Chris Shellabear | Principal and Auctioneer

A well-known name in Western Australian real estate, Chris Shellabear comes from a long line of property agents and has built a successful career spanning decades. With a major in Town Planning from UWA, Chris joined Shellabear & Son (founded by his grandfather Bert in 1925) at the age of 21, quickly establishing himself as a highly skilled negotiator.

He constructed his first development in Cottesloe—building three houses—at the age of 23. He gained his Real Estate License in 1984 and was awarded the Real Estate Institute medal for Top Student.

In 1994, he became Principal and Licensee, taking over from his father Ian, then rebranding the firm to Shellabears and choosing the well-known Triangle as the company logo.

Chris is proud to lead a business that has remained exclusively family-run for over 100 years, maintaining a legacy of excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to the community. Shellabears is renowned for its team approach, with many members having been with the company for over 15 years, reinforcing its strong foundation in both experience and loyalty in a true family enterprise. We are, in fact, the 15th-oldest surviving family business in Western Australia.

With a career total of over $2 billion in sales and $500 million transacted in the last five years alone, Chris continues to set industry benchmarks. A three-time recipient of REIWA’s prestigious awards for Highest Salesperson in WA by Value Sold, Chris has been consistently ranked No. 1 in the state for all sales, solidifying his position as one of the most accomplished and productive agents in the industry.

Chris is known for his expertise in both on-market and auction sales, as well as prominent project sales of iconic apartments in Cottesloe, with unmatched negotiation skills that have earned him Grandmaster Salesperson status on multiple occasions over the last 20 years. His reputation for demonstrating empathy and understanding of his clients’ needs produces ideal outcomes for all.

A lifelong local with deep roots in the Western Suburbs, Chris is dedicated to the community. As a past President of the North Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club, he enjoys staying active with his family and beginning his day with a surf ski session or a reef swim at North Cottesloe Beach. He received the Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation in the Community for the development of the Eric Street Community Centre in 2013. Chris has completed the Rottnest Channel Swim solo crossing multiple times and competes annually in Surf Lifesaving Masters State Championships. Additionally, Chris is a long-time sponsor and participant in local swims up and down the coast.

Widowed early, Chris has determinedly created and raised funds to establish the first Chair in Stroke Medicine in WA, in partnership with the Perron Institute in 2022. As of 2025, there are now seven researchers in the Stroke Unit headed by Prof. Graeme Hankey.

Celebrating 100 Years of Family Business: Shellabears proudly marks a century of excellence in 2025, with Chris continuing his family’s legacy of providing exceptional service and results.

Experience Chris’s passion for property and holistic approach to your property transaction, where bespoke marketing is tailored to each property, because no two properties are the same. Family, business, and community are at the heart of Chris’s approach, making him your enthusiastic and trusted property professional.