Andrew Bell sells Ray White Surfers Paradise to Wilton principals Christian Hamilton and Mitch Peereboom

A veteran Gold Coast real estate agent has sold his three biggest businesses, in a deal which creates one of the largest property groups in the country. Read the details

Real estate veteran Andrew Bell has sold his Ray White Surfers Paradise business, along with satellite offices Benowa and Main Beach, but says he and brother Greg are not done with the industry yet.

The Surfers Paradise business – the largest in the national group – will be taken on by Ray White Wilston “young guns” Christian Hamilton and Mitch Peereboom, creating one of biggest real estate businesses in the country. The pair only took over Ray White Wilston a year ago and have signed a seven-year renewal for both businesses.

The transfer, at an undisclosed price, came after a “national search for talent” by Ray White head office, after “a few false starts”.

Andrew Bell.

Brothers Andrew and Greg Bell will remain a principal and owner of Ray White Southport, Ray White Hope Island and RWC Gold Coast. Mr Bell also retains his property management business.

Long-time agent and auctioneer Michael Willems is new owner of Ray White Main Beach, which will be rebranded Ray White Bespoke.

Ray White Benowa is now owned by Simon Finlayson, Brad Wilson and Jason Atkinson who already own Coomera-based Ray White Alliance.

Andrew Bell said he and Greg had built the Surfers Paradise business over the past 35 years and it was “just time” for their next chapter.

“By nature we’re entrepreneurs, we’re growers,” he said.

“The next big thing for us, is to turn Southport and the broader markets into the capital it was meant to be.

“It’s our CBD, and we’d be very proud to really elevate that important hub.

“The announcement of the new Gold Coast Arena is a huge vote of confidence in our decision to pursue total advancement of this suburb.”

The property veteran declined to say how much the business sale was worth, but said it was “a record price for a franchise”.

“We’ve still got about 100 staff, but (selling Surfers Paradise) will reduce our staff by about 80,” he said.

“It will free me up for all these other things.

“We’re not winding down, we‘ve freed ourselves so we can wind up.”

Ray White Queensland CEO Jason Andrew said the change represented a “generational reset” for the group’s leadership on the Gold Coast.

“Andrew and Greg Bell have been best in market stewards since 1989 and our new leaders now get their chance,” he said.

“There has been a national search for talent to take on this exceptional enterprise built by Andrew Bell. But there can only be one AB, and we have found three groups of new leaders to take his business over.”

Christian Hamilton of Ray White.

Mitch Peereboom of Ray White.

In a statement, Mr Hamilton and Mr Peereboom said RWSP was “widely regarded as the crown jewel of Ray White”.

“Together, these two powerhouse businesses will bridge the gap between the two major cities of Queensland and become one of the largest real estate businesses in the country,” the statement said.

“We are incredibly honoured that the White Family and Jason Andrew have chosen us to continue this legacy and we look forward to upholding our commitment to create something truly special.”