Paul Gellie has joined the rural sales team at Colin Say & Co in Glen Innes, bringing decades of farming experience and strong local knowledge to the role.
Although new to real estate — starting just two months ago — Paul has been a client of the agency for more than 30 years.
“I’m pretty entrenched in the business and understand the makeup of Colin Say & Co and the depth they’ve got,” he said. “It’s been good to come on board and get the opportunity to do rural sales.”
A lifelong farmer involved in both the cattle and sheep industries, Paul has also spent the past eight years working in the renewable energy sector, helping landholders navigate contracts. He previously ran a vegetation control business in Glen Innes for 15 years, servicing domestic power lines across the rural network.
Paul has lived all his life on the New England Tableland, with properties spread from Guyra and Ben Lomond to Mount Mitchell and cropping country near Tamworth. This experience, he says, gives him insight into the region’s varying climates and opportunities.
While specialising in rural property, Paul will also handle small acreage lifestyle blocks.
“The main thing is to support our existing clients and give them the best opportunity in the market when they’re ready to sell — and to help others expand,” he said. “My knowledge of farming and the different country types in the area helps me guide people in the right direction.”
Paul says the market is shifting:
“Interest rates are coming down, commodities are going up. It’s probably a buyer’s market now, but in the next 12 months I think we’ll move into a seller’s market. Rural properties will come into demand again and we’ll see a spike.”
He believes the New England’s popularity is no surprise.
“We’ve got the soil, the rain, the climate — and we’re close to all services. It’s two and a half hours from the beach, about four and a half to a major capital city, and eight hours to Sydney. Education is another big factor — people come here for the schools in Armidale and Toowoomba.”
As he settles into the new role, Paul is looking forward to helping both buyers and sellers make the most of current market conditions.
“It’s a good time for vendors and purchasers alike. The New England is always sought after.”
