Strong foundation holds true

Crown Properties has been built on a foundation of community connection, trust, respect and a desire to help people through different phases of their lives. Owners Ian McLachlan and Jody Allison-McLachlan say while they have enjoyed business success, this is the aspect of their business they are most passionate about. 

In the 22 years since Ian started the business at Deception Bay, he has built a team which shares his philosophy and in turn amassed unparalleled experience.

It all started with project marketing and selling new developments, before he realised he would be better positioned to sell property on the peninsula from Redcliffe. 

Ian opened an office at Marine Pde, Redcliffe, in 2006, with a receptionist and another sales agent. 

Six years later, after a chance meeting at a Christmas function, Jody joined the team and brought a knowledge of corporate processes and attention to detail which has helped the business grow.

“The things she put in place and the infrastructure … with that corporate background. I can attribute a lot of the growth to our company to her,” Ian says.

Crown Properties now specialises in property management, residential and commercial sales and project marketing and management for special development projects. 

They now have 10 staff and moved to a more visible location at 103 Sutton St, Redcliffe, in 2018 to accommodate a bigger team.

“It’s been very good for our business,” Ian says.

“We’ve got some good long-term clients and have built that rapport over time … that takes a decade to do that. We started little and then we got a bit bigger.

“We’ve got a couple of new projects coming on, Sutton St and Marine Pde … two new high-rises which will start in the next six months. We want to become a leader in that area.”

What sets them apart?

“I think there’s no one around here with the experience that we’ve got,” Ian says.

Their team has more than 100 years’ experience combined – Ian 30 years and Jody 23 years alone.

“Everybody in this office has been doing this for a long time and they’re experts,” Ian says.

Jody adds that each staff member has different strengths and areas of expertise.

“When we bring that together, I think that’s what sets us apart from everyone else. We can get together and problem solve no matter what product someone wants to buy or has to sell,” she says.

A family approach is something buyers, sellers, developers and tenants have picked up on over the years and has been integral to Crown Properties’ success.

Ian says, “It’s the little things. I think in business, the little things are the difference.”

Little things, such as welcome gifts for tenants and individualised settlement presents for buyers, have helped grow the team’s reputation.

“People tell their friends. We get a lot of word-of-mouth business and referral business,” Ian says.

“If you’re always nice to people … show a bit of respect … no matter where you are or what you’re doing … always be a person who’s approachable and nice.”

Making a difference

For Ian, being able to help people through different phases of their lives is what means the most.

“At the end of the day, why I love what I do is because people appreciate what you do. The money might come but that’s not the biggest part of it. The satisfaction part of it is my love,” he says.

“I care, we care.”

Jody agrees: “You don’t have your own business not to make money and real estate can be such a great opportunity and it is definitely exciting, those wins. But it’s the people and the connection side of things that is super exciting”.

That connection extends to the broader community and a desire to give back by supporting groups including Redcliffe PCYC, Redcliffe Area Youth Space, White Ribbon, Tigers AFL female teams and the Chamber of Commerce over the years.

“I personally do it because I’m a big believer in giving back and I don’t think I would be where I am today if people hadn’t been there for me over the years. That community support has been really important to me,” Jody says.

For more information about Crown Properties, visit the website