Network & Industry News

IR: Fantastic New Resources for Investor Relations Managers

Following consultation with our Investor Relations Managers nationally, FN Central has launched a fantastic new resource area that is every property manager’s new go-to. 

Whether you need forms, information about changing tenancy laws, rules on smoke detectors, maintenance, safety switches or domestic violence, head straight to FN Central for support.

Organised by state and territory under:

• Compliance
• Marketing 
• Training

FN Central outlines a wealth of resources and Fair Trading contacts for your to explore. Make sure everyone on your team gets a proper introduction at your next staff meeting.

COMMERCIAL: Key Economic Trends for Commercial 23/24

According to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), investor uncertainty, a challenging leasing market and lower transactions have been offset by solid profits underpinning the commercial real estate market.

The REIA’s Commercial Agency Engagement Program found that while consumer confidence has been near record lows for some time now, business conditions for some sectors was still strong.

‘While office vacancy rates remain high across the country, particularly in the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs, occupancy across most asset classes have held up well considering the pace of interest rate hikes are yet to fully impact,’ says REIA President, Hayden Groves.

‘One key driver of demand for commercial real estate is overseas migration. Both the March and September 2022 quarters were record years for net overseas migration, which is extraordinary given how strong migration intake was prior to the pandemic. Small-scale commercial assets are often a target for new arrivals keen to start a business and with reasonable supply, high-street stock is finding new occupants.’ 

Download a copy of the report here.

If you’re thinking about adding a commercial arm to your agency or have questions about commercial practice, talk to the network’s National Commercial Manager, Anne Donchos on 0414 582 224.

UP-SKILLING: Principals Retreats Focus on Building Business

NSW, Vic/Tas and WA principals took to the network’s most recent Retreats with enthusiasm and a commitment to work together to build better businesses.

Victorians and Tasmanians gathered at Mitchelton Winery in Nagambie to concentrate on raising standards, simplifying strategies, succession planning and elevating their state. With an address from leadership and mindset specialist, Tanja Lee, Dr Matt Tredgetsmith, and Eythan Barraclough, key elements for success were brought into sharp focus.

New South Wales’ principals met at Parklands Resort in Mudgee where they were addressed by CEO Ray Ellis, Tanja Lee, Dr Matt Tredgetsmith, Eythan Barraclough (Creating a succinct framework for the future of your business) and Jacinta Purvis of FN Discover (Bathurst) on anti-fraud methods and what to look out for.

Western Australia's principals got together at Joondalup Resort, where they too focused on frameworks for the future with Eythan Barraclough and mindset with Tanja Lee, Dr Matt Tredgetsmith.

Queensland principals, don’t miss Tanja and Matt at your Retreat on 8 and 9 August at RACV Noosa Resort. Here’s a quick message for you…

‘As we are starting the big succession plan now for my retirement, it was good timing for us.’

Kay Alexander

FN Alexanders (Bright, Vic)

‘Simple, quick and very worthwhile.’

Andrew Mansour

FN Connect (Richmond, NSW)

‘Great training and great personal insight. Be responsible.’

Darren Peeters

FN Tuncurry (NSW)

MARKET: Is the Recovery Trend Losing Steam?

Although we’ve seen four consecutive months of rises in housing values, is this recovery trend running out of steam? That’s the question CoreLogic poses in its Market Chat as it observes growth decelerating across most regions. 

Contrary to the normal seasonal trend of fewer listings in winter, a rise in the flow of new listings could be taking some heat out of the market. This uptick in listings is broad-based and will be a key trend to watch. 

Here's how the rise in listings across our capitals compare.

NETWORK: Leaders Catch Up

Network co-founder Bill Wood caught up with Rob Westwood (Chairman), Alan Read (Company Secretary), Ray Ellis (CEO) and Simon O’Donoghue (former Chair 1994-96) recently to discuss everything real estate. In the words of the chief executive… ‘just good blokes and a great afternoon.’

UP-SKILLING: Navigating Towards Growth

Fiona Blayney has commenced a tour of duty through NSW, discussing with our investor relations managers and administrators:

• Methods to minimise legislation disruption
• Work health, happiness and safety simplified
• What your role is when client and customer are at odds 
• Service standards for client and team retention
• 5 quick roads to growth

We have more sessions coming up in Ballina, Newcastle and Wollongong throughout August and November so don’t miss out. https://www.fncentral.com.au/pages/training

UP-SKILLING: Back to Basics with Social Media

Social media guru, Jonathan Creek, delivered another successful ‘back to basics’ social media training session in Melbourne, casting a spotlight on:

• Nurturing your community
• Driving leads
• Generating ideas
• Using a phone camera in ways that make you look good
• Planning a content schedule
• Enhancing boring videos to make them eye-catching
• Building confidence on camera

‘Great session for the team to learn the power of good video and content, how to capture attention online, and how to grow leads.’

Jane Mortimer

FN Ranges (Belgrave, Vic)

POLICY: NSW Rental Reforms Condemn Tenants to Worse Fate

The Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) has warned that NSW Government’s ‘rental protection’ reforms will exacerbate the rental crisis and condemn tenants to a worse fate. It has made the case that:

• Targeting landlords has reduced rental supply
• The Rental Fairness Bill will only make things worse
• Naming the Act ‘Fairness’ doesn’t in itself make it fair
• The past 5 years have seen a decline in the growth of rental properties
• People who invest in property want their asset protected, an annual return and capital growth
• They don’t invest because they want to provide public housing; that’s the government’s job
• We have a series of reforms that instead of protecting tenants, exposes them to a worse fate