Graham Lea grew up in Coogee during the 1950s, attending Coogee Public School before moving onto Randwick Boys High. Graham began working in real estate sales in Randwick in 1967 and graduated from The University of NSW with a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) the following year.

In 1973 Graham joined Lindsay Rose, an independent real estate agent who operated from one of Randwick’s historic sandstone buildings at 200 Alison Road. Lindsay was one of Australia’s World War I “flying aces” who fought the Red Baron over France in 1915. Following the war, Lindsay became a pioneer farmer in New Caledonia before returning to live in Australia in the 1950s. Upon his return Lindsay became an investment agent for many French-speaking clients from Noumea, a town he considered his second home. He looked after the personal affairs of many of his French friends and established his real estate business in 1958.

After Lindsay’s death at the age of 78, Graham continued trading as Lindsay Rose Real Estate for many years. In 1979 he opened an office in Coogee beside the Commonwealth Bank. Two years later he moved across the road to the newly built Coogee Bay Village Shopping Centre. The office then moved to its present location adjacent to the Medina Serviced Apartments in 2005.

In 1994 Graham’s son Quentin joined the agency, prompting Graham to change the trading name to Lea Real Estate in order to reflect the true ownership of the company.

Lea Real Estate is a totally independent agency that prides itself on honesty and integrity. One of the first real estate businesses to computerise, the agency was a pioneer in providing electronic funds transfers to its clients as early as 1993.

Until Grahams passing in late 2009, Graham had been dedicated to providing a professional and personalised service to his clients. He felt very privileged to have been involved in the growth of Coogee into one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs. Quentin is continuing to operate the family business with the same solid values Lea Real Estate has come to be known for.

In early 2024, Quentin’s second daughter, Matilda, joined the family business, becoming the third generation of the Lea family to work at Lea Real Estate. Matilda brings a proactive and professional approach to her role, along with a modern perspective that has contributed positively to the ongoing development of the business. Approachable and well-presented, she has quickly established strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. With clear goals and a strong work ethic, Matilda is a mature young professional who is proud to contribute to the Lea family legacy established by her grandfather and continued on by her father.