GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

Snoopy’s doghouse might look small, but any real estate agent knows it’s the ultimate listing - endless rooftop space, pet-friendly, and zero strata drama. First seen when Peanuts debuted on 2 October 1950, it’s been owner-occupied ever since (and probably worth a fortune in today’s market).

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 55 seconds

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ADVICE

Cracking the deposit code

What agents need to know about first-home buyer opportunities

A major shift in deposit rules could fast-track thousands of hesitant buyers into active clients, and agents who understand the details will be perfectly positioned to benefit. As of yesterday, first-home buyers can now purchase with just a 5% deposit, without Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI), and, critically, without income or property price caps.

In high-value markets like Sydney, that means properties up to $1.5 million are fair game. Mortgage brokers and buyers' agents alike are calling this a game-changer. But the key? Agents need to clearly communicate what’s changed and guide clients through the maze of options, because this is more than a policy update; it’s a pipeline opportunity.

The “deposit myth” is costing you deals

For years, buyers have assumed they need a 20% deposit to enter the market, leading many to disengage before ever speaking to an agent. Buyers’ agent Tash Kessel sees the damage firsthand: “When people think a deposit is out of reach, they delay engaging, stall on offers or walk away completely.”

With the new policy dropping the deposit hurdle to 5% (and even 2% for single parents), agents have a chance to reset that narrative, and reengage dormant leads.

What’s actually changed, and why it matters

This isn’t just another first-home buyer scheme. The October expansion removes both income limits and price caps, making it easier for those with strong earning power but limited savings to act fast.

Broker Dean Friedlander calls it a landscape-shifter: “With as little as 5%, you can enter the market sooner, start building equity early, and avoid missing out as prices rise.” It’s a clear call to agents: Know the numbers, know the rules, and be ready to walk clients through the fine print.

Advice is the new currency

Explaining policy isn’t enough, agents need to connect buyers with the right finance and legal professionals to ensure a smooth transaction. That includes navigating other grants (like stamp duty exemptions and new-build bonuses), or understanding the risks of using a parental guarantor.

From formal documentation to exit strategies, brokers like Dean stress the importance of doing it “safely and strategically.” The reward for agents? Stronger trust, quicker deals, and a reputation as a true advisor, not just a seller.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed why retention is the new recruitment.

TOGETHER WITH DOMAIN

Domain launches Skylight to give agents real-time campaign insights and smarter buyer data

Domain has launched Domain Skylight, an integrated, intelligent dashboard built with agent input to put marketing analytics and insights at agents’ fingertips. The tool is designed to help agents have more transparent and informed conversations with their clients about property value, expected campaign performance and sale price. Domain’s Chief Product Officer, Dani Harmer, said agents reported their biggest challenges were juggling scattered tools, outdated data and running campaigns while on the move.

“We built Domain Skylight to cut through the noise, bring everything together and give agents the insights and speed to get real results. It’s all about being committed to innovation and helping agents scale and stand out,” she said.

Key features include a Real-Time Performance Dashboard showing enquiries, listing views, shortlists, saves and HomePass check-ins; Smarter Buyer Insights that rank and contextualise buyer engagement; and Data-Driven Decision Support with live, sold and buyer-viewed comparables plus trend overlays to refine campaigns on the go. Customers on a Platinum Edge subscription gain extra control to manage features such as Listing Bump, eBrochures and Early Access, while Platinum and Gold customers can access eBrochure sends.

Read more about Domain Skylight here.

SPRING LOVE

Market gains pace with ninth month of price growth

Aussie home prices rose again in September, extending their growth streak to nine months and pushing values to a record high. The PropTrack Home Price Index shows prices lifted 0.5% for the month and are now 6.2% higher than a year ago, adding about $54,100 to the median home’s value. Capital city prices climbed 0.6%, led by Hobart (+0.8%) and Sydney (+0.7%), while Melbourne has regained its 2022 peak.

Darwin (+11.4%) and Brisbane (+10.2%) posted the biggest annual capital city gains, with regional South Australia (+12.3%) and Queensland (+10.2%) leading the regions. Economist Eleanor Creagh says recent rate cuts, stronger buyer confidence and the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme are boosting demand as the spring selling season builds.

HOUSING SUPPLY

Push to revive apartment building as approvals dip

Australia’s housing pipeline slowed in August, with ABS data showing total building approvals down 6% and apartments and townhouses off 10.6%. Detached house approvals also eased 2.9%, leaving them 3.8% lower than a year ago. But industry leaders say the dip is a chance to reset and spark new higher-density development. Master Builders Australia’s Shane Garrett calls approvals “the pipeline for tomorrow’s housing supply” and says more apartments and townhouses will give Australians affordable options in the places they want to live..

TRUMP: GLOBAL PROPERTY

Trump brand set for splashy return with $1B Jeddah project

London developer Dar Global is teaming up again with the Trump Organisation to bring a new Trump Plaza to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea city of Jeddah. The US$1 billion (A$1.55 billion) project will feature luxury residences, serviced apartments, offices and townhouses, following last year’s launch of Trump Tower Jeddah. It’s the latest in a string of Trump-branded developments around the world, from Canada and Dubai to India and Turkey. Dar Global, the international arm of Saudi giant Dar Al Arkan, already has about US$7.5 billion (A$11.6 billion) in projects across the Middle East and Europe.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Waterfront Williamstown art haven hits the market

A grand Edwardian home with a rich artistic past is now for sale in Williamstown, Victoria. Once the creative base of pioneering gallery owner and painter Marianne Baillieu, the house hosted legendary parties, prayer ceremonies and some of Australia’s most celebrated artists - even featuring in Paul Cox’s 1984 film My First Wife. Known as TARNEIT, the property spans 1,279sqm with sweeping bay views, dramatic reception rooms, stained glass windows and a striking basalt swimming pool carved from the foreshore.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Kevin He and Sunny Sun open Ray White Blockhouse Bay

The top-performing agent with nearly two decades of experience and 30% market share is launching with a strong sales team and plans for property management services. 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

Real estate agents don’t have weekend clothes; just five different “work looks” on rotation, because when you’re always working, Saturday’s just another Monday with better shoes. 👞🤵‍♂️

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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