment?

Spice Girls, thanks to my 8-year-old daughter!