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Next time you list a duplex, you're using a word with some serious history. It comes from Latin – duo (two) plus -plex (fold) – and has been kicking around in English since 1817. But here's the thing: it only started meaning a two-dwelling building in around 1922. Before that, 'duplex' was just a fancy way of saying 'double' - used in everything from telegraphy to chemistry.

In today’s edition of The Brief

• As Australia steps up anti-money laundering laws, real estate offices face a new reality

• The increasing ‘rightsizing’ trend to large prestige apartments

• $1 million is now the median house price in our capital cities

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 25 seconds

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INSIGHT

Three mindsets dividing real estate on AML

As anti-money laundering reforms edge closer, Lisa Pennell, CEO of Barry Plant, says the industry is splitting into distinct camps. Some agents are terrified. Others have their heads in the sand. But there's a third group taking a different approach entirely.

The camp you don't want to be in

Lisa identifies three mindsets emerging across the industry. There's the "head in the sand" group dismissing AML as political theatre that will blow over – which she calls "ridiculous." Then there's the terrified camp paralysed by uncertainty. The third group? They're working through it methodically.

"There's fear mongering, and then there's the opposite… which is causing some people to be complacent."

Here's what the smartest operators are doing differently.

A hybrid model worth understanding

Rather than leaving individual offices to figure it out alone, Barry Plant developed what Lisa calls a "hybrid model" – centralised support paired with local accountability. The structure keeps liability where it belongs while ensuring agents have backup when they need it.

"It keeps liability in each business, but gives them the tools and the backup they need."

The full article reveals exactly how this model works – and how to adapt it for your business.

The fears agents aren't talking about

Beyond compliance mechanics, there's something else agents are worried about: what happens if a red flag circles back to them personally? Lisa addresses this concern directly – and the answer might surprise you.

What you'll learn in the full article:

• The three mindsets: Why complacency and fear are equally dangerous – and what the third group is doing instead

• Barry Plant's hybrid model: The exact structure combining centralised support with local accountability

• The fine print: Up to $18,000 per day for non-compliance, and far greater penalties if money laundering goes unreported

• The communication script: How to explain AML checks to clients without slowing deals

The era of optional engagement is over – and the full article shows you exactly how to prepare.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI yesterday: the benefits of seeing your business from every angle.

TOGETHER WITH AUSSIE

Aussie Partners with Foxtel for Selling Houses Australia Season 18

Aussie has partnered with Foxtel for Season 18 of Selling Houses Australia, premiering Wednesday, 4 March on BINGE and Foxtel, airing weekly over 12 weeks. Season 17 was Foxtel’s #1 Lifestyle premiere in 2025 and the #1 entertainment programme overall, with 11.2 million hours viewed and 32 million stream starts.

The sponsorship gives Aussie a national platform to connect with Australians making key property decisions. “Selling is a moment where people want clarity and confidence – and where the right advice can change the outcome,” said Michael McCash, General Manager of Growth at Lendi Group.

“From getting a home sale-ready to understanding what the sale means for your mortgage and next purchase, Aussie can support more of the journey – with broker advice and tools that make the process easier, not noisier.”

Read more about the Aussie/Selling Houses Australia partnership here.

MARKET

Capital city median tops $1 million for first time

The typical Australian home added roughly $90,000 in value over the past year – and capital city medians have just broken through $1 million. PropTrack's February data shows national prices up 9.1% to $897,000, with Perth leading annual growth at 19.5%. REA economist Eleanor Creagh expects further gains but warns affordability constraints will slow momentum through 2026.

RESEARCH

Prestige apartment sales treble in a decade

Queensland is leading the upswing in luxury apartment demand, accounting for 43% of East Coast prestige sales as wealthy Australians embrace "rightsizing" from family homes. McGrath Research shows sales have trebled since 2015, with new Gold Coast builds up 88% in value over five years. Developers are responding - by 2028, 40% of prime Melbourne and Brisbane apartments will have three-plus bedrooms.

HOW IT SOLD

Single-level living drew four offers and $3.1m

Vicki Sayers identified families and retirees as the natural buyer pool for a four-bedroom Mount Eliza home, then ran a 19-day campaign combining social media, local print, and premium portal placement. The approach generated 13 buyer groups, four written offers, and a $3.133 million sale – well above the suburb's $1.29m–$2m median range.

Stories like this build your online reputation long after the sold sticker comes down. Want yours told? getailsa.com

CELEBRITY HOMES

Bend It Like Beckham producer lists Rhine mansion

This 120-year-old Rhine manor has housed French diplomats, American troops, and a luxury hotel – now it's asking €21 million ($36 million AUD). German film producer Ulrich Felsberg (Buena Vista Social Club, The Wind That Shakes the Barley) spent 17 years on the restoration. Wait until you see those three-tiered gardens.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

James Linacre named Ray White Commercial CEO

Four years after joining Ray White as a business development executive, James Linacre takes the top job at Ray White Commercial. He rose to Head of Commercial along the way, driving recruitment and capability-building across the network, and Managing Director Dan White says James is "very deserving of this opportunity." More here.

First National names SA/NT award winners

First National Real Estate’s South Australia and Northern Territory agents were presented with their 2025 State Awards at Skycity Adelaide recently, and the winners now progress to the national awards. 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.

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