GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Tomorrow's buyer isn’t just looking for four walls and a roof; they want a home that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful. Confused? Then look no further than the work of Jennifer McMaster who has taken out the 2024 Emerging Architect Prize by the Australian Institute of Architects.

Her award-winning approach blends “sophisticated sustainability” prioritising sustainable materials, low carbon footprints, and a natural harmony with the environment.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 6 seconds

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MARKET

Great nest egg debate: why your SMSF clients should invest in bricks and mortar

With Australians increasingly turning to Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) for property investments, real estate agents have an opportunity to guide clients in this growing market.

Driven by dissatisfaction with traditional super returns and the appeal of control, SMSF investors now have more lending options and competitive terms, according to Shore Financial’s Theo Chambers.

Jack Henderson, director of Henderson Advocacy emphasises that your SMSF buyers need advice on selecting quality properties to avoid common pitfalls and maximise growth potential.

Growing SMSF property demand

The shift towards SMSF property investments is seeing unprecedented growth, with residential property allocations up by 26.4% since 2021, now totalling $55.2 billion.

This offers agents a unique opportunity to tap into a rising market segment as more Australians turn to property for their retirement savings. Agents who understand SMSF-specific requirements and the financial motivations behind this trend can position themselves as valuable advisors, helping clients navigate the complexities of SMSF property investing and maximising their retirement returns.

Dissatisfaction with traditional super funds

Theo explained that a growing dissatisfaction with traditional super fund performance is prompting many investors to look towards SMSFs as a way to take control of their finances. ”Investors are seeing poor performance in their super and chasing bigger returns.

As agents, being aware of this sentiment shift and understanding why clients may prefer tangible assets like property over equities or managed funds allows for better, more informed discussions about how to optimise their retirement strategy through real estate.

Advising on property choice is key

Navigating SMSF property investments successfully requires thoughtful guidance, particularly in property selection. Jack warns that poor choices, like off-the-plan or new developments, often don’t perform well and can leave SMSF investors worse off. “Our strategy is about buying established blue-chip assets in high-quality areas that have a solid track record.”

ICYMI, yesterday we asked the question: “Do letterbox drops still work”

TOGETHER WITH HARCOURTS

Adam Fiteni has been named CEO of Harcourts Victoria after initially joining as Business Development Manager and Corporate Auctioneer. Harcourts Australia CEO Adrian Knowles praised Mr Fiteni’s quick adaptation and dedication to mentoring within the network. “We have been thoroughly impressed by Adam’s swift adaptation to the CEO role,” Mr Knowles said.

With a strong background in real estate and a customer-focused approach, Mr Fiteni plans to expand the Harcourts network, drive internal development, and integrate new technologies to enhance service and market reach in 2025.

Read more about Harcourts here.

SMART SNIPPETS

Anti-money laundering laws could cost property sector billions
Queensland's real estate industry is pushing back against proposed anti-money laundering laws that could cost the property sector $2 billion annually. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland warns that small agencies, often operating with fewer than five employees, lack the resources to handle complex compliance requirements. They're proposing a tech-based solution where agents handle basic checks while leaving complex tasks to financial experts.

Regional property market stays hot
Australia's regional property markets continue to show remarkable strength, with Western Australia leading the charge with a 13.6% increase in dwelling values over the past year. Queensland and South Australia aren't far behind, posting gains of 10.5% and 12.1% respectively. The city of Mandurah has emerged as a particular hotspot, transitioning from a mining town to an affordable alternative to Perth.

Singapore’s heritage Shophouses spark frenzy among billionaires
Singapore’s heritage shophouses are seeing record-breaking demand, with prominent buyers like the wife of Alibaba founder Jack Ma acquiring a sought-after colonial building. Much like New York’s brownstones and London’s Soho properties, these unique structures are being snapped up by billionaires and developers eager to own a piece of Singapore’s architectural history.

SOUND WAVES

Resilient buyer engagement despite high listings

Australia's spring auction season saw strong activity, with 2,820 auctions held and clearance rates hovering around 66% across major cities.

Dive straight into the listen below or the deeper dive here.

Read the article from Elite Agent here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Ever had a buyer say they felt like they were tied to the bumper, dragged along for the ride as a sale speeds off? It’s a reminder that sometimes we’ve got to ease off the accelerator a little – making sure clients feel like they're in the car with us, not clinging to the back for dear life. 🏎️ 🪢

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

Wishing you a productive day

Elite Agent is crewed by Mark Edwards, Catherine Nikas-Boulos, Rowan Crosby, Giverny Pringle, Charmagne Arrubio and Samantha McLean. We aim to uplift the real estate industry by delivering forward-thinking, hype-free news and education that fosters knowledge and fuels ambition.

If you see a * beside a story, it’s a sponsored post, including the 'Together With' section. To enquire about advertising with us, visit eliteagent.com/advertise.

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