The well-known real estate was founded in 1973 by current consultant, Hugh Bateman.

To celebrate, Hugh spoke to the Mudgee Guardian and took us on a walk down memory lane.

Hugh explained his journey from a 21 year old with just four hundred dollars in his pocket, to a road to success in running a real estate empire.

He was a country boy, born and bred on the land at Meroo Downs.

He learnt the ropes of realty through a cadetship with Dalgety Australia and worked with Killen & Thomas in Sydney before returning home.

On August 20, 1973 he borrowed $400 off his father, which was just the beginning for The Property Shop.

“I saw the opportunity to open an office here in Mudgee and hence I did. In the beginning I operated in an upstairs office at 73 Market street,” he said.

Within the first three weeks of the office being opened, Hugh had about 40 listings.

“My first sale was a property in Inglis Street which I sold for $3000,” he said.

Mudgee continued to thrive with tourism, food and wine, and mining, it was obvious prices were to soar in the property industry.

“That same house that I sold in Inglis street was subsequently renovated and I sold it again a short time later, but today that house would be worth $300,000,” he said.

Hugh said he always saw potential in Mudgee, and that was why he moved back.

When he came back the population was just 5,000 and now sits at 11,000 and here was why.

“A whole new regime of lifestylers flocked to town in the 70’s when a big contracting company moved in and built subdivisions of 10 ha lots,” he said.

Mudgee was a place of interest as the vineyard industry boomed and Ulan coal came to town in 1978.

“I remember one weekend around then where I sold 13 houses just by myself, it was incredible!” he said.

There were different people moving to Mudgee with skills that helped develop the town, whether it was arts and crafts or technology services.

In 1988, current Director, Andrew Palmer joined The Property Shop team straight out of high school.

“I was a trainee sales person and straight away loved it to be honest,” Andrew said.

He also said Hugh had given him a wonderful opportunity to enter the workforce and learn.

“There was a lot of mentorship in terms of developing a career,” he said.

During his time with the business, in the 80’s more people came to the region from metropolitan areas.

Many purchased lifestyle properties to either relocate or simply use for weekend or holiday spots. according to Andrew.

“My first sale in 1988 was a 25 acre block, I sold it for $15,000 out on Hayes Gap Road. That would now comfortably make about $180,000,” he said.

The average residential sale price in the early 90’s was around $70,000, and is now $390,000.

Andrew said Mudgee would have to be thought of as one of the most positive regional centres in the country.

He worked for Hugh for five years as a sales agent before he left to further his skills in the field of real estate.

“I gained a lot of very good experiences and lessons that I took on when I went off and travelled,” he said.

Hugh knew that Andrew embraced the things that he did.

“He went on to further fields, to learn the new methods, ideas and concepts. It was very much that, I wanted to adopt,” Hugh said.

Time passed and in 2012 Hugh was sure he could’ve sold to a big franchise group, he wanted to slowly retire. 

But for Andrew, an open door called his name to come home. 

“I saw it as a great opportunity, and it was certainly a wonderful business to be able to come back to,” he said.

Hugh was proud of how business boomed in the last 45 years.

“Even with changes we have to make to accommodate people, I’ve got no disappointment whatsoever in the way the business is running,” he said.

He was extremely proud of what they had achieved.

One of the most important facets of their business was to always give back to the community.

“That is the culture that keeps our business going.”

Both business men were proud of their accomplishments and continued to thank the support of the Mudgee community.

“We are a community business, we support the community and the community supports us,” Hugh said.

“It’s been that way since day one, it’s certainly something that I embrace and value and will continue to do so,” Andrew said.

The two of them also thanked their team who worked hard day in and day out to keep The Property Shop running to meet high expectations.