OC Real Estate’s growth from a single office in Adelaide to a connected network across South Australia has been shaped by a steady evolution in how we support people through their property journey, rather than a one-off, dramatic shift.
This approach has seen the group recognised nationally, taking out both Residential Agency of the Year and Property Management Team of the Year at the 2025 REA Excellence Awards.
For OC Real Estate executive director and co-founder Nathan Casserly, the focus has never been on reinventing the industry.
“It’s really been an evolution of how we approach real estate, and we believe we’re delivering it at a higher level than many others in the market,” he said.
“We still run opens, follow up every enquiry and negotiate on behalf of our clients, but we do it with a strong focus on respect and customer service.
“At its core, it’s the same work I was doing when I started in the industry 20 years ago, just done much better.”
Mr Casserly said the recognition reflects the consistent effort of the entire OC Real Estate team.
“We’re not an organisation that chases awards or recognition,” he said.
“But when it happens, it gives us confidence that we’re on the right track.
“It’s also a great result for the South Australian industry to see a local agency acknowledged at a national level.”
Since being founded in 2014 by Nathan Casserly and Alex Ouwens, OC Real Estate has grown to eight offices across South Australia, operating as one connected business across both sales and property management.
Mr Casserly said this integrated model continues to be a key point of difference, allowing teams to collaborate rather than operate independently.
“Our offices aren’t siloed,” he said. “There’s constant communication, particularly when it comes to matching buyers with properties and tenants with rentals as people move through different stages of life.”
That connected approach allows clients to benefit from the shared knowledge, relationships and experience across the entire business.
The group has also invested in technology to support its agents and property managers, while continuing to build a strong internal culture focused on leadership, accountability and maintaining high standards.
The Property Management Team of the Year award was particularly significant, reflecting a long-term commitment to a sector Mr Casserly believes plays a vital role in the broader housing system.
“Property management is incredibly important, especially given the pressures we’re seeing in housing,” he said. “To have our team recognised in this space was very rewarding.”
Looking ahead, Mr Casserly expects the industry to continue evolving, with technology, AI and consolidation shaping the future, but remains confident in the role of experienced agents.
“There will always be a need for people who understand their communities and provide genuine service,” he said.
And for OC Real Estate, the direction remains clear.
“There’s no magic formula, you just keep evolving,” Mr Casserly said.
Source
Originally published on realestate.com.au
Article by Benn Dorrington
Read the full article here
