GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

It’s Halloween, and while the ghosts and goblins are out tonight, the real suspense is building ahead of the Reserve Bank’s meeting on Monday, 4 November. With inflation still sticky and spending staying stronger than expected, economists are split on whether the RBA will keep the cash rate steady or deliver one more scare before Christmas.

Either way, the property market is holding its breath. A pause could keep buyers confident through the last stretch of the year, while a surprise hike might cool the mood faster than a cold snap at an open home. For agents, now’s the time to stay calm, stay visible, and remind clients that clarity beats fear, because the only frights anyone needs this week are the Halloween decorations.

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 26 seconds

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SALES STRATEGIES

Beyond postcode limits

Inside Buxton’s strategy for selling a home like no other

When a home doesn’t fit neatly within its postcode, selling it requires more than a standard marketing campaign. Buxton (Mentone) Director Mathew Cox discovered this when tasked with selling a rare 3,000-square-metre Mentone estate complete with a tennis court, pool and cabana. By combining AI-driven advertising, multicultural outreach and an expanded geographic focus, he redefined how to position unique properties that sit outside local norms.

Finding the right audience

Recognising that the likely buyer for a 3,000sq m property wasn’t searching in Mentone, Mathew broadened the campaign to include suburbs known for larger landholdings such as Keysborough and the Mornington Peninsula. “The idea was to wake up buyers in those areas to the fact there’s a coastal property that delivers the same sense of space,” he said.

Using technology and cultural reach

Mathew’s team employed AI tools to identify high-intent buyers showing online behaviour linked to property interest. The listing also ran on Chinese property platforms and WeChat, supported by translation tools to ensure language was no barrier. “It’s about making sure that if someone’s interested, language isn’t a barrier,” he said.

Rethinking campaign strategy

Given the property’s uniqueness, the marketing period was extended to seven weeks and shifted to an expressions-of-interest format rather than auction. He also said high-end listings increasingly demand larger, more precise marketing budgets: “We’re not chasing dozens of buyers. We’re looking for the one buyer who sees the value and is prepared to pay for it.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday Matt Lahood broke down how to finish strong in the lead up to Xmas.

TOGETHER WITH REA

REA Group expands PropTrack data suite to drive agency growth

REA Group has expanded its market intelligence suite, giving residential real estate agencies access to new benchmarking data designed to measure, compare and grow performance. Powered by PropTrack, REA’s data arm, the update marks the next phase in delivering accessible realestate.com.au insights for agents and agencies.

The new release complements existing PropTrack-powered tools such as CMA and Lead Insights, which already help agents have more informed conversations with clients. Now, broader data sets will enable agencies to better analyse market share, conversion trends, and growth opportunities across suburb, state, and national levels. REA’s Ignite platform remains central to this evolution, with reporting to soon feature AI-enhanced, self-service insights.

Executive General Manager Customer Platforms and Services, Tim Bradley, said the update answers strong customer demand for actionable data that drives optimisation and growth.

“realestate.com.au has the most comprehensive view of the Australian property market with access to the broadest listings, campaign performance and demand data across the country. Its value is unmatched in terms of breadth, depth and accuracy,” he said.

“Direct access to market performance data that measures market share and conversion trends at a suburb, state and national level has the potential to supercharge growth for our customers.”

Read more about REA Group’s PropTrack suite here.

INFLATION RESPONSE

Inflation jump dampens hopes of rate cut as housing pressures mount

Australia’s annual inflation rose to 3.2 per cent in September, driven by higher electricity, housing and construction costs, cutting short hopes of a Melbourne Cup Day rate cut. REIA President Leanne Pilkington said the figures highlight the need for policy stability as affordability tightens and confidence weakens, while Bendigo Bank Chief Economist David Robertson said a rate cut is now “at best around a 1 in 12 chance,” with the next move likely delayed until 2026. Master Builders Chief Economist Shane Garrett warned rising rents and new home costs were “deeply concerning,” while CEO Denita Wawn said housing-related inflation must be tackled by boosting supply, not constraining it.

GREEN GAINS

Green homes are selling for 17% more

Australian properties featuring gardens, trees, or even indoor plants are commanding significant price premiums. Houses with greenery sell for 17.4% more on average, adding approximately $140,000 in value, while attracting 7% more buyer views and selling faster. Despite these benefits, only one in three house listings currently feature greenery, leaving sellers with a major opportunity to gain a competitive edge.

AUDIENCE

Domain's audience spikes under new ownership

Property platform Domain is flexing its muscles with record-breaking 44.2 million visits in September across its platforms, just four weeks after changing ownership. Residential listing views grew 12% year-on-year, while its commercial real estate platform saw a 24.6% audience increase. The growth follows Domain's acquisition by global real estate giant CoStar Group.

NZ SPOOKY SALES

Ghosts prefer luxury real estate

New Zealand's ghosts appear to have expensive taste, with most haunted locations found in suburbs where house prices exceed the national median of $770,000. Research documenting 82 haunted sites reveals that 26% are hotels, pubs, and restaurants, while private residences account for only 16%. Parnell, Auckland's priciest suburb with a median house price of $2.4 million, is also the country's most haunted residential area with four haunted houses.

CELEBRITY HOMES

‘Home Improvement’ star Patricia Richardson lists her longtime LA retreat for A$15.2 million

Actress Patricia Richardson, famed for her role as Jill Taylor on Home Improvement, has listed her Brentwood, Los Angeles home for US$9.99 million (about A$15.2 million). The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom residence spans around 6,700 square feet on a one-acre lot and has been her family home since 1996.

Behind tall hedges and double gates, the East Coast-style property has hosted two family weddings and several SAG-AFTRA events over the years. Represented by Carolwood Estates, highlights include a kitchen with a central island and garden-view breakfast banquette, a family room with vaulted timber ceilings and a stone fireplace, and a main-level suite with a fireplace, walk-in wardrobe and direct pool access.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

DiJones expands leadership team with Daniel Blagg at the helm in Lindfield

North Shore agent Daniel Blagg has taken the next step in his career, becoming a Partner Licensee and Business Owner with DiJones for the group’s Lindfield office. More here

Toni Atkinson joins Harcourts NSW

The experienced property management professional steps into the Property Operations Manager role to support the company's growing network across New South Wales. 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

Ghost your ex, not your real estate agent. 👻💔

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Wishing you a productive day!

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