2024 Recap: OC’s Growth, Recognition, and Expanded Reach Across South Australia

As we wrap up the year, we take a moment to reflect on a truly transformative 2024. This has been a year defined by bold moves, incredible teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to setting the standard in real estate.

OC achieved remarkable milestones. We sold over 1,190 properties, with a combined value of nearly $1.14 billion. Across 6,633 open inspections, we welcomed around 45,000 attendees. Our Property Management team expertly managed over 2,630 properties while maintaining an impressive customer satisfaction rating of 4.7/5.

The OC Projects team delivered outstanding results. We successfully sold out Verde in Athelstone, made strong progress with The Osmond Apartments in Norwood, and are now preparing for construction to commence on the Rose Park Apartments. The final stage of Market Square Apartments is also ready for release. Looking ahead, several promising developments remain confidential, but they will undoubtedly build on this year’s successes.

Strategic growth was a hallmark of 2024. We welcomed boutique property management agencies, including Smallacombe Property Management, Property Management S.A., and Muirhead Property Management, into the OC family. In addition, we launched OC Mitcham, OC South Coast, and now offer short-term rentals in the holiday space, extending our trusted expertise to even more communities.

At OC, our people are our greatest asset. This year, we successfully completed the OCPM Cadetship Programme, welcoming three outstanding cadets from a pool of over 200 applicants and providing clear career pathways in property management. We expanded employee health benefits, introduced the OC Sales Committee, and continued delivering industry-leading training and resources. These initiatives contributed to a staff engagement level of 88% and an employee retention rate of 84%, creating an environment where people thrive and careers flourish.

We consistently maintained exceptional customer ratings throughout the year, achieving 4.9/5 on Rate My Agent, 4.7/5 on Google Reviews, and a perfect 5/5 on realestate.com.au.

OC’s commitment to excellence was further recognised at the 2024 REISA Awards for Excellence, where the agency proudly took home:

• South Australia’s Residential Agency of the Year
• Winner in Projects Marketing Developments for Rose Park Apartments
• Silver in Property Management Agency – Large

“These awards honour the dedication and expertise of our people,” says Alex Ouwens, Managing Director. “They are a reminder of our mission to set the standard in real estate.”

On the national stage, OC’s innovative culture and forward-thinking approach were recognised with the Wellbeing Initiative of the Year at the REA Excellence Awards (AREAs). As the most nominated agency in Australia, this accolade reaffirms our position as the country’s best workplace in real estate. OC also earned finalist spots in major national categories, including Property Management Agency of the Year and Integrated Brand Campaign of the Year for Rose Park Apartments.

True success goes beyond business—it’s about making a difference. This year, we supported causes close to our hearts, including Sarcoma & Bone Cancer Research, Share the Dignity, Endometriosis Australia, Soup & Sleep, and the Hutt St Centre’s Walk a Mile campaign. These initiatives reflect our commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

As we step confidently into the new year, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities, we do so with a foundation of excellence, a culture of care, and a steadfast commitment to our clients. OC is ready to continue leading the way in real estate.

From our OC family to yours, we wish you a joyful festive season filled with love, laughter, and good cheer. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—we can’t wait to see what we will achieve together in 2025.

If you are looking to buy, sell, lease or have your property managed, reach out to one of our specialist property consultants here within the OC team.