GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Today is Bastille Day in France - a celebration of storming the Bastille, kicking off a revolution, and basically telling the old ways to pack up and leave. It’s a good reminder for real estate too: sometimes, breaking away from tired scripts, stale marketing, or clunky systems is exactly what’s needed.

The best agents aren’t afraid to shake things up, challenge tradition, and do things differently to get better results for their clients. So while the French light fireworks, maybe it’s time to spark a little revolution of your own, one smart move at a time.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 33 seconds

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OPINION

What will shape our property market for the second half of 2025

Spring’s around the corner, but is the market ready to bloom?

As we move into the second half of 2025, Australia’s property market stands at a pivotal juncture, poised between cautious optimism and regional divergence. With the Reserve Bank holding rates steady in July, confidence is creeping back into both buyer and seller camps. But don’t expect a uniform rebound.

From interest-rate-sensitive capital cities to the prestige and rental markets, a patchwork of forces is reshaping what comes next. For agents, staying ahead means tuning into the subtleties of buyer behaviour, local supply, and affordability constraints, as national trends give way to hyperlocal dynamics.

Spring revival hinges on confidence, not just cash rate cuts

Spring has always been the marquee season for Australian real estate, and this year, the stakes are high. The RBA’s July pause has already sparked increased inquiry and nudged hesitant buyers off the fence.

But it’s not just about rate movements, according to Domain’s Dr Nicola Powell, it’s about perceived stability. “We’ve already seen just two cuts bring more inquiries, bring those fence-sitters back to market, and bring a bit more momentum into our housing markets.” A rate cut or hold in August could seal the deal for a solid spring.

The big city bounce

Sydney and Melbourne are once again leading the charge, thanks to their rate-sensitive, high-debt households. Dr Powell sees Sydney as the likely “kingpin” of growth this financial year, while Melbourne edges toward recovery. But don’t expect boom times.

Price growth will be modest, especially as borrowing power remains constrained. Meanwhile, the luxury segment is moving to its own rhythm, largely unbothered by rates and driven by FOMO among domestic high-end buyers. It’s a tale of two markets: high-end and affordable, with very different trajectories.

Rental realities

On the rental front, units are powering ahead of houses in growth - particularly in inner-city areas. Why? Affordability, yes, but also a cultural shift back to the office. Commutability is back on the agenda, and renters are responding accordingly.

Add in stabilised regional migration and a sharper divide between investor-grade and owner-occupier-grade units, and you’ve got a rental landscape that’s both opportunistic and increasingly selective. She said agents who understand these micro-trends will be best positioned to serve landlords and tenants alike.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week Dion Besser outlined his ‘Game Changer’ leadership strategy.

TOGETHER WITH RENTCOVER

Why tenant insurance deserves more attention

Landlord insurance is often non-negotiable for agencies, and for good reason. It protects owners and agents from risks like tenant damage, rent loss and legal liability. But tenant insurance, while less enforced, can also play a critical role in reducing financial and legal exposure for everyone involved.

Many tenants mistakenly believe landlord insurance covers their belongings or assume they don’t own enough to justify contents insurance. EBM RentCover managing director, Sharon Fox-Slater, says one of the strongest reasons to recommend tenant insurance is legal liability cover as it protects tenants if they’re found responsible for injury or damage.

Without it, they could face major legal costs, and disputes may fall back on the landlord or agent. Subrogation is another overlooked risk: if a tenant causes accidental damage, the landlord’s insurer may pursue the tenant directly to recover costs. With insurance, the tenant’s provider handles that process instead.

Read more about EBM RentCover here.

CONSUMER SPENDING

Cautious consumers slowly opening wallets

Australian household spending is showing signs of recovery, rising for the third consecutive month in June by 0.3%. Despite the improvement, consumers remain cautious, with only 10% of eligible mortgage holders reducing their payments after May's interest rate cut, preferring to save or reduce debt instead. Economists expect spending to pick up later this year as interest rates potentially decrease.

NZ RENTALS

Rents fall in most regions, but southern markets buck the trend

Rental prices across much of New Zealand are easing, according to new data from realestate.co.nz, offering welcome relief for tenants feeling the pressure of rising living costs. The national average weekly rent fell to $636 in June 2025, down 2.7% from $653 in June 2024. 

The most significant drop was in Wellington, where rents dropped 10.9% year-on-year, from $701 to $625. Hawke’s Bay also recorded a notable fall, with the average rent declining 6.6% to $632.

OPINION: LISTING DRAMA

Private listings could break the US property market, warns NextHome CEO

The US real estate market could be heading toward catastrophe as private listings gain popularity. NextHome CEO James Dwiggins warns that if major brokerages create their own private listing networks, it could lead to "absolutely catastrophic" consequences.

This scenario would reduce market transparency, compromise appraisal data, and potentially allow Zillow to become the nation's largest brokerage "in 30 days." He says the industry's future may hinge on whether Zillow maintains its current listing ban policy.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Fashion designer's historic Italian villa hits the market

A South Pasadena estate with a star-studded ownership history is up for sale at US$12M. Villa Arno, a 1916 Italian Renaissance Revival masterpiece, is currently owned by acclaimed fashion designer Richard Tyler, who acquired it in 1998 in an unusual property swap.

The 5-bedroom cultural heritage landmark features exquisite Italian tiles, a separate guest house, and recently gained additional exposure by appearing in the show Palm Royale.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Belle Property opens in Buderim

Tanya Mungomery leads the new Sunshine Coast office after 15 years in the industry and 25 years as a local resident. More here.

The Agency scores big in workplace survey

91% of staff would recommend it as a great place to work, with engagement scores sitting well above industry benchmarks. 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

Who needs a walkthrough when you can dance through the listing? This agent’s bringing new meaning to 'move-in ready', pump up the jam!🕺🎶

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Wishing you a productive day!

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