PHOTO: Australian real estate has experienced a record-breaking year.
The Australian real estate market experienced a record year in 2021, with tight supply and strong demand leading to soaring prices.
Agents, vendors and buyers innovated through COVID-19 restrictions, including lengthy lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney.
There were numerous mergers, acquisitions and buyouts, along with notable appointments and some surprising departures.
As always, there was never a dull moment, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the top real estate news stories in 2021.Once again, AREC thrilled and inspired, while the AREAs awarded and rewarded the best in the industry.
January
- The RBA tips property prices could increase by 30 per cent in as little as three years.
- The first Transform of 2021 kicks off.
- REIA calls for the removal of all rental eviction moratoriums.
- Leanne Pilkington and some of her leadership team make an offer to buy back Laing & Simmons.

February
- James Bell is promoted to Chief Executive Officer of C21.
- Barry Plant Group’s Chari Emirzade clocks up 1000 sales.
- The rise in Airbnb listings in regional areas presents a catch-22 when it comes to Australia’s rental crisis.
- McGrath announces its first dividend since 2017.
- The 2021 AREA winners are announced with DiJones taking out Agency of the Year, and Laura Valenti named Most Influential Woman in the Property Market.

March
- The national preliminary auction clearance rate hits 84.4 per cent on Super Saturday.
- Experts tip the city exodus to the country might be permanent.
- One in five Melbourne homes sells for above list price, underquoting is blamed.
- RE/MAX Don Ha’s team wins three big awards.
- Nigel O’Neil becomes CEO of Barry Plant.
- Geoff Lucas becomes CEO of The Agency.
- Heidi Howe is crowned the winner of Elite Agent’s Transform 2021.

April
- Rental market rebounds with prices in all capitals but Melbourne, Perth and Darwin hitting a record high.
- Metro Melbourne median house price passes $1 million.
- CBA hires hundreds to speed up loan approvals.
- Australian dwelling values enjoy their highest month of growth in 30 years.
- Elite Agent launches Sales Caffeine – a coaching program for sales agents.

May
- New tenants move into Netherlands first 3D printed house.
- Federal budget is released with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg noting “home ownership will always be supported“.
- Openn Negotiation announces its intention to go public later in the year.
- Jellis Craig acquires the Greg Hocking group.
- All of the agents on Gavin Rubinstein’s TRG team hit Ray White Elite level.
- James Patterson takes on the role of Knight Frank CEO.
- AREC 2021 takes place on the Gold Coast:

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