A year of change and connection: reflecting on 2025 in Australian real estate

Submitted by: Alex Antal, Head of Securexchange

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear this has been a landmark year for Australia’s real estate industry. From sweeping legislative reform to rising client expectations and accelerating digital transformation, the pace of change has been extraordinary.

For me and the team at Securexchange, this has been a year defined by collaboration, working side by side with agents, industry bodies, and partners to support reform, improve operational efficiency, and empower agencies with insights that strengthen client relationships and trust.

Raising the bar for your efficiency and client experience

This year marked the launch of our upgraded Securexchange platform, purpose-built to streamline the way agents manage the property journey, from sales to property management.

By consolidating key steps of a transaction into one secure ecosystem, you can save hours each week, reduce cyber risk, and