Late 1960s–70s:
Foundations in Real Estate
Long before Stockdale & Leggo Shepparton opened its doors, Noel Butler had already established himself as a trusted figure in the real estate industry. Starting out in the late 1960s in business broking, he later moved into rural and residential real estate about 1975, working for Rice & Herbert and later for Alex Scott & Co, and PBE (Palmer Baker & Evans) Real Estate in Gippsland.
Returning to the Goulburn Valley, Noel became branch manager of PBE Real Estate in Numurkah, holding the now-defunct branch manager licence that allowed him to run an office under the principal licensee.
1993–1995:
Father and Son Take Flight
By 1993, Noel’s son Scott Butler had completed his full real estate licence. The pair agreed to go into business together, and in July 1995, they opened a Stockdale & Leggo franchise in Numurkah. Coming from a small independent firm into a large national network was a revelation.
“It went from sitting around a campfire to sitting around a kitchen,” Scott recalled. Suddenly there were pre-listing kits, structured buyer follow-ups, and shared training resources. This professional framework reshaped how they worked and positioned the Butlers at the forefront of regional real estate.
1998–2006:
Turning the Corner
In February 1998, the business relocated to Shepparton at 120 Wyndham Street. Situated on the corner of Nixon and Wyndham Streets, in the 1960s it was home to Smith Motors and Scott said there were still remnants of the timber on the ceiling.
Scott described this move to Shepparton as literally “turning the corner.” It was a bold expansion that brought greater visibility, as well as significant financial risks, but cemented their presence in the region.
At the time, Shepparton’s average house price sat just above $100,000, and the average home loan interest rate was 6.7 per cent.
Darren Butler joined the business around 1998, beginning in property maintenance, where he forged strong relationships with landlords and tenants. By around 2006, he moved into sales, joining Scott and his wife Elizabeth on the frontline of residential and lifestyle property transactions.
The early 2000s were years of steady growth, with Shepparton’s market maturing ahead of the mid-decade boom.
2010–2019:
Expansion and Recognition
The Shepparton office earned multiple industry awards during this period, and continues to do so, reflecting its growing reputation for professionalism and trust. Licensed Estate Agent and Auctioneer Vincent Tassoni joined the business around 2011, further strengthening the agency’s expertise.
The business also began developing specialist strengths across property management, lifestyle, and rural sales, ensuring the team didn’t “spread themselves too thin.”
In 2015, Scott and Elizabeth opened Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Kialla, a testament to their commitment to community and current personal wellbeing. Today, the martial arts school is located on the second storey of their office space and has around 170 students. As regional migration accelerated, Shepparton’s property prices climbed, reaching $260,000 median sales price by 2017, while new subdivisions reshaped the local landscape, signalling change in the region’s housing market.
After 20 years at 120 Wyndham Street, the business purchased this site, moving their office to 91 Wyndham Street in 2019. The prominent corner location and modern office space reflected the growth of the business and its forward focus, while bringing both businesses under one roof.
2020–2023:
Adapting to Change
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed real estate, with Shepparton among the regional centres experiencing record demand. House prices rose beyond $400,000, while rental yields fluctuated amid demand.
With more than 200 legislative changes under the Residential Tenancies Act, the agency invested heavily in staff training, process streamlining, and technology, ensuring clients’ confidence in compliance and professionalism.
Scott and Darren also noted that buyer behaviour has continued to change, with a shift towards medium-density living, low-maintenance properties, and the influence of migration to Shepparton. These trends and ongoing regulatory changes continue to be important factors for the business.
2025:
Legacy and Leadership
In March, founder Noel Butler passed away aged 80. His vision and mentorship continue to inspire the team every day.
Today, Stockdale & Leggo Shepparton is led by Scott and Darren Butler, supported by a dedicated team including Elizabeth Butler, Vince and Jessica Tassoni, and Courtney Osman in sales and commercial; a strong rental department led by Fiona Butler, Mia Beks, Pheobe Gale, and Glenys Overwater. Admin support includes Latayah Velos, Piyamas (Holly) White, and Jardelle Clark.
Across three decades, the business has employed more than 100 people and now serves clients spanning three generations – a true testament to its reputation, trust and local roots.
Under the national leadership of CEO Charlotte Pascoe and co-director Ben Thomas, the Stockdale & Leggo Group continues to evolve.
Locally, the Shepparton office remains committed to protecting clients, staff and community through innovation, integrity, and up-to-date compliance, staying ahead in an ever-changing industry.
