Kevin Connolly: A Legacy of Success in Caravan Park Sales 55

Kevin Connolly: A Legacy of Success in Caravan Park Sales

When it comes to selling caravan parks across Australia, few names are as well-known and respected as Kevin Connolly, a Director of CRE Brokers. With a career spanning over four decades, Kevin has played a pivotal role in shaping the caravan park sales landscape, helping countless owners maximize their investments and assisting new operators in securing their foothold in the industry.

From Connolly Real Estate to CRE Brokers: A Natural Evolution

Kevin Connolly first established Connolly Real Estate in 1982, but as the digital era emerged with the rise of the World Wide Web, the business rebranded as CRE Brokers to establish an online presence. Around the same time, Kevin’s brother, Peter Connolly, joined as a partner after selling his motel in St Kilda. Initially focused on selling motels and hotels across Victoria, they saw an opportunity to expand into caravan parks when visiting country towns. This decision marked the beginning of their deep involvement in the caravan park industry, an area that would later become one of CRE Brokers' biggest specialties.

Decades of Success in Caravan Park Sales

Since its early days, CRE Brokers has facilitated the sale of hundreds of caravan parks throughout Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. Currently, the company sells approximately 10-12 caravan parks per year in Victoria alone, with an additional 5-7 parks sold annually across NSW, SA and Queensland.

While Kevin can’t recall the exact details of his first Victorian caravan park sale, he does remember the excitement of entering this dynamic market. Today, his greatest satisfaction comes from helping first-time business owners acquire caravan park leaseholds, watching them grow their businesses, and eventually transitioning to full freehold ownership.

The Evolving Landscape of Caravan Park Investment

Over the years, the perception of caravan parks as an investment class has significantly evolved. What was once considered a niche or sub-class asset is now a highly sought-after investment by banks and corporate investors alike. Both freehold caravan parks and leasehold businesses have proven to be lucrative ventures, with increasing demand for quality accommodation across Australia.

Expert Advice for Caravan Park Owners Looking to Sell

For owners considering selling their caravan parks, Kevin emphasises the importance of early consultation with a trusted broker and accountant. This proactive approach ensures the best possible strategy is in place to maximise the selling price while managing tax implications.

Key Strategies to Enhance Your Caravan Park’s Sale Potential:

Presentation Matters – Ensure your park is in pristine physical condition to make a strong first impression on potential buyers.

Regulatory Compliance – Keep town planning, fire and occupancy permits, and lease conditions up to date.

Financial Transparency – Maintain accurate trading records, and work with your accountant and broker to identify ‘Add Backs’ to taxable profits. This helps highlight the true maintainable business return that a buyer can expect.

The Value of Industry Memberships

As an active member of Caravan Industry Association Australia (National Industry Body) and Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria (formerly Vic Parks), CRE Brokers has built strong relationships within the industry. Membership has provided invaluable networking opportunities, allowing Kevin and his team to connect directly with caravan park owners and stay at the forefront of industry trends.

Looking Ahead: CRE Brokers’ Commitment to the Industry

Kevin and his team at CRE Brokers remain committed to supporting the industry and its operators. They will once again be sponsors at the annual Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria Conference in August, looking forward to meeting both long-standing clients and new park owners.

A Final Word (and a Footy Prediction!)

While caravan park sales are his primary passion, Kevin is also a devoted member of the North Melbourne Football Club. He’s hopeful that the team’s young roster will make strides toward a competitive finals campaign this year.

If you’re considering selling your caravan park or looking for expert advice on investment opportunities, CRE Brokers is here to help. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the market, Kevin Connolly and his team are the trusted choice for caravan park sales across Australia.