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It was a night of double celebrations for Leanne Pilkington, who not only marked 30 years with Laing+Simmons but also took home the Woodrow Weight Award, the Real Estate Institute of NSW’s most prestigious lifetime achievement honour. The award, named after industry legend Woodrow Weight OBE, recognises individuals who’ve gone above and beyond in shaping the real estate profession in NSW.

For Leanne, it capped off a career that’s been all about leadership, professionalism, and making a lasting difference. Colleagues and friends joined in to celebrate her three decades with Laing+Simmons last night, making the evening as much about her personal milestone as the industry recognition. From mentoring the next generation to championing higher standards, Leanne’s influence has been felt across the sector, and now officially stamped with the industry’s highest accolade.

On presenting her with the esteemed award, REINSW President, Thomas McGlynn, said: “Leanne is the leader who will remind you there are no shortcuts, then roll up her sleeves and walk the long road with you. She is the colleague who phones back, the mentor who tells you the truth, the president who stayed in the storm until the skies cleared. And she is still the person who, when the next challenge arrives, will take a breath, smile, and say: ‘Get over yourself - say yes’.”

REINSW CEO, Tim McKibbin was also full of praise. ”Leanne made it very clear when she joined the REINSW Board that she wanted to make a difference. Little did she know how big a difference that would be.”

He says Leanne’s industry achievements are “too many to list”, but highlights include:

• Lifting the educational requirements for entering the industry – she said she would get a tattoo of the date it commenced!

• Demonstrating strong leadership and visibly living and embodying the values

• Opening up opportunities for women throughout real estate

• And of course – COVID. The industry looked to her every day for guidance, sometimes three times a day

“Recognising Leanne’s contribution to the betterment of the industry cannot be overstated.”

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 38 seconds

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CELEBRATING LEANNE PILKINGTON

PART II: 30 years, countless ripples

Building the table, not just getting a seat

Leanne Pilkington didn’t just climb the ranks at Laing+Simmons, she reshaped what leadership looks like in real estate. Thirty years on, the former Hills District salesperson is now CEO, but her impact goes well beyond titles. From founding a national women’s network to backing bold ideas inside her own business, Part II of Leanne’s story isn’t about climbing the ladder, it’s about building new ones for others to follow.

From "only woman in the room" to industry architect

Leanne’s early days in Sydney’s Hills District were defined by isolation: “I had no female peers… I was always the only woman in the room.” That feeling of being dismissed didn’t just fade, it became fuel. With the support of mentor Tony Anderson, who made it clear that “Leanne runs this business,” she found the confidence to lead with conviction.

Her leadership philosophy hasn’t changed: give people space, back their decisions, and build trust through action. “That’s the biggest thing you can do for someone coming up in your business,” she says.

The accidental revolution of RWIRE

Sometimes, a movement starts with a single email. In 2015, what began as a small networking idea became Real Women in Real Estate (RWIRE), a nationwide community for women craving connection and support.

Leanne didn’t realise she needed that tribe … until she found them. “Some of the women from that first event are now my very best friends.” RWIRE isn’t just a network, it’s a legacy of leadership that empowers women to be visible, vocal, and bold in a space that once told them to blend in.

Redefining what leadership looks like

Leanne’s calendar could make anyone dizzy: five boards, one charity, and zero apologies. But she bristles at the idea of “balance.” Instead, she embraces “work-life integration.” For her, it’s not about compartmentalising—it’s about showing up fully wherever you are. “I love what I do. I get energised helping other people achieve things that are important to them.”

Even as she wraps up her tenure at the Real Estate Institute of Australia, she’s looking ahead - not at retirement, but at more board roles. Ultimately, Leanne’s story thus far isn’t about titles - it’s about trajectory. “I never set out to be the boss, but I always set out to do a really good job. And in the end, that’s what people noticed.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday, Part 1: From eyeliner to empire: Leanne Pilkington’s 30 years at Laing+Simmons.

MORTGAGE HOLDERS

Buyers show cautious optimism as household anxiety lingers

Despite recent rate cuts, 30 per cent of Australians still report financial anxiety, according to the latest Consumer Pulse survey. Mortgage holders saw anxiety edge up by 1 per cent, while consumer debt holders remain the most stressed group at 39 per cent; a factor likely to affect buyer confidence.

On the positive side, 26 per cent of households now say they are better off than a year ago, and the share reporting they are worse off has dropped to 30 per cent. Cashflow pressures remain unchanged, with 19 per cent in negative territory, though debt-free households lifted the share of those with positive cashflow to 36 per cent.

ON THE MOVE

Cost of living driving mass relocation

More than a quarter of Australians are planning to move within the next year, with affordability concerns leading the charge. According to the 2025 Muval Index, 78.2% of recent movers cited affordability as their top consideration when choosing a new home. The Australian Capital Territory has emerged as the most popular destination, while regional areas continue to outperform capital cities as remote work options expand.

PORTAL EXPANSION

Big money backs Dubai’s Property Finder

Dubai’s leading real estate platform, Property Finder, has attracted a major cash injection, with private equity giants Permira and Blackstone investing US $525 million (AUD $798 million). Long-time backer General Atlantic has reduced its stake but remains a significant shareholder. The deal gives Property Finder heavyweight support as it looks to ramp up growth in markets like Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The platform, founded almost two decades ago and competing with rivals Dubizzle and Bayut, has already been expanding thanks to earlier financing. The investment highlights the strong international interest in Dubai’s booming property sector, where prices jumped nearly 70% since the pandemic, though experts warn of a slowdown.

CELEBRITY HOMES

AFL stars kick property goals

Two AFL players have scored big wins in Melbourne's property market, with both selling their homes for seven-figure sums. Carlton's Jack Silvagni, who's headed to St Kilda, sold his Mont Albert North house for $1.99 million, nearly $450,000 more than he paid in 2019. Meanwhile, Essendon player Jayden Laverde also sold his Victorian-era Ascot Vale home after negotiations with two interested buyers.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Blaine Slater appointed REIWA CEO

The former TSA Group Chief Operating Officer brings 20 years of leadership experience and will commence the role on November 17. More here.

Daniel Robinson breaks records at Area Specialist

The high-performing agent achieved 93 transactions and $1.48M in GCI this year after becoming an owner and director with the network two years ago. More here.

Ray White Double Bay unveils new flagship headquarters

The stunning 5-level building on New South Head Road brings all five business units under one roof with cutting-edge technology and architecturally designed spaces. More here.

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Wishing you a productive day!

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