Australia’s Real Estate Industry Is at a Crossroad - And We Should Be Paying Attention
Australia’s Real Estate Industry Is at a Crossroad- And We Should Be Paying Attention
Mar 25, 2026
The real estate industry is evolving, whether we like it or not.
And right now, one of the most interesting shifts is happening in the United States.
It’s being led by a company called Compass.
Their strategy is simple, but disruptive: get properties in front of buyers before they ever hit the public market.
Before going further, it’s important to be clear on one point, this is not about bypassing selling agents.
In fact, quite the opposite.
As buyer’s agents, we see ourselves working in tandem with selling agents to achieve strong, efficient outcomes for both buyers and sellers. We coach and guide our clients to understand true market value and transact confidently; this is not about bargain hunting or trying to undercut the market.
What this shift is really challenging is something else entirely:
The heavy reliance on public listing platforms, particularly those that command a significant portion of a vendor’s marketing budget, often without necessarily improving the quality of the outcome.
The Rise of Pre-Market and Off-Market Strategy
Compass has leaned heavily into “coming soon” and pre-market listings, creating early access for qualified buyers while reducing the seller’s reliance on expensive public campaigns.
They’re also working with major platforms like Redfin and aligning with companies such as Rocket Companies to broaden how listings are distributed.
This isn’t just a marketing tweak.
It’s a fundamental shift in how property is brought to market, who sees it first, and where the power sits in a transaction.
And whether you agree with it or not, it’s working.
Why This Matters for Australia (And Especially Perth)
Here in Australia, and particularly in the Perth property market, we are already seeing similar behaviour emerge. Sellers will sell if they know where they're going.
Listings are tighter than ever
Buyer demand remains strong
Competition is fierce
And speed is critical
In this environment, off-market and pre-market opportunities are no longer a bonus, they are becoming essential.
At Beagl, we consistently see that some of the best opportunities never make it to realestate.com.au.
They are:
Quietly circulated
Shared within agent networks
Offered to buyers who are ready to act
This is where a buyer’s agent creates real advantage.
The Shift in Power: From Public Listings to Private Networks
Traditionally, the process was simple:
List → Advertise → Inspect → Offer → Negotiate
Now we are seeing:
Network → pre-market → Off market → Targeted buyers → Transaction
This shift changes everything.
It rewards:
Relationships overreach
Readiness over browsing
Strategy over luck
And it means that buyers who are relying purely on public listings are often arriving late to the opportunity.
What This Means for Buyers
For everyday buyers, whether owner-occupiers (particularly downsizers) investors, this shift can be frustrating if they’re not positioned correctly.
You can:
Spend months searching online
Attend crowded home opens
Compete in multiple offer situations
Agree to unfavourable terms for your circumstances
…while missing opportunities that were never publicly advertised.
This is why we’re seeing a growing demand for buyer’s agents in Perth and across Australia.
Not because people can’t find property, but because they want access, insight, and execution.
What This Means for the Industry
The Compass model raises a bigger question:
Who controls access to property, and how transparent should that access be?
There are arguments on both sides. Some will say this approach limits transparency. Others will argue it creates efficiency and better outcomes.
But from where I sit, after more than three decades in the industry, one thing is clear:
The market always evolves toward efficiency.
And right now, efficiency looks like:
Earlier access
Smarter matching of buyers and properties
Reduced friction in transactions
A more nurturing approach with buyers
Collaboration of selling agents and buyer's agents
A Perspective from 37+ Years in Real Estate
Having worked across Australia and New Zealand for over 37 years, I’ve seen the industry go through multiple cycles of change.
From traditional sales models…
to franchising…
to digital disruption…
to today’s data-driven, network-led environment.
I’ve owned and operated multiple real estate offices, run conveyancing and finance businesses, and had the privilege of serving on industry boards and as a Sessional Member of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
What I’ve learned is this:
The fundamentals don’t change, but the way we access opportunity does.
At Beagl we’ve built our model around that belief.
We represent buyers only.
We leverage relationships.
And we use technology, including our Buyers Agent Online platform, to give clients visibility and speed in a fast-moving market.
Where to From Here?
Australia doesn’t need to copy the United States.
But we do need to pay attention.
Because the direction is clear:
More off-market transactions
Greater reliance on networks
Faster decision-making cycles
Increased importance of representation
For buyers, the takeaway is simple:
If you want to compete in today’s market, you need to be in the market before it becomes public.
Final Thought
This isn’t about hype.
It’s about understanding where the market is heading and positioning yourself accordingly.
Because in real estate, as in most things:
The best opportunities don’t wait.
And increasingly, they’re not advertised.
About Barry Pound
With over 37 years in real estate across Australia and New Zealand, Barry Pound is one of the industry’s most experienced and respected professionals.
A licensed real estate agent and licensed conveyancer, Barry’s career spans residential sales, franchise leadership, financial services, and conveyancing.
He has owned and operated four real estate offices in Western Australia, led high-performing teams, and contributed at the highest levels of the industry. Barry is also a Sessional Member of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), overseeing matters relating to real estate and conveyancing.
At Beagl Buyer’s Agents, Barry co-leads a modern, buyer-focused approach to property, combining decades of experience with innovative systems and technology.
He’s known for his straight-talking advice, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate complex transactions with confidence and clarity. Book a Discovery Call
