Knight Frank has launched a new Private Office in Australia, which will operate with the support of its partners in Australia and New Zealand respectively, McGrath Estate Agents and Bayleys.
Working exclusively with UHNWIs and HNWIs, family offices and their advisors, the Private Office team will offer a seamless, bespoke and discreet service for all their property-related requirements – from acquisition and sales to investment strategy, across every real estate sector.
The Australian Private Office builds on the success of Knight Frank’s other global Private Offices, including in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Jeddah.
Knight Frank’s Private Office offering in Australia follows data from the firm’s The Wealth Report 2025 that found Australia was within the top 10 countries in the world for the highest population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) – defined as those with more than US$10m in assets. Sitting at ninth place, Australia has 1.8% of the global US$10m+ population, with 42,789 HNWIs.
The report found that globally the number of HNWIs rose by 4.4% in 2024 and is expected to rise a further 6.9% by 2028. In Australasia the number of HNWIs rose by 3.9% over 2024 and is predicted to increase by a further 5.3% by 2028.
Knight Frank’s Private Office in Australia will be headed up by Ari Petrovs, who has been appointed in the role of Partner, Head of Private Office, Australia.
Mr Petrovs has 30 years of experience in property, including in acquisition, development, sales and asset management. As well as being a qualified town planner, he has had previous roles at major commercial agencies and private development companies, as well as his own business.
The Private Office team will also consist of ambassadors, including Knight Frank Chief Executive Officer James Patterson, McGrath Chief Executive Officer John McGrath, McGrath Head of International and Private Clients Adam Ross and Bayleys Chairman and Managing Director Mike Bayley.
Knight Frank and New Zealand-based Bayleys, both privately owned, have had a strategic relationship since 2018, and together in June 2024 the two firms acquired a controlling stake in McGrath.
Knight Frank Chief Executive Officer James Patterson said: “We are excited to launch a new Private Office in Australia.
“We believe the timing is right given the strong partnerships we have formed in recent years with McGrath and Bayleys, and the high demand from private capital.
“Our offering will be significantly bolstered by not only Knight Frank’s global network, but the networks of these partners.
“Collectively this footprint around the globe provides our Private Office clients with unparalleled expertise, connections and opportunities.
“We look forward to cementing Knight Frank’s global position as a trusted partner for the world’s wealthiest clients.”
McGrath Chief Executive Officer John McGrath said: “Australia’s growing wealth landscape has created a clear need for a sophisticated Private Office offering; one that delivers discretion, strategy and true global reach.
“Through this partnership, we are uniquely positioned to assist the real estate requirements of high-net-worth families and individuals, accessing Knight Frank’s international network and deep market intelligence.
“We have already developed a strong working relationship with them globally that has resulted in some excellent transactions for McGrath and our clients, so to have a dedicated team here in Australia, I believe will be invaluable for our clients.”
Mr Petrovs said: “Knight Frank’s Private Office will offer discreet, tailored and trusted advice that sets us apart from our competitors through our global network of property specialists and coverage right across all the sectors.
“As well as giving clients access to our property experts across geographies, Knight Frank also has unrivalled research capabilities to give our clients confidence in their decisions.
“I look forward to growing our Private Office in Australia and building on long-term relationships as we act as a trusted partner.”
Knight Frank’s Global Head of Private Office Paddy Dring said: “Our expansion into Australia represents a significant milestone in our ambition to establish a pre-eminent position in the property industry for servicing UHNWIs and providing access to private capital, and will bolster our Private Office offering globally.
“The new Private Office will enhance our ability to deliver a truly global and connected service — enabling clients to access exclusive opportunities and expertise across markets, sectors and asset classes.
“By aligning our capabilities across luxury residential, strategic advisory and investment, we are able to offer an elevated, holistic proposition that reflects the sophistication and ambitions of our clients.
“Australia is a key growth market, and this expansion reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional, high-touch service to private clients and families around the world.”
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