The 6th edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) is proud to name the founder and group managing director of Aqualand, Shangjin Lin, as the 2023 Australia Real Estate Personality of the Year. This prestigious award recognises Jin’s outstanding contributions to the real estate industry and his commitment to delivering luxury residences and lifestyle communities of the highest quality.
Jin’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in the Australian real estate sector is a remarkable story of dedication and vision. He grew up in North Sydney and graduated from Macquarie University. In 2014, he founded Aqualand with just one employee, working tirelessly from his home. Over the course of less than a decade, Jin transformed Aqualand into a leading property, hospitality, and investment group with over 300 employees and a real estate portfolio valued at over AUD9.5 billion (USD60.6 billion).
Under Jin’s leadership, Aqualand has become synonymous with luxury development, consistently delivering premium residences of the highest quality. His commitment to creating legacies for future generations is evident in his diversified impact on Sydney’s real estate landscape. Jin has launched complementary businesses such as Etymon Projects, AL Capital, and Aqualand Construction, providing a hollistic luxury property and elevated lifestyle experience for his valued clients.
Moreover, his dedication to the local community is commendable. Aqualand actively engages in projects that contribute to urban regeneration and sponsors major cultural institutions and sporting initiatives, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Jin also serves as a proud member of the Art Gallery of NSW President’s Council.
In response to receiving the 2023 Real Estate Personality of the Year award, Jin expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am truly humbled and honoured to be named the PropertyGuru Asia Property Award’s 2023 Australia Real Estate Personality of the Year. This award recognises our commitment to delivering lifestyle communities of the highest quality and our dedication to enhancing the local community. It also acknowledges the collective effort of each and every Aqualand staff member who has helped achieve our great success over the past nine years.”
Jin dedicated the award to his entire team at Aqualand and his family, acknowledging their crucial roles in the company’s achievements. He also expressed gratitude to Aqualand’s valued clients for trusting the company to deliver their dream residences. In addition, Jin thanked his wife, Helkin, and his loving family for their enduring support.
When asked about his continued investment in Australian real estate, Jin highlighted Australia’s growing economy and the increasing demand for apartment living and luxury experiences. He emphasised his passion for urban renewal and creating long-lasting communities in precincts across Sydney.
Regarding Aqualand’s future plans, Jin stated, “Aqualand is focused on delivering luxury residences, experiences, and communities that enable Sydneysiders to live better. We have a strong passion for urban renewal and are dedicated to rejuvenating precincts, providing quality residences, and curated hospitality and retail offerings.”
One of Aqualand’s exciting projects is the development of the Central Barangaroo harbourfront precinct, where they will showcase their city-shaping expertise. This vibrant cultural and entertainment destination will feature premium residences, a luxury hotel, and Sydney’s best retail and dining precinct.
Aqualand is also exploring opportunities in build-to-rent and commercial office space development, further solidifying his commitment to transforming city skylines and investment horizons.