It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Barras FAPI, a distinguished Fellow of the Australian Property Institute (API). Elevated to Fellow in 1996 and gaining Associate status in 1989, John made significant contributions to the field of valuation. 

John began his career with the NSW State Rail Authority in 1976, where he gained extensive experience in valuing diverse real estate categories. In 1988, he joined Hillier Parker in Sydney, specialising in the valuation of commercial office buildings within the Sydney CBD and regional centres. His dedication and expertise led to his promotion to Senior Valuer when Stanton Hillier Parker merged with his team in 1991. 

In 1994, John became Associate Director of the Professional Service Division at Stanton Hillier Parker, where he consulted with institutional, government, and high-net-worth clients on technical real estate matters. His ability to undertake diverse business activities showcased his versatility and profound understanding of property dynamics. By 2001, John had joined Knight Frank in Sydney, providing expert advice for institutional clients in retail and commercial asset classes. 

From 2005 to 2012, John served as a Director at CBRE, offering consultancy advice to major institutions. His exceptional professional advice led to exclusive engagements for valuation, consultancy, and acquisition-related matters, earning him recognition in the Circle of Excellence in both 2005 and 2006. John’s career reached new heights at Cushman & Wakefield from 2012 to 2016, where he was responsible for valuing major investment properties in Australia and New Zealand. His expertise in retail and commercial valuations earned him accolades such as Valuer of the Year in 2012 and Valuation Professional of the Year in 2014. Trusted to value super prime and development assets worth billions, John became a top fee earner across the retail and commercial sectors. 

In 2016, John joined JLL in Sydney, where he maintained key client relationships and valued major retail investment properties across Australia and New Zealand. Throughout his career, he was known for his skill in development valuations and acquisitions, and his mentorship to many young valuers. 

John Barras’s legacy as a skilled teacher and mentor will be remembered by his colleagues, clients, and the broader community. His contributions to the valuation industry will continue to inspire future generations, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.