Network and industry

Member satisfaction survey 50% complete

Our 2024 Member Satisfaction Survey is progressing well, with approximately 50% of  principals now having completed an interview with Klein Research. Thank you to those of you who have participated.

The objective of our survey is to better understand your needs so that we can determine how best to support your business into the future. 

Klein will be contacting ALL office principals again who have not yet completed the survey. The telephone survey takes approximately 15 minutes. Please don't miss your chance to have your say.

• The phone number you will be contacted from is 0489 926 580
• The interviewer will say they’re calling from TKW on behalf of Klein, in relation to First National’s Member Survey

This is an important initiative for First National and we would value your participation. Your feedback will be combined with that of other members’ so that your responses remain completely anonymous.

If you would like more information about this survey, please contact either David Edwards on 0457 860 958, or Simon Edwards (no relation!) from Klein on (03) 9087 7333.

The Swiss Army Knife of real estate!

First National’s new Calculator App is back! Thank you for your patience while a few gremlins were  swept from the back end. 

Our new app gives agents and customers (including first homebuyers) a set of easy-to-use tools to calculate:

• Commissions
• Stamp duty
• Settlement dates
• Loan repayment calculator
• Unit converters

It even takes into account first homebuyer calculations concerning any stamp duty waivers applicable to their property purchase, and we’ve used this additional functionality to add this very useful page to the National Website. You might like to also link to it from your website and promote through your social media.

Download and share the FN Calculator app with your customers today.

Vale Lorna Sharp, WA pioneer

Sadly, First National Kalgoorlie announced the passing of Lorna Sharp last week. Lorna was a pioneer for women working in the real estate industry in Western Australia and the Eastern Goldfields.

Lorna is well remembered by her clients, friends and the colleagues who worked with her over her 44 years in the industry. She commenced her Real estate career in 1968 and became a partner in Wades Estate Agency in 1971, which then evolved over the years into First National Real Estate Kalgoorlie. She became the sole owner between 1972 and 1985. Following that, her son in-law Gavin Gilmore became a partner and, later, Norm her son also became a partner in the firm.

Lorna remained active in the firm until her retirement in 2012.

What to expect in this spring’s marketplace

Did you miss CoreLogic’s national spring market update? 

Short Stay Tax Bill introduced to Victorian Parliament

New Real Estate Institute of Victoria Chief Executive, Kelly Ryan, has been advised by The Premier’s office that the Short Stay Tax Bill was introduced into parliament last week.

The Bill, which introduces a 7.5% tax on Airbnb and Stayz listed properties, will apply from 1 January 2025 and is anticipated to be passed in September, however its mechanics have not yet been revealed. 

What we do know is that 36,000 properties will be affected, 29,000 of which are entire homes, and the average levy payable per property will be $2,083. 

• Owners Corporations will be allowed to ban short stays if 75% of owners approve
• The levy will only apply to stays of less than 28 days

The new tax may provide a marginal incentive for landlords who don’t partially use their investment as a holiday property to switch to long-term rental arrangements. Landlords in seasonal holiday locations may be able to pass on the levy through higher rates, depending on local market conditions such as competition from hotels.

Kylie Walsh; Agent of change

Kylie Walsh concluded her First National NSW training engagements with a final session in Newcastle. Drawing from her extensive experience and genuine investment in the industry, Kylie ensured her content was real, relevant, and actionable. Her sessions focused on critical drivers and strategies that affect performance, discipline, and client experience. She also shared quick wins, offering a clear process and framework to help attendees gain a competitive edge.

Attendees at the Newcastle session went a step further in their commitment to prioritise the customer experience. They have volunteered to be held accountable and will attend monthly Zoom meetings with BGM Amy Bruce in the lead-up to Christmas, to ensure they implement the changes discussed.

‘As you know Chris, Emma and I attended a sales training session in Newcastle today, led by Kylie Walsh, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience. Kylie’s expertise and insights were truly remarkable. Her approach and the content she presented resonated deeply with everyone in the group. This training was, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever participated in. I walked away with newfound confidence and a strong belief that meaningful changes are within reach. I am eagerly looking forward to future sessions with Kylie and the continued impact they will have.’

Kerrie Rowbottom

FN Engage Eastlakes (Belmont, NSW)

Minimum standards could see landlords slugged $27,000

Victorian renters may have to cough up thousands of dollars in extra rent if the Victorian Government’s proposed changes to energy efficiency standards go ahead, says new research from Frontier Economics.

From October 2025, minimum energy efficiency standards will come into force with rental properties. The Allen Government revealed its proposed new rental rules in June this year, which will introduce requirements for: 

• ceiling insulation
• draught proofing
• hot water efficiency
• cooling

Landlords will be required to install ceiling insulation, 4-star shower heads in all showers, and blind cord anchors, and draught-proof windows and doors before signing a new lease.

Hot water and heating and cooling systems will have to be upgraded to energy efficient models when old ones reach their end-of-life, and a 3-star cooling rating will be imposed for systems in the main living area.

In June, the energy minister said a full suite of upgrades would cost a landlord $5,000 and that the transition would add value to rental properties. She also indicated renters could save about $567 a year on energy bills.

The independent research suggests landlords could actually be hit with $27,000 in extra expenses!

While First National acknowledges the role initiatives such as these play in Australia meeting its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and we support improvements in living conditions and energy efficiency for renters, Victoria is suffering a severe housing affordability crisis. 

