Why this winning real estate group is betting on evolution over revolution

OC Real Estate’s rise from a single office in Adelaide to a widespread network has been driven by an evolution in helping people on their property journey rather than a radical transformation.

An approach that helped the team win the Residence Agency of the Year and Property Management Team of the Year awards at the 2025 REA Excellence Awards.

For OC Real Estate managing director and founder Nathan Casserly, the team never set out to change the real estate industry.

“It’s just been a revolution in how we do real estate, and we feel like we’re doing it at a much better level than our competition,” he said.

“We continue to open calls, we still follow up on calls, we still negotiate on behalf of our customers, but we respect and focus on helping customers.

“We are doing what I did when I started in this industry 20 years ago, but we are doing it much better.”

Mr. Casserly said these awards are an honor for the entire OC Real Estate team.

“We are not an organization that wants to win, we don’t do what we do for awards,” he said.

“But if you agree, it gives us comfort that we must do things the right way.

“I think it’s also good for the South Australian industry as a whole for the local team to be recognized at a national level.”

Founded in 2014 by Mr Casserly and Alex Ouwens, OC Real Estate has gradually grown to eight offices across South Australia, operating as a single, linked business for all property sales and management.

Mr Casserly says it is encouraging to see South Australian businesses recognized at a national level. Image: Provided

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Mr Casserly said the connected model was a key differentiator, allowing teams to work together rather than as separate offices competing internally.

“Our offices are not closed,” he said. “They talk to each other, especially when it comes to comparing property buyers and renters as people go through different stages of life.”

That structure has helped customers benefit from the collective knowledge and relationships built across the business, he said.

Adelaide is one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Photo: Brenton Edwards

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The group has invested in technology to support its agents and property managers to deliver better service, while continuing to build on its culture of leadership focused on presence, listening and maintaining high standards.

The Property Management Team of the Year award was particularly meaningful, reflecting a long-term focus on a sector which Mr Casserly believes plays an important role in the housing system.

“Property management is very important, especially because of the pressure we see in housing,” he said. “Seeing our team recognized for their work was incredibly rewarding.”

Looking ahead, Mr Casserly expects continued change across the industry, from technology and AI to further consolidation, but remains confident in the role of the agent.

“There will always be a need for people who know their communities and provide real needs,” she said.

And at OC Real Estate, the strategy remains unchanged.

“There is no magic dust, it just keeps on improving,” said Mr Casserly.