THE PARKIE AUT25 - Flipbook - Page 40
GET TO KNOW
KEVIN CONNELLY,
CRE BROKERS
CRE Brokers is one of the association’s
longest standing associate members,
having joined in December 2001. The
business has represented many members
over the years, guiding them through the
process of selling their caravan parks on
the market.
Founder and Director Kevin Connelly has also welcomed
many new people into the industry over the years.
Kevin began his commercial real estate business Connolly
Real Estate in 1982. The business changed its name to
CRE Brokers when he was joined by his brother in the
business and they set up the company’s first website.
“We were selling motels and hotels throughout Victoria
and when we dropped into a hotel or motel in a country
town, we thought why not also visit the caravan park.
That commenced our involvement with the industry,”
Kevin said.
Today, the company operates nationally, selling on
average 10-12 caravan parks in Victoria and another five
to seven in NSW and Queensland.
CRE Brokers is also a long-time proud sponsor of the
association’s annual industry conference and Kevin is
looking to being part of the new CRPVic conference at
GMHBA Stadium in Geelong in August.
“Being a member of VicParks, and now Caravan &
Residential Parks Victoria, has given CRE Brokers
recognition as an industry participant and a terrific
opportunity to meet face to face with park owners,”
Kevin said.
“CRE Brokers will once again be sponsors at the annual
conference in August and I look forward to meeting old
and new clients,” he said.
Kevin Connelly (right) and Brenton Opperman from
CRE Brokers at the 2024 VicParks Conference.
What’s your advice to someone
thinking about putting their park on the
market?
Consult with your trusted broker and accountant as
early as possible to give you the best possible strategy
to achieve the maximum selling price whilst considering
the tax implications of the sale proceeds.
What are three things you can
do/improve to enhance your sale
opportunity?
1. Make sure you have the caravan park in ‘tip-top’
physical condition,
2. Have your use, town planning, fire and occupancy
permits, lease conditions all up to date,
3. Have your trading results completed and up to date
including having your accountant and broker identify
“Add Backs” to your taxable profits which identifies
the true maintainable business return a buyer could
expect to receive.
What achievement are you most
proud of?
Leading up to the event, we asked Kevin some questions
about the industry and how it has changed
Putting first time young couples into caravan park
leasehold businesses and watching them grow and
expand and eventually buying the freehold.
How has the caravan park sales
landscape changed over the years?
How successful is North Melbourne
going to be this year?
Caravan Parks have moved from being a sub class asset
into a first-class asset that are now considered by banks
and corporate investors as highly sought after assets
(both freeholds and leasehold businesses).
As a member of North Melbourne Football Club, I’m very
hopeful of seeing this young team climb the ladder to be
competitive in the finals.
Thinking of selling or buying a caravan park?
Contact Kevin at mail@crebrokers.com to start
the conversation.
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