Place One Group has won the inaugural Multi-office Network of the Year award at the 2026 REIQ Awards for Excellence, recognising its model of bringing multiple offices together under one leadership and operational structure while remaining part of the Place Estate Agents brand.
Established in 2023 and led by Managing Director Paul Curtain, the group offers shareholder and profit-partnership opportunities, allowing agents to build ownership without taking on the day-to-day management of an office.
The offices also access Place HQ services, including human resources, contracts, payroll, finance, marketing and strategic support, alongside the resources of the wider Place network.
Mr Curtain said the structure addressed a familiar challenge for high-performing agents considering their next career step.
“Being a successful agent and running an agency require different skills. We wanted to give great agents a pathway to partnership without taking them away from the work they do best,” Mr Curtain said.
“An agent can build a successful sales business and want ownership without wanting to manage an office.
“Our partners have a stake and a voice in the business, while a dedicated leadership team looks after operations. They can stay focused on clients, sales and growing their teams while building ownership in the business.”
Mr Curtain said the combination of group leadership and Place HQ support meant partners did not have to establish those functions themselves.
“We have the day-to-day support of One Group and the specialist services of Place HQ behind us,” he said.
“That gives our people access to the expertise and systems they need as their businesses grow.”
The model also created opportunities for collaboration across offices.
“Each team brings local knowledge and client relationships. Across the group, they can share buyer connections, experience and resources,” Mr Curtain said. “The aim is to help people grow their own businesses while contributing to the success of the wider team.”
The REIQ introduced Multi-office Network of the Year this year following member feedback, giving multi-office businesses dedicated recognition alongside individual agencies.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the category acknowledged the leadership required to operate across several locations.
“Our members wanted multi-office networks recognised in their own category,” Ms Mercorella said.
“Leading teams across several offices requires effective coordination, support for people in different locations and consistent standards of service.
“This category gives those businesses an opportunity to have their achievements recognised.”
Place Estate Agents CEO Damian Hackett said the model provided a pathway for ambitious professionals to progress within the network.
“When someone is ready for ownership, we want them to have the opportunity to take that step within Place,” Mr Hackett said.
“They can become partners within a group of offices while retaining the strength of the Place brand and access to Place HQ services.
“What Paul has done is create opportunities for other people to become business owners, with the support around them to grow.”
Place Purpose Group also brings multiple offices together under group leadership within the Place Estate Agents brand.
Mr Hackett said the inaugural award recognised the collective work behind Place One Group’s development.
“Paul has brought experienced agents and emerging leaders together and built a business they can grow with,” he said.
Mr Curtain said the priority remained creating sustainable opportunities for partners and their teams.
“For some, that means growing a sales team. For others, it means becoming a partner,” he said.
“Those who want a broader leadership role can pursue that too, but partnership doesn’t require them to take on office management.
“Our job is to create those pathways and give people the support to succeed.”
