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Queensland is blowing out 166 candles on 10 December 2025, celebrating the day Sir George Ferguson Bowen officially declared it a state back in 1859. What started as a frontier colony of farmers, miners and adventurers has become one of Australia’s hottest property markets, where cattle paddocks have turned into city skylines and sleepy seaside towns now boast million-dollar listings.

That founding moment wasn’t just about drawing a new border; it kicked off a long love affair with land. Fast forward to today, and Queensland still embodies that same go-getter spirit, only now the horse and cart have been replaced with cranes and construction loans. From Brisbane’s booming inner-city apartments to the Gold Coast’s glittering high-rises, the Sunshine State continues to show that when it comes to growth, Queenslanders don’t just build homes, they build history.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 18 seconds

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OPINION

What vendors expect now

Why data, clarity and strategy matters most

As Director and Auctioneer at Besser+Co, Dion Besser has watched vendor expectations shift from general market talk to clear, evidence-based guidance. “They’re more informed and more analytical,” he says, and they now judge an agent on how well they can explain what the numbers actually mean.

Rather than offering lines like “the market is good,” Dion starts every conversation with data: “Let me show you what’s happening today in your market.” By grounding advice in facts, from Melbourne’s median price movement to clearance rates at their highest level since 2021, he turns a complex environment into something vendors can act on with confidence.

Data as the starting point

Dion emphasises that vendors now look for information they can rely on. They want to understand the figures shaping their suburb, from growth rates and rental shifts to vacancy levels and buyer demand. By presenting these numbers and explaining what they mean for a specific property, an agent moves the conversation from broad opinion to grounded analysis. This reinforces confidence and gives vendors a clearer sense of timing and strategy.

Understanding buyer behaviour

Vendors also expect an agent to grasp the pressures influencing different buyer groups. First-home buyers remain stretched despite interest rate adjustments, families are weighing rising living costs, and downsizers are recalibrating plans due to inflation. These factors influence negotiation pace, urgency and price sensitivity. Agents who recognise these patterns can guide vendors on how best to position their home.

Policy awareness as a performance edge

Dion also explains that government schemes now play a major role in shaping demand. Programs such as the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme and shared equity options are shifting who enters the market and what price brackets they target; when an agent can explain how these policies interact with current market conditions, they provide strategic direction rather than surface-level commentary. For him, this combination of data, insight and timing is what builds trust and long-term relationships with vendors.

Read the full article here.

ICYMI, yesterday, we found out why real estate leaders must learn to balance data with intuition

TOGETHER WITH BIZCOVER

Get prepared and protected in 2026

With 2026 approaching, forward-thinking real estate agents are already preparing their businesses for success. Industry experts recommend conducting a thorough audit of 2025 performance, identifying skills gaps, and strengthening client relationships to weather potential market shifts. Insurance review is also critical, with Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, and Cyber Liability policies becoming increasingly important for agents facing evolving business risks.

Read more about how to make sure your business is prepared and protected.

ON HOLD

RBA holds rates as inflation proves stubborn

Australia's central bank has kept interest rates unchanged at 3.6% for its final meeting of 2025, dashing hopes for pre-holiday relief. The Reserve Bank pointed to persistent inflation, particularly in housing-related costs, as the main concern. Financial markets have dramatically shifted their outlook, now pricing in a potential rate hike rather than a cut before the end of 2026. Despite steady rates, property prices are still projected to finish the year at least 8% higher.

COMPROMISE

Buyers embrace "COMO" to enter hot property market

Australian homebuyers are increasingly adopting a "compromise or miss out" approach as property prices surged 8.7% over the past year. A new survey reveals 83% of prospective buyers are now willing to sacrifice features like extra bedrooms (11%) or walk-in wardrobes (9%) to secure a home. The trend comes as more Australians focus on long-term wealth creation rather than immediate lifestyle benefits, with the average property buying journey now taking just 40 weeks from start to finish.

IN DEMAND

America's hottest rental market

Cincinnati has claimed the title of America's most in-demand rental market, dethroning Washington D.C. after climbing four spots in the rankings. The Midwest city saw page views surge 34%, favourited listings jump 52%, and saved searches grow 56% compared to last year. This Midwestern dominance reflects a growing shift toward more affordable housing options, with 11 cities from the region ranking among the nation's top 30 rental hotspots.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Alec Baldwin's historic mansion back on the market

Actor Alec Baldwin has relisted his historic Hamptons farmhouse for US$21M after multiple attempts to sell over the past three years. The 10,000-square-foot property sits on 5 acres and features parts dating back to 1740. Baldwin purchased the estate for just US$1.75M in 1996, and has since added luxury amenities including a movie theatre, wine-tasting room, and gunite pool. The property also offers rare expansion potential "unheard of in the Hamptons."

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Phil Grant joins REIQ Committee.

The NAI Harcourts Pinnacle Director brings 20+ years of experience to the Commercial & Industrial Chapter for the 2026-2027 term. More here.

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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

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Wishing you a productive day!

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