GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

It’s time to raise a coffee (or something stronger) to the unsung heroes of real estate - our property managers! On National Property Managers Day, we’re celebrating the masters of maintenance requests, rent rolls and the occasional 3am plumbing disaster.

You juggle inspections, tenants, tradies and timelines with Olympic-level skill and patience. Without you, it’s chaos; with you, it’s calm(ish). So whether you're being spoiled with cupcakes, coffee runs or a well-earned early mark, take a moment to bask in the recognition.

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 12 seconds

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PROPERTY MANAGERS

Celebrating our PM’s

The Real MVPs: Property Managers who deserve the spotlight

Every lease signed, inspection ticked off, and late-night call answered is a quiet reminder of how essential property managers are to the real estate industry. But on National Property Managers Day, it’s time to turn up the volume. This year, we teamed up with Scoop, our AI journalist, to collect real stories from across the country - funny, moving, and downright impressive tales that showcase the absolute legends working behind the scenes.

We’ve picked out three standouts to spotlight the incredible value these professionals bring to the table every day. As part of the campaign, we also ran a competition in which both the storyteller and their nominated PM had the chance to win a ticket to the upcoming PM One Conference (valued at $795 each).

We’re thrilled to announce the winners: Chantel James and Michelle Rigg from Rentwest Solutions

The 24/7 support system

Michael Anania of Laing + Simmons Corporation has become the person property managers call when no one else is picking up - and he always answers. “He answers calls from property managers across franchised offices at any hour, helping solve whatever challenges they're facing,” said Jackie Jones, who nominated him.

Michael works six or seven days a week, running a 24/7 support service that’s become the safety net for his entire network. But his contribution goes beyond emergencies - he fosters real community.

“He just makes everybody feel really special and supported and cared about, which in property management world these days is super important,” Jackie added.

Beyond the lease

When elderly tenant John had to move into aged care, Chantel James from Rentwest Solutions didn’t just coordinate the logistics, she made sure the transition felt human. After helping him settle into his new accommodation, Chantelle visited him in her own time, bringing a dressing gown and slippers as a gift.

As it happened, it was also John’s birthday. The gesture meant a great deal to him; in a small room far from home, a simple act of kindness made all the difference. “The expression on John's face when he received the gifts was unforgettable,” said Michelle, who nominated Chantelle. “It created a lifelong experience for the grateful tenant.” John later wrote to the Rentwest team, expressing heartfelt thanks.

A mentor

Jo Natoli from The Rental Specialist has become a pillar of support across the property management industry. Her nominator, Joan Bird from Alpine Country Properties, praised her unwavering commitment: “She has been so willing and able to share her knowledge with the industry around her, with everyone.”

Jo takes calls from peers needing guidance, mentors less experienced PMs, and freely offers her expertise to raise industry standards. “She supports all of those wonderful PMs in the industry who may be struggling a bit,” Joan added. Beyond individual help, Jo is active in industry boards and training spaces, always working to improve professional outcomes.

These are just a few of the outstanding nominations we've received. To view the full shortlist of 12 property managers recognised for their commitment and professionalism, click here.

ICYMI, yesterday, we broke down what to do when a listing stalls.

TOGETHER WITH VIEW.RESI

The VPA strategy reshaping vendor attraction

Byron Bay agency Kim Jones & Co opted out of spending $10,000 on portal listings for a prestige property, choosing instead a $2,500 Acquire campaign via VMG’s view.resi platform. The result: 43 direct inquiries, 22 through their website and 21 via Facebook, with 95% of leads new to their database. The campaign re-engaged previous buyers and attracted fresh interest without using mainstream listing portals.

Director Kim Jones said the strategy helped reintroduce her brand after moving from Sydney and has since led to multiple high-end listings. VMG’s Trent Casson says agencies using Acquire are shifting VPA from a sunk cost into a brand-building, lead-generating asset. With first-party data and direct CRM capture, agents are reducing reliance on portals and building longer-term leverage.

Read more about view.resi here.

PRESTIGE REAL ESTATE

No bargain next door: the suburbs that snub the spillover

Usually, when house prices climb, buyers shift to the next suburb along in search of a deal. But some high-end postcodes refuse to play along. Dubbed “fortress suburbs,” places like Bellevue Hill, Toorak, and North Adelaide keep outperforming their cheaper neighbours, no matter how wide the price gap. According to Ray White’s Nerida Conisbee, it’s because these areas have irreplaceable traits: think harbour views, heritage charm, or postcode prestige.

BUILDING APPROVALS

One approval to rule them all

Australia's complex housing approval system is hurting affordability, with industry leaders pushing for a streamlined "One House One Approval" initiative. While some councils like Maitland City are processing applications in just two days, the Housing Industry Association says current assessment goals allowing up to 115 days are "simply not fast enough." The organisation is calling for a simplified approval process to speed up construction.

EURO NEWS

Europe’s property market is going nowhere fast

Europe’s commercial property scene is in a slump, with sales stuck at decade lows. Hopes for a 2025 recovery have fizzled as investors hold back and sellers refuse to drop prices, and sales in early 2025 were less than half of what they were three years ago. The second quarter looks just as weak, with cross-border investment hitting a 10-year low. Even once-hot sectors like data centres are slowing down. Only rental housing is still attracting solid interest.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Steven Seagal's former ranch hits the market

Action star Steven Seagal and model Kelly LeBrock's former 190-acre compound in Santa Barbara's Santa Ynez Valley is up for grabs at US$14.5M. The celebrity couple sold the property in 1995 for just US$3.8M, a year before finalising their divorce. The estate features a 5,000-square-foot hacienda, extensive equestrian facilities, and 75 acres of workable farmland, perfect for anyone looking to live like a 90s action hero.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Victoria Turner joins Ray White in Omaha

The high-performing agent with over $250M in sales will co-own Ray White On Point Realty Group alongside Debbie Jones and Paul Prouse in the luxury coastal market. More here.

Belle Property Mosman welcomes two rising stars

Gemma Simons and Jessica Stubberfield join the high-performing team as the agency strengthens its footprint across the Lower North Shore. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
Get the latest on top agent and agency moves every Sunday with our weekly roundup in Movers & Shakers. Subscribe now.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

If you want to be a good agent, your hearing needs to be at 1000%. Someone whispers “might sell” three tables away and you should already be halfway through a market update with a smile and a business card. 👂📈

Seen an Agent On Social we should include? Let us know here (email link)

Wishing you a productive day!

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