03 Jun
With AML Tranche 2 legislation now less than four weeks away, preparation should be well underway for real estate businesses across Australia.
Last week, REIP partnered with AMLHUB to host a breakfast briefing at Hyde Melbourne, bringing together a number of leading brands to discuss the practical steps required before the legislation takes effect.
We’re continuing to work closely with AMLHUB to help the industry navigate these changes and are currently developing a series of live educational webinars for members. In the meantime, we encourage all business owners, principals and compliance leaders to access AMLHUB’s on-demand webinar series and ensure their teams are prepared ahead of implementation.
The deadline is approaching quickly, and now is the time to confirm your policies, procedures and training requirements are in place.
What the Women in Real Estate report reveals
The newly released Women in Real Estate Insights Report 2026 provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots we’ve seen of the experiences, ambitions and challenges facing women across our industry. Drawing on insights from women working in sales, leadership and business ownership, the report explores what drives long-term success and where barriers to progression still exist.
Supported by respected industry leaders including Leanne Pilkington, CEO of Laing+Simmons, the report challenges some long-held assumptions about performance, leadership and career progression in real estate.
Among the findings:
- 65% of business came from referrals and repeat clients
- More than one-third of women considered leaving sales in their first 12-24 months
- 63% of non-leaders want leadership roles.
One of the strongest themes to emerge is that success in real estate is rarely about capability alone. The report highlights the importance of structure, leadership, training and support, particularly during the critical first two years of a real estate career. It also shows that relationship-building, rather than activity alone, is what ultimately drives long-term results.
“Most striking is the gap between what we believe we’re providing and how that support is actually experienced by our people.”
Leanne Pilkington, CEO, Laing+Simmons
Backing yourself before you feel ready
Many of the report’s findings are echoed in a recent interview with Women’s Agenda, where REIP CEO Sadhana Smiles reflected on her own leadership journey and the importance of creating stronger pathways for women into positions of influence.
From her early days in real estate through to becoming the first woman to lead a major real estate franchise brand in Australia, Sadhana’s story highlights the role that mentors, sponsors and courage play in career progression.
Her message is particularly relevant at a time when the report shows strong interest from women in leadership and business ownership, but ongoing barriers around access, opportunity and visibility.
“If the door opens for you, you must have the courage to step in.”
Sadhana Smiles, CEO, REIP
REIP
Real Estate Industry Partners
