“I chose buyer’s agency because there was less fish in the ocean at that point. There was a huge amount of amazing sales agents I’d have to go up against, but on the buyer’s side, there weren’t many. I thought it’s a really young branch of real estate for Australia that’s going to grow, and if I can get in on the ground floor, I can ride the elevator up.”
Ronan’s journey began when he moved from New Zealand to Australia with just $1,000 in his bank account. After starting in door-to-door sales, he found his way into commercial real estate before spending five years working alongside Paul Biller in Sydney’s prestigious Eastern Suburbs.
Ronan quickly learned that building relationships with agents was crucial for accessing off-market opportunities. His approach focuses on developing deep local knowledge and strong agent connections to uncover hidden gems for his clients.
“I prefer prospecting on the buyer side because you have to be a lot more creative. On the buying side, you really have to think about how you’re going to get leads and build relationships with agents to show them you’re serious and good at what you do.”
After relocating to Byron Bay, Ronan established Chastain Buyer’s Agency, where approximately 80% of his clients are from interstate. He specialises in helping clients navigate Byron’s complex property landscape, from beachside homes to rural properties with rainforests and waterfalls. His intimate knowledge of the area helps clients avoid costly mistakes, particularly with maintenance-heavy acreage properties.
“BAI gave me the framework and confidence to build this business. Without it, I wouldn’t have had the clarity to grow this fast.”
Ronan believes Byron Bay is entering a golden age, continuing to attract lifestyle-focused professionals who still want to work. His goal is to establish himself as the premier buyer’s agent in the region while helping clients make informed decisions in a market where local knowledge is invaluable.
“I think we might be in a golden age here. Something really special is being built in Byron and it’s going to continue to change and evolve over the next few years.”
