Inside Real Estate – 1st October 2025: Leadership conversation with Josh Phegan

With the RBA leaving interest rates on hold, this will keep borrowing costs for steady for now.

While rates remain unchanged, the market will be watching closely for signs of the next move, and how this might influence buyer urgency, investor behaviour, and overall market sentiment. Will buyers step forward or take a more cautious approach as they consider where interest rates may go in the future?

Understanding how the market reacts to rate changes allows you to guide your team, advise your clients effectively, and make confident business decisions. It’s not just about predicting the next move – it’s about being prepared for multiple scenarios, so your business stays ahead, no matter the outcome.

With so many moving parts in real estate, it’s refreshing to be able to cut through the noise and get straight to the insights.

That’s why I regularly check in with Cate Bakos and Camerson Kusher on my newest podcast Behind the Numbers.

Together, we break down the key market trends, including:

Where buyers are moving fast and where the market is cooling
Shifts in auction timing, competition, and emerging hotspots
How local brands are competing against international players

These episodes give you actionable insights into what’s really happening – and what it means for your business. It’s my chance to get the answers you really need so you can plan your next moves with confidence.

If you haven’t hit the subscribe button yet, I’d encourage you to do so!

High performance in real estate isn’t just about hours – it’s about energy.

In a recent conversation I had with Josh Phegan, he shared his 5 step change management process that helps leaders:

Manage energy instead of just time
Give and receive feedback that drives results
Build resilience and recover faster from setbacks
Stay curious and adaptable in a constantly changing industry

Whether you’re focused on leading a team, running your business, or improving your own effectiveness, this podcast is a masterclass in leadership that you can apply today.

You can listen to it here.

Until next time,
Stay connected.

Sadhana Smiles
CEO, Real Estate Industry Partners

Recently I caught up with Ryan Bell from Bell Real Estate to unpack how the Federal Government’s expanded Home Guarantee Scheme could influence market activity in the months ahead.

Ryan is already seeing a noticeable increase in first-home buyers securing pre-approvals, driven by the ability to purchase with just a 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. For many, that’s the green light they’ve been waiting for to step into the market.

It will be interesting to watch how these policy changes flow through to:

✅ Buyer competition at opens and auctions
✅ Pricing in the sub-$800k–$1m bracket
✅ Time on market and clearance rates

With more first-home buyers re-entering the conversation, we could see a subtle shift in momentum across key markets.

Keen to see how the next few weeks unfold – and how agents and lenders respond to this renewed demand.

If you’re looking to reduce costs while staying ahead of market shifts, REIP Nexus gives you real-time property data, automated compliance, and presentation tools – all in one platform. Reach out if you’d like to see how much your business could save.

Start exploring the platform now – onboarding takes just minutes.

📞 +61 435 720 313
📧 Adam.Hinds@reipnexus.com.au