Motels For Sale

DID YOU KNOW?....

Before 1985, motels in Australia were sold and operated entirely under the 'going concern' model.

This describes the situation whereby the motel operator owns the physical asset of the motel as well as looking after the daily business of running the motel. This all changed in 1985 when Ian Crooks, a successful motel broker from New Zealand, decided to move to Brisbane to follow a sunnier life. Ian introduced and pioneered the concept of 'motel leasing'. This model enabled one party to own the bricks, mortar and land associated with a motel (the freehold), and then lease this to a second party who would operate the business of running the motel (the leasehold).

This distinction between 'freehold motels' and 'leasehold motels' set the trend for motel brokering. Freehold motels suited investors looking for a secure passive investment; leasehold motels suited active investors looking to work hard and maximise profits. Our first 'Motel for Sale' was the Mary Ellen in Ipswich; Ian sold the leasehold back in December 1985. From this point he began to spread operations throughout Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Between 1993 and 1995, several new motel brokers were brought into the fold to meet demand. In 1995, our Sydney office opened for business.

The 1990's also saw massive activity in the Northern Territories, with our Darwin office servicing Katherine, Tennant Creek and beyond. By 2002 RBA also had agents active on the ground throughout Victoria and in Tasmania. Ian is widely regarded as the foremost motel broker in the Australia. His expertise and advice is sought by developers, valuers, buyers, sellers, government and press on a daily basis. Never one to hide secret, Ian has passed on his knowledge to our team of motel brokers. When buying or selling a motel (leasehold, freehold or going concern) through RBA, you can rest assured that you are working with the most experienced team in the Australia!