You tell us:

• landlords are selling their properties because they are already significantly burdened by massive increases in land tax, council rates, interest rates and insurance premiums
• Most of the rental properties being sold are not returning to the pool of available rentals – they are being bought by First Home Buyers (FHBs)

The likely flow on costs of the new standards could see 280,000 renters paying $3,400 more per annum (or $65 per week).

First National doesn't want to see more landlords exiting the Victorian marketplace. This will only exacerbate shortages and force up rents on the dwindling pool of rental stock. And, arguably, a home that is well heated by an existing gas ducted system could cost $3,400 more per year to rent, whereas without the energy efficiency changes the tenant would be paying only $567 more.

Your network will take available steps to encourage the government to consider postponing the introduction of the new efficiency standard until there is a more balanced situation with supply and demand for rental properties, or, to offer subsidies and incentives so these additional costs are not passed on to tenants.

Proclamation Update: Stage 2 Rental Law Reforms in Queensland

Queensland’s remaining Stage 2 Rental Law Reforms will commence in two parts, on 30 September 2024 and 1 May 2025. The state is now also enforcing minimum housing standards across all residential tenancies.

• at least one fee-free rent payment method must be offered to the tenant and the property manager/lessor must provide the tenant with notice of any costs associated with using a rent payment method;
• lessors will need to provide to the tenant evidence to support a bond claim or dispute resolution request within 14 days of making the claim or request;
• the maximum bond limit thresholds will be removed and a maximum bond of four weeks rent will be applicable for every rental property regardless of the weekly rent amount;
• in some cases, when a tenancy is renewed, a tenant will be permitted to seek a bond refund if too much bond is held;
• bills for service charges and water consumption charges will need to be provided to the tenant within four weeks of receipt from the relevant supply authority or otherwise, the tenant is not required to pay for the service charge or water consumption charge;
• if water consumption charges relate to a partial billing period, the tenant is not required to pay for the charges unless the property manager calculates the water consumption in accordance with the RTRA Act; and
• if a tenant breaks lease, reletting costs will need to be calculated in accordance with a statutory formula. 

• property managers will be required to use a prescribed form for tenancy applications;
• property managers will only be permitted to request prescribed types of information from a prospective tenant and will be prohibited from requesting certain types of information;
• new requirements will apply for when a property manager verifies the identity of the tenant;
• property managers will be required to disclose to the tenant any financial benefit received from a third party rent payment method;
• entry notice periods will be extended from 24 hours to 48 hours;
• entry will be limited to two times per seven-day period once a Form 12 Notice to Leave or Form 13 Notice of Intention to Leave is issued;
• a new process will be introduced for how a tenant can request the attachment of fixtures or structural changes in residential properties; and
• a new process will be introduced for collecting, storing and destroying personal information.

Industry leader addresses SA/NT and WA principals

Australia’s leading real estate business growth coach, Michael Sheargold, addressed South Australian and Western Australian members at their respective Principals’ Retreats last week. 

Having coached many of the industry’s most successful principals, property managers and salespeople, he shared his fascination for the ‘what’s possible’ in business as well as his ideas about how to keep your business in the transformation space.

CEO David Edwards also shared details of the network’s new three-year strategy, recently approved by the Board and now being implemented by management. This strategy is aimed at improving products, services and the value proposition of your First National membership.

Stay ahead with PMC24 - Empower, Believe, Achieve!

The annual Property Management Conference is fast approaching, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and forge new connections in a social setting. Plus, join leading industry trainers to:

• Refresh and enhance your skills
• Develop a better understanding of cultural differences to achieve better outcomes in your role
• Master the art of reading the room and de-escalating situations
• Develop strategies to handle abrupt customers with ease
• Establish boundaries that minimise challenges and conflicts

Dates & Registration

VIC/TAS |17 – 18 September - REGISTER NOW 

SA/NT | 15 – 16 October - REGISTER NOW  

WA | 18 October - REGISTER NOW  

NSW | 24 – 25 October - REGISTER NOW  

QLD | 29 – 30 October - REGISTER NOW

Hear from your speakers 

Round up of recent training highlights

Property managers enjoyed REA’s Property Management Think Tank at their impressive offices in Sydney. During the meeting, PMs discussed their challenges and also heard from Allie Thompson about how to leverage Ignite and Connect Pro to stand out from the competition. Thank you, Sarah Barton (NSW BGM) for coordinating this valuable session.

Vasili Hadzellis provided two great property management sessions on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, talking to our people about nurturing relationships to create raving fans.

REIA appoints interim CEO

The REIA has announced the appointment of Maria Edwards as our Interim CEO, effective from 9 September 2024. 

Ms. Edwards, currently serving as the CEO of the Real Estate Institute of the ACT (REIACT), brings her extensive experience in sales, property management, business development, and strata management, and social and affordable housing.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

What: Sales Training with James Tostevin

When: 9 September 10am to 3pm

Where: Crown Melbourne

Register: Click here

What: Property Management Training with Kasey McDonald

When: 17 September 9:30am to 1:30pm

Where: Novotel Newcastle Beach

Register: Click here

What: Property Management Training with Kasey McDonald

When: 19 September 9:30am to 1:30pm

Where: Ballina RSL Club

Register: Click here

What: Sales Training with Jonathan Clover

When: 18 September 10am to 3pm

Where: Adelaide Oval

Register: Click here

What: Commercial Webinar 2 with Wendy Thomson & Joel Rauer

When: 5 September 1pm to 3pm AEST

Where: Zoom Webinar – Online

Register: Click here