GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

If the Melbourne Cup were a property race, the favourite would list early, stage flawlessly, and come out of the gates with a killer marketing campaign. The dark horse? That off-market gem that suddenly storms home and leaves everyone asking, “Where did that come from?” Just like agents on a Saturday, every jockey is fighting for position, every stride counts, and timing is everything in that 3200m dash. And let’s be honest, whether it’s the Cup or a campaign, it all comes down to who handles the pressure best when it’s time to sprint for the finish.

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 08 seconds

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HR

The real ROI of joy

Why enjoyment at work drives better business in real estate

Real estate is often defined by pressure, performance targets and long days, not pleasure. But US-based management consultant Rosie Sargeant says that needs to change. In her TED Talk, she argues that joy at work isn’t a luxury; it’s a business advantage.

Her research offers a valuable insight for Australian businesses: companies listed among the Top 100 Places to Work in the US have generated stock returns more than double those of their peers over almost thirty years.

For agents and agency owners, the takeaway is simple: when people enjoy what they do, productivity, retention and customer satisfaction all rise. Rosie’s three tips, double down on joy, eliminate frustrations and keep experimenting, offer a practical roadmap for any business that wants happier teams and stronger results.

Double down on joy

Instead of chasing productivity, ask what makes work enjoyable and do more of it. At US retailer Trader Joe’s, staff thrive because stores are deliberately overstaffed, giving employees time to connect with customers and each other. The result? Fifty per cent higher revenue per employee than competitors - proof that joy drives profit.

Eliminate frustrations

Small irritations sap energy faster than big challenges. When Neiman Marcus gave employees hybrid flexibility during the pandemic, turnover dropped by 20 per cent. For real estate leaders, simplifying admin systems or offering flexible hours can have the same effect: less stress, better performance.

Keep experimenting

Joy isn’t static; it needs maintenance. Rosie’s team runs playful “kangaroo check-ins”, where everyone picks a kangaroo that represents their week - from a contented joey to a stressed, “possibly rabid” roo. The light-hearted approach encourages openness and sparks practical fixes, like shifting meeting times to better suit family life.

In a people-driven business like real estate, joy is strategy, not sentiment. Happy agents sell more, stay longer and build stronger client trust, proving that what’s good for people is also good for business.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday, we looked at what sellers actually want from agents.

TOGETHER WITH EBM RENTCOVER

Unapproved sub-letting could cost landlords their insurance cover

With vacancy rates at record lows and rents exceeding $700 a week, more tenants are turning to sub-letting or short-stay rentals to offset rising costs. While legal with a landlord’s consent, unapproved sub-letting can void insurance and create serious financial risk. Tenants who sub-let remain responsible for rent, maintenance, and any damage caused by sub-tenants.

Most landlord insurance policies exclude claims related to sub-letting unless the insurer has been informed. Even if landlords are unaware, claims may still be reduced or denied. EBM RentCover’s Sharon Fox-Slater warns that without clear agreements, disputes and uncovered losses are common. Landlords should always confirm with their insurer before approving any sub-let to stay protected.

Read more about sub-letting risks here.

SPRING REPORT

Spring gains lift national home prices to record highs

Home prices climbed for the 10th straight month in October, rising 0.6 per cent nationally and pushing values 7.5 per cent higher than a year ago, according to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index. The median home value reached $858,000, with capital city prices also up 0.6 per cent. Adelaide led the monthly gains (+1.2%), followed by Brisbane (+0.9%), while all capitals except Hobart and Canberra hit record highs.

REA Group Senior Economist Eleanor Creagh said improved borrowing capacity, lower mortgage rates and stronger sentiment were “fuelling renewed competition” but noted that affordability remained a brake on faster growth. Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney have seen the sharpest acceleration this year, while regional markets continue to grow but at a slower pace.

INVESTMENT SPIKE

Investors take over the mortgage market

Property investors in Australia now hold their largest share of the mortgage market since records began, accounting for 38% of all new lending. This marks a dramatic shift from just four years ago when investors represented only 24% of loans. Experts warn this trend could push housing prices higher and widen the affordability gap, as first-home buyers now compete with equity-rich investors carrying average loans of $667,512.

GLOBAL INVESTORS

Trusted global investors could unlock billions in property investment

The Property Council of Australia has thrown its support behind a proposed reform to grant automatic Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approvals to established global investors with proven track records, calling it a move that could unlock major new capital inflows into the nation’s property sector. Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said streamlining approvals for “established, low-risk investors” would cut red tape and help attract international funds needed to build new housing, offices and logistics hubs.

“Time kills deals, and right now we need as many investment partners as we can find,” he said. A report commissioned by the Property Council found that scrapping land tax surcharges on global investors could unlock $8.1 billion in investment, create 8,400 jobs, and grow GDP by $3.6 billion by 2030.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Lily Allen's maximalist Brooklyn townhouse hits the market

Lily Allen and David Harbour's stunning Brooklyn brownstone is now available for US$7.995M amid confirmation of their separation. The four-storey Carroll Gardens property, purchased in 2021 for US$3.35M, underwent an extensive renovation by designer Billy Cotton, blending traditional English charm with bold maximalist elements. The home even features in Allen's new album "West End Girl," where she sings about the purchase and renovation process.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Steven Barkho joins The Rubinstein Group.

The experienced real estate professional brings his expertise to Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and prestige markets after building his reputation in Western Sydney. More here.

Harcourts partners with Melbourne Football Club

Australia's fastest-growing real estate brand has signed on as the Official Real Estate Partner of the Demons until at least 2027, supporting both men's and women's programs. 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

Real estate rule #1: grow a thick skin and keep your humour handy, especially when your signboard gets a creative local “makeover.”🪧🖊️

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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