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On 18 September 1797, coal was officially discovered in New South Wales, a moment that not only fuelled the colony but also laid the groundwork for what would become the city of Newcastle. Today, Newcastle stands as one of Australia’s key property markets; a city whose origins are tied directly to the resource that powered its growth.

What began as a mining hub has since evolved into a vibrant coastal centre, where former industrial landscapes have been transformed into thriving residential and commercial precincts. For us in the industry, it’s a reminder of how the legacy of land use and industry continues to shape buyer demand, urban renewal, and long-term property values.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 59 seconds

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RECRUITMENT AND LEADERSHIP

Creating loyalty through healthy competition

Tim Snell: why competitive tension is the real key to recruitment

Ray White NSW & ACT CEO Tim Snell says the most effective recruitment strategy in today’s real estate market goes beyond commission structures and office perks. He argues that creating healthy “competitive tension” within teams, across the industry, and with clients not only drives performance but also strengthens loyalty and reinforces company. By deliberately fostering ambition in a supportive environment, Tim believes leaders can attract top performers, retain talent, and build market dominance.

Building culture from within

“The most impactful competitive tension begins within the business itself,” Tim says. He explains that rather than managing it away, leaders should see it as a “catalyst for growth.” Transparent metrics, recognition programs and clear advancement opportunities, he argues, help transform potential insecurity into motivation.

“Successful leaders ensure that competitive dynamics remain focussed on performance outcomes rather than personal conflicts, while providing clear pathways for every team member to advance and succeed.”

Industry positioning

Tim says competitive tension also works at the industry level, where visibility and consistency build influence. “In my experience, industry tension isn’t about being the loudest voice, it’s about being the most consistently visible and valuable,” he explains.

Showcasing training, results and technology like NurtureCloud and Pulse, he says, creates a ripple effect. “It’s not about boasting, it’s about demonstrating value so clearly that the market takes notice.”

Creating client confidence

On the client side, Tim believes public displays of success are critical to shaping perception. “Sold boards are our most effective tool; they’re public declarations of success that can’t be argued with,” he says. Auctions, busy open homes and consistent branding all reinforce a competitive edge.

“When we consistently deliver these experiences, we create competitive tension that works in our favour. Clients start to question whether they can afford not to use us.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday, we discussed what the “doorknob phenomenon” means for agents.

TOGETHER WITH RECRUIT RE

Katie Cotton takes over Recruit RE to redefine real estate hiring

Recruit RE, the platform created to help real estate agencies attract and retain talent, has been acquired by industry leader Katie Cotton from founder Kylie Walsh. Katie says the next phase will make recruitment “a strategic pillar of growth,” adding, “Every real estate business is built on people. Every role matters, whether it’s an associate, property manager, or an administrator. Without the right people in the right seats, growth stalls.”

She plans to enhance the platform with smarter technology, a deeper talent pool, and tools for onboarding, retention and career progression. “We can book a holiday, order groceries, or have dinner arrive at our door with ease; shouldn’t finding the right career opportunity be just as simple?” she said. Recruit RE will relaunch in October with a renewed focus on innovation, culture and long-term success.

Read more about Recruit RE here.

SPRING PROPERTY MARKET

From pools to granny flats: What Aussie buyers really want

Spring is here, and so is a shake-up in what buyers are searching for. Granny flats have shot to the top of the wish list, with Sydney leading the charge and Adelaide and Perth not far behind. Domain reports that affordability is steering clicks too, with “dual living” searches soaring as buyers look for smarter, cheaper ways to get into the market. Adelaide buyers are even hunting for stamp duty savings, proving nothing gets in the way of a bargain.

Lifestyle isn’t forgotten - pools are still a hot ticket everywhere, while Melbourne is falling back in love with art deco and heritage charm. Townhouses and units are getting more attention too, as three-bedroom houses become harder to reach. All up, Australians are getting creative about what “home” looks like in 2025.

PROFIT BONANZA

Property sellers notch record $315k median profit in June quarter

Australia’s property sellers are pocketing record gains, with the latest Cotality Pain & Gain report showing a whopping $36.6 billion in profits in the June quarter alone. Nearly 95 per cent of resales turned a profit, with the typical seller walking away $315,000 better off; that is the highest median gain ever recorded.

Losses are getting smaller too, with the average dip now $42,000, down from earlier in the year. Brisbane took the crown as the nation’s most profitable capital, with virtually every resale making money, while Darwin sat at the other end of the scale with one in five homes selling at a loss. Regional markets outshone the capitals overall, notching a 96.4 per cent rate of profitable resales.

CROSS-BORDER COOL OFF

Canadians losing interest in US real estate

Canadian homebuyers are increasingly turning away from American properties as trade tensions intensify. Searches for US homes dropped 19.5% year-over-year in August, marking the seventh consecutive monthly decline since President Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods.

Florida markets have been hit hardest, with some areas seeing interest plummet by over 25%. Beyond tariffs, rising insurance costs and an unfavourable exchange rate are making US properties increasingly unaffordable for Canadian buyers.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Comedian Mike King’s Papatoetoe home sells with a smile

It was laughter and happy tears for comedian-turned-mental health advocate Mike King and his wife Joanna as they sold their Papatoetoe family home under the hammer for $1.5 million NZD ($1.37 million AUD). The four-bedroom Glen Avenue property drew a crowd and fierce competition, with 12 registered bidders lining up for a shot. Nine were developers eyeing the 862sqm block, while three were keen home buyers hoping to move in; in the end, a developer placed the winning bid, with a home buyer as the under bidder. Marketing agent Fatima Ali of Ray White Manukau said the strong result reflected both the property’s location and buyer demand.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

The Agency Group wins big at 2025 REIWA Awards

The company took home top honours for Large Office by Listings Sold and Value Sold after achieving 3,833 property sales worth $3.3 billion in Western Australia. More here.

Harcourts SA takes the plunge for charity

The team will skydive on September 26, 2025, with CEO Heather Edwards leading the charge to raise funds for Puddle Jumpers Inc., supporting over 6,500 vulnerable children. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Real estate agents don’t do 9–to-5. They do 24/7… because buyers love a midnight scroll. ⏰📱

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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