NATIONAL real estate and advisory firm, LAWD, has continued its focus on rapid national growth, with respected rural valuations specialist, Stuart McDonald, today appointed as Senior Director of Valuations.

Mr McDonald brings more than 20 years’ experience in the rural property sector to his role and has worked extensively across the South Australian market, conducting complex valuations for a broad range of assets, including large-scale agricultural holdings and government infrastructure.

Highly regarded for his knowledge of the rural property market and understanding of agribusiness valuations, Mr McDonald also has genuine on-farm experience, having been raised on his family’s farm in Western Victoria.

LAWD Chief Executive Officer, Enda Foley, said Mr McDonald’s expertise would be the first step in establishing a strong presence in the South Australian market.

“We’re delighted to have a valuations specialist of Stuart’s calibre join our team in what is the beginning of our expansion into South Australia,” Mr Foley said.

“As LAWD continues growth across the country, Stuart’s commencement will support our position as a leader in specialist property, offering industry best transactional, valuation and advisory services, and our commitment to being a truly national firm.”

Since inception in 2020, LAWD has quickly become a leader in specialist property led by some of the nation’s most prominent agents and valuers, including Danny Thomas, Col Medway, Peter Sagar, Daniel McCulloch and Tim McKinnon, and has grown its national presence to include offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Katherine, regional New South Wales and Western Australia.

Mr McDonald said LAWD’s commitment to establishing a national footprint was a contributing factor in his decision to join the business.

“From a personal perspective, this move offers an excellent opportunity to assist in expanding LAWD’s government infrastructure and rural property valuations services, with a particular focus on South Australia,” Mr McDonald said.

“Living and working in the Adelaide Hills, and having specialised in providing agribusiness valuation services within the region, I believe my skills and background are ideally aligned with LAWD’s leadership in delivering highly specialist property services.

“I am looking forward to collaborating with LAWD’s highly regarded national team and growing its presence in the South, further building on the trajectory of growth the business has experienced across the eastern seaboard.”

Mr McDonald will commence with LAWD in late 2023.