‘Visionary’ South Australian real estate mogul Noel Taplin dies aged 100

The prominent real estate mogul ran the oldest family-owned real estate business in SA, and was responsible for a string of major shopping centre developments across Adelaide.

Noel Taplin (pictured in 2012), owner of one of SA’s largest property developers, has died at the age of 100. Picture: Kelly Barnes.

One of South Australia’s most prominent real estate moguls has died at the age of 100.

Noel Taplin was the founder/owner of Taplin Group, one of SA’s largest property developers, and owner of Taplin Real Estate, the oldest family-owned real estate business in SA, which he took over from his father in the late 1940s.

Son Andrew Taplin paid tribute to his late father, describing him as “simply a great man”, and “humble, consistent and balanced in his approach”.

“Nothing fazed him and it showed,” Mr Taplin said.

Real estate mogul Noel Taplin has died at the age of 100.

“At the time of his retirement. he was still a director of 55 companies – while his body faltered, his mind was still razor sharp.”

Mr Taplin said his father only stepped down as chair of Taplin Group 10 years ago, and remained as deputy until 2023, a role now held by grandson Tom.

The Taplin Group is the owner/manager of a number of shopping centres across Adelaide, including Mitcham Square, Marryatville Shopping Centre and Bayside Village.

“Dad was passionate about South Australia and retaining investment in the state,” Andrew Taplin said.

“He wanted to be a big fish in a small pond to have a genuine impact and to touch, feel and fully understand the market you’re operating in.”

Noel Taplin and son Andrew. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Noel Taplin 90th birthday with son Andrew. Picture: Supplied

L-R Andrew, Noel and Tom Taplin. Picture: Supplied

Noel Taplin was born in September 1924, and enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II as an 18-year-old.

He was a life member at the Real Estate Industry of South Australia, and by the end of his career managed an asset portfolio worth more than $2.7 billion.

An avid golfer, he also held the record as the longest-standing member at Glenelg Golf Club.

Noel Taplin is survived by his six children, stepdaughter, 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Originally published as ‘Visionary’ South Australian real estate mogul Noel Taplin dies aged 100