In this episode, REB’s Liam Garman is joined by the CEO of Laing+Simmons and president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), Leanne Pilkington, to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the Australian real estate industry.

The duo starts by discussing the upcoming Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms, set to take effect in July 2026, which will require agencies to register as reporting entities and implement policies aligned with AUSTRAC’s requirements.

Leanne stresses that while some businesses may manage compliance internally, complex transactions involving foreign investors will need more rigorous checks, and external support may be necessary.

She highlighted that AI and automation can streamline compliance and property management, allowing agents to focus on client relationships.

She further emphasised the importance of building a cohesive team culture through understanding individual motivations, hiring aligned with company values, and clear communication of vision.

Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

In this episode, REB’s Liam Garman sits down with Mark Nunn – director and principal of Buxton Ballarat and the listing agent for House 3 on The Block – to go behind the scenes of this season and explore why Daylesford is fast becoming Victoria’s hottest lifestyle market.

As the listing agent for Britt and Taz’s “Wellness House”, Mark lifts the lid on the features turning buyer heads in Victoria’s “spa country” – from saunas and yoga studios to design-led living tailored to post-pandemic lifestyles.

Mark then examines the surge in buyer activity across regional Victoria. In particular, how proximity to the city, improved infrastructure, and demand for short-stay accommodation have all contributed to strong capital growth across the regions. They then turn to why Daylesford, in particular, is now front and centre, thanks to The Block’s national spotlight.

They then discuss what buyers are really looking for in 2025 – turnkey properties, wellness-focused design, and flexible homes that blend lifestyle with liveability – and how this informed the strategy for House 3.

Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

In this episode, REB’s Liam Garman sits down with Geraldine Hermens – top-selling agent and licensee at LJ Hooker Dunedin – to uncover the grit, determination, and leadership that have defined her extraordinary 32-year career.

From being one of only a handful of women in real estate in Dunedin in the early 1990s to building a market-leading family business, Geraldine shares the mindset, work ethic, and personal sacrifices that helped her rise to the top in a male-dominated industry.

Geraldine reveals the strategies she used to outwork the competition, build long-term trust in a tight-knit market, and maintain a consistent pipeline in the days before mobile phones and CRMs. She also unpacks the value of brand alignment, mentorship, and ongoing education – and how these have powered both her personal growth and her team’s long-term success.

Now working alongside her daughter in a thriving family-run agency, Geraldine offers practical insights into legacy planning, client relationships, and creating a supportive, high-performance culture.