GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Good morning and happy 19 June. While it’s not something widely observed here, in the US today is Juneteenth, a public holiday that marks the end of slavery. It dates back to 1865, when the last enslaved people in Texas were finally told they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

For Americans, especially African American communities, it’s a day of reflection, education and celebration. While it’s not part of our calendar in Australia, it’s a timely reminder of how access to land and property has shaped people’s futures - and still does. As EOFY approaches, it’s a good moment to think about not just your numbers, but how we can all help more people get a foot on the ladder.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 53 seconds

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OPINION

Why big-city agents should start thinking small(er)

What Townsville can teach Sydney and Melbourne about resilience, relationships, and real results

While many real estate professionals chase inspiration overseas, Harcourts Kingsberry Principal Ben Kingsberry suggests that the best ideas might be closer to home, especially in places like Townsville. In a perspective piece, he argues that regional agencies, forged under pressure, have developed efficiencies and strategies that metro agents would be wise to study.

Efficiency isn't optional when margins are tight

Ben pulls no punches about the economic reality of regional markets. With lower average commissions, agents in towns like Townsville must hustle smarter - not just harder. It's common to see top agents handle 50–60 sales annually without personal assistants. Instead, lean administrative support and smart systems do the heavy lifting.

“It’s not that regional agents are more talented,” he notes, “it’s that survival forces us to innovate.” For metro offices, the takeaway is clear: streamline your operations now or risk falling behind later.

Prepare for market cycles that don't align

Unlike capital cities that often move in tandem, regional markets like Townsville dance to their own rhythm. Ben recalls the 2008–2018 drought in regional Queensland that coincided with city booms - and notes the current reversal. That unpredictability has shaped agencies that are built to last across all market conditions.

“We develop business models that can weather various market conditions, often maintaining more balanced sales and property management operations than might be common in metropolitan areas.”

Investors are changing the game

With suburbs like Bushland Beach now sitting at 40% investor ownership, Ben’s team has adapted to support interstate landlords at every step—from pre-purchase inspections to ongoing management. This investor-focused agility, he suggests, could be a model for others as investor behaviour continues to evolve nationwide.

While Ben doesn’t dismiss what metro agencies bring to the table, especially in marketing and tech, he firmly believes it’s time for more knowledge sharing. The efficiencies, adaptability, and client focus bred in regional markets could spark new levels of performance in the city.

So before you book that next flight to Singapore for fresh ideas? Consider Townsville. Ben suggests you might just find the future of real estate in your own backyard.

Read the full article here.

ICYMI, yesterday we reported on why Queensland’s Origin team is getting a real estate education.

TOGETHER WITH REALESTATE.COM.AU

Drive more enquiries with mobile-first property walkthroughs

Want your listings to stand out in front of Australia’s largest and most active property audience?¹ According to Ipsos iris, realestate.com.au attracts more buyers and renters than any other property site, across all devices. From 1 July, you’ll be able to enhance your listings with property walkthrough videos: fast, portrait-style videos built for mobile that give property seekers a clearer, quicker look at your listings.

They’re designed to boost engagement and help you convert interest into enquiry faster. Stay ahead of the market and start uploading your property walkthroughs now, ready for launch.

Visit realestate.com.au Customer Marketing Centre to learn more.

¹ Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service, Jan–Dec 2024 (average), P14+ in Australia, PC/laptop/smartphone/tablets, text only, Brand Group, Homes & Property Category, Audience (000s).

DEPT OF NZ INSIGHTS

NZ Property market recovery gains momentum

New Zealand's housing market is showing clear signs of recovery, with sales volumes exceeding average levels for the third consecutive month. May sales were 16% higher than the same period last year, marking the 24th rise in 25 months. While high listing numbers are keeping price growth in check, standalone houses are leading the recovery compared to townhouses and flats. With falling mortgage rates appear to be boosting buyer confidence.

DEPT OF CAPITAL GAINS

Sydney climbs, Perth’s nearly there, Aussie house prices on the rise again

House prices are on the up, with Domain tipping gains in every capital city over the next year. Sydney is expected to lift 7% to $1.83 million — that’s a $112,000 increase, or roughly a full year’s salary. Melbourne’s bounce continues, with prices forecast to hit $1.1 million, officially ending its two-year downturn. Perth is inching closer to the million-dollar mark, set to reach $982,000 by the end of 2026. Brisbane and Adelaide are also heading higher, with steady growth of 5% and 4%. Even Canberra’s tracking upward, and still holds the title of most affordable capital based on income.

DEPT OF GLOBAL MARKETS

$132 billion says London is the world’s hottest property market

Over the past decade, London has become the world’s top city for private commercial property investment, pulling in a massive USD $87 billion (approx. AUD $132 billion). That’s more than Hong Kong and New York combined, according to new data from JLL. Offices, residential, retail, industrial and hotels all saw big inflows, with trophy assets like Prada’s $482 million New Bond Street deal turning heads.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Ex-Celtics boss lists $57M mansion with a chef’s kitchen, cinema … and a room full of Santas

Former Boston Celtics co-owner Jim Pallotta is parting ways with his jaw-dropping 21,000-square-foot estate in Weston, Massachusetts, asking USD $38 million (around AUD $57.4 million). The nearly 20-acre property blends English country charm with full-throttle luxury, including a chef’s kitchen with a pizza oven, a cinema, gym, games lounge, wine cellar, and even a basketball court.

The main suite is a hotel-style retreat with dual dressing rooms and a private office, while the lower level is pure entertainment heaven. One of the quirkiest features? A room dedicated entirely to Kim Pallotta’s collection of antique Santa figurines.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Agents swear they’re not using ChatGPT for their listings… but hey, if the copy’s polished and the backyard is “sun-kissed,” who’s really complaining? ☀️📝

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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