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Forget the share house of your twenties – co-living has gone corporate. More than 18.6 million people globally now live in professionally managed co-living spaces, with 42% concentrated in major cities. These aren't grotty share houses with passive-aggressive notes about dishes – they're purpose-built complexes with co-working lounges, housekeeping, and 24/7 security.

The economics are compelling: residents save 18–32% compared to conventional rentals, while operators maintain occupancy rates of 85–90%. In Bengaluru alone, providers are planning to double capacity over the next two years as Gen Z and millennials abandon traditional rentals for the all-inclusive model.

In today’s edition of The Brief

• Calm and confident agents turn mindset into a market-winning edge

• NSW cracks down on underquoting with $110k fines and stricter rules

• Rental market tightens, with rents rising sharply

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 59 seconds

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FOCUS

Why your mindset matters more than the market

Global events are rattling confidence again. Oil prices surging, inflation warnings, and 24-hour news cycles are making clients anxious – and looking to you for reassurance. Shane Kempton, CEO of Harcourts WA, argues that in uncertain times, your mental state isn't just personal wellbeing – it's a professional advantage.

Your state shapes your service

Buyers question timing. Sellers second-guess decisions. Investors seek reassurance. In those moments, Shane says, you become more than a service provider.

"When you remain calm, your clients feel calmer. When you remain confident, your clients borrow that confidence."

But here's what most agents miss – there's a specific framework for identifying exactly what you can control when everything else feels chaotic.

The circle of control

Shane introduces a powerful concept: Your performance depends entirely on what falls inside your circle of control. Wars, interest rates, inflation – these influence markets, but they don't dictate your response.

The full article reveals the specific elements that belong in your circle – and how focusing there changes everything.

Calm as a competitive advantage

In volatile markets, the loudest voices rarely win. Shane argues that the professionals who stand out offer context rather than fear, perspective rather than speculation.

"In a noisy world, staying calm gives you an advantage."

But staying calm under pressure doesn't happen by accident. It comes from specific habits – and the article outlines exactly what they are.

What you'll learn in the full article:

• The circle of control: The specific elements that belong inside it – and why focusing there transforms your performance

• Mental fitness habits: Practical daily practices that help you stay steady when markets feel uncertain

• The three-word framework: Why "Calm, Confident, Clarity" is what clients value most in every market cycle

• State regulation techniques: Quick resets you can use before important client conversations

When clients are anxious, they need a steady presence. Shane's framework shows you how to be that person – consistently.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday: What Coca-Cola can teach agents about AI

TOGETHER WITH PACIFIC PROPERTY BUYERS

Buyer's agent drops upfront fee for first-home buyers

Forty per cent of Albert Sassoon's buyer's agent clients are first-home buyers – so he's built a service specifically for them. Pacific Property Buyers' new model charges no upfront fee and drops the success fee from the typical 2.2% to 1.5%, payable only if a purchase goes through. He says nearly half his purchases are off-market properties first-timers wouldn't otherwise see.

Read more

LEGAL

NSW cracks down on underquoting with $110k fines

NSW real estate agents face fines of up to $110,000 or three times their commission under new laws targeting underquoting and dummy bidding. The reforms, announced by NSW Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong, also require agents to include a price guide in all listings and publish a Statement of Information showing how prices are calculated.

Agents can no longer advertise below a previously rejected offer or highest unsuccessful auction bid, and Fair Trading gains stronger enforcement powers, including public disclosure of misconduct.

RENTAL MARKET

Rental vacancies fall to 1.1% nationally

Darwin has just 144 rentals available – for the entire city! It's the sharpest monthly drop of any capital, as the national vacancy rate fell to 1.1% in February from 1.3% a year ago. SQM's Louis Christopher says without more supply, rental pressures will stick around through 2026.

HOW IT SOLD

77 bids pushed Bilinga beachfront to $2.7m

With few beachfront comparables to guide pricing, Tony Holland and Rachael Ford opted for a 21-day auction. Pre-listing renovation advice for this original-condition apartment paid off – four registered bidders delivered 77 bids, taking the final price to $2.7 million, nearly double the suburb's $1.4 million unit median.

Agents across Australia and New Zealand are turning sales into stories. getailsa.com

CELEBRITY HOMES

The Rock’s former Gold Coast mansion returns to market

Famous for being leased by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson in 2014, this ultra-prime riverfront estate in Isle of Capri has returned to the Gold Coast market. Spanning 2,197sqm across four riverfront blocks, the Balinese-inspired residence features 52.7 metres of river frontage, sweeping skyline views, and premium finishes throughout. Key highlights include five ensuite bedrooms, a caretaker’s cottage, an impressive 7,000-bottle wine cellar.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

DiJones turns beach lifestyle into $41M listing pipeline

Dominique Vasers at DiJones Pacific Palms uses cabanas, a branded Vespa, and targeted campaigns to attract buyers, generating $41M in listings without a traditional shopfront. 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

Client chatter vs. commission: sometimes you just nod, smile, and collect the paycheck. 😅💰

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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