Georgina Atkinson, Managing Partner at Origin Private Office
With offices in the dynamic regions of Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Origin Private Office provides residential real estate advisory services to ultra-high networth (UHNW) individuals and their families. As it already has an extensive global network in place, Origin prides itself by setting the standard for bespoke and discerning client services, and unrivalled expertise within the real estate sector.
Since its establishment just in April this year, Origin’s influence has already extended across many key global markets, including Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, South Korea, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London and Dubai. With that said, then it’s not a surprise that Origin has already transacted over US$100 million, with 90 percent of its business conducted off-market – reflecting its position as a trusted adviser and market-leading service provider.
Founded by a trio of industry experts with enviable achievements, Origin’s team is led by Ross Savas, Georgina Atkinson and Scott Tanner. Each respective partner brings over a decade of experience with collective track records of excellence – most notably in the ultra-prime real estate sector.
Origin’s managing director is Ross Savas and he spent his previous years at Kay & Burton – a brand synonymous with premium properties in Australia. Meanwhile, its executive chairman Scott Tanner sat at the head of his own leading real estate agency. The two have now joined forces with Georgina Atkinson, the British former Head of Knight Frank’s US residential developments business. Atkinson is a specialist in the Asia Pacific, Middle Eastern, US and UK markets.
The Miami Oriental Residences, Beverly Hills.
Recently, we caught up with Atkinson and she proceeded to give an insight into emerging market trends for premium real estate in the Southeast Asian region. “Our clients seek trophy properties in the most sought after locations around the world,” she reveals. “Amidst global economic and political uncertainties, prime real estate is seen as a reliable store of value – with wealth preservation and diversification a primary driver for purchase.”
According to her, these UHNW families and individuals that Origin works with are looking to preserve their capital and invest money primarily in safe haven locations where they will continue to have growth with very little risk.
“Thus, the perceived safety and stability of trophy residential properties in globally established markets – strongholds such as Singapore, Tokyo, New York and London – will continue to appeal due to their status as global financial hubs and safe havens. We see our clients hold properties in these locations as long term investments.”
Atkinson also points out that there’s plenty of interest nowadays for exclusivity and bespoke living experiences. “Our clients gravitate towards residential developments that offer unparalleled amenity offerings. This means a growing priority in ensuring a space for living which meets specific lifestyle preferences. The pandemic has also accelerated shifts in residential preferences with our clients seeking homes that can accommodate remote work, and facilitate expanded leisure and wellness needs.”
The Mandarin Oriental Residences on Fifth Avenue.
She also goes on to say that sustainability and environmental consciousness are also emerging as important considerations, continues Atkinson as the younger generation of UHNW individuals show a heightened interest in eco-friendly, green-certified residential properties. “This alignment with personal values and a long-term investment outlook is shaping demand for this type of offering.”
But then, the whole business of high-end real estate goes well beyond just providing bespoke and luxurious spaces, as Atkinson eagerly points out. “At Origin, we strive to provide unparalleled residential real estate advisory services to UHNW families across the globe. As such, we are dedicated to understanding the unique aspirations and discerning tastes of our clients, offering bespoke solutions that go above and beyond expectations.”
“Service underpins everything we do,” she continues. “We offer an unexpected level of personalised service that really goes back in time to what we would call ‘old fashioned’ values – beyond the conventional offerings of today. We intend to set new standards for quality and client satisfaction – becoming a leader in our field and reforming what it means to provide private office services to ultra-high net worth individuals.”
This is especially true when one looks at something like the company’s newly launched Origin Concierge service. Atkinson explains that this is a prime example of the company’s commitment to service.
“We see our Origin Concierge service as a specialist in-house concierge offering on a complimentary basis when working with us. Through this, every day we are asked to provide things like hotel recommendations, advice on the best schooling, short-term luxury accommodation options, access to high fashion and VIP art activations around the world. Hence, we have created a specialist division of the business that solely manages these requirements.”
But of course, people from different parts of the world ultimately have different wants and needs – so how does Origin approach this for its Southeast Asian market, then?
“Wealth preservation and diversification is a primary driver for property purchases amongst Asian UHNW individuals.
Amidst ongoing global economic and political uncertainties, our clients in Asia are increasingly viewing prime real estate as a reliable store of value and a hedge against inflation. The perceived safety and stability of residential properties in destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and selective Asian hubs make them appealing investment destinations for our clientele,” reveals Atkinson.
888 Brickell, Dolce & Gabbana.
Looking ahead, Atkinson agrees that there are still many challenges present when navigating the ultra-prime real estate market effectively. “For instance, shifting buyer preferences in the ultra–luxury segment of the market as our clients’ preferences are constantly evolving. Take, for example,
the shift towards wellness-focused developments. As a business, staying ahead of the trends and adapting our offering to meet such needs is crucial.“
She also stresses that ultra-high-end real estate gems are naturally always in short supply! “Yes, our clients want ultimate exclusivity, and they also have a very specific set of requirements when purchasing such real estate. It can take many months and even years, in certain cases, to secure the product the client desires.
This is why as a business, we must be constantly undertaking our in-depth market research on a global scale, to ensure that when the right property is made available, we are in a position to secure this for our client.”
