17 Dec
Before we share our last update for the year, I want to pause and acknowledge the heartbreaking events at Bondi over the weekend. Our thoughts are with the Jewish community, families and friends of victims who are grieving such an unimaginable loss.
Moments like this land heavily across the country and they remind us that violence has no place here and that every person in Australia deserves to feel safe where they live, work, and simply go about their day.
From all of us at REIP, our heartfelt condolences go to those affected. We stand with you in sorrow and in solidarity.
Leadership lessons can come from anywhere
I watched Nik Robinson and his son Harry’s latest TEDx talk last week and it was a powerful reminder of why simple thinking often leads to the most meaningful action.
Their story began when Harry, just eight years old, asked his dad to “save the world”. What followed was a business idea sketched on a piece of pizza paper, guided by principles many leaders spend years trying to rediscover: build things that last, don’t harm people or the planet, measure progress, and keep purpose real.
What makes their message resonate is their honesty about failure. More than two thousand attempts, real setbacks and persistence without glamour. Not because the idea was perfect, but because they had a plan, and belief.
The takeaway for leaders is clear. We don’t need more ideas. We need braver failures, clearer purpose and the courage to keep going. And yes, leadership has no minimum age – sometimes the clearest insight comes from the smallest voice in the room.
As Nik puts it: “Success hides in all the failures that everyone else gives up on.”
What can we expect in 2026?
As we move toward 2026, there are a few shifts emerging that I believe will shape the property and PropTech landscape in very real ways.
On government enforcement and underquoting
Governments can no longer sit on the sidelines when it comes to underquoting. If they’re serious about restoring fairness, they need to invest in technology that provides real visibility, not rely on legislation that currently feels patchy and symbolic. The private sector is already building tools capable of supporting meaningful reform. Without that investment, underquoting will remain a loophole the current system simply cannot close.
On consolidation in PropTech
We’re approaching a tipping point. There are too many PropTech players chasing the same customers, while agencies are becoming fatigued by tech clutter and rising subscription costs. Over the next year, we’re likely to see consolidation as major CRMs and established platforms acquire smaller firms. That means fewer companies, but stronger, more integrated and more practical solutions for the industry.
On policy risk in Victoria
Victoria may be heading into a perfect storm. A wave of reforms, including auction reserve changes and rental law updates, is colliding with stubbornly high interest rates and already constrained supply. National vacancy rates remain around 1.2 per cent – well below healthy levels. With population growth continuing and housing supply lagging targets, the tension between people, policy and economic reality could make 2026 another challenging year for buyers and renters.
As the year winds down, I hope you’re able to take a proper break to rest, reflect and spend time with the people who matter most.
I want to thank you for being part of the REIP community this year, and I look forward to coming back in 2026 with more insights, conversations and ideas to help navigate our ever-changing industry.
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas break and a well-earned reset for the year ahead.
Until next time,
Stay connected.
Sadhana Smiles
CEO, Real Estate Industry Partners
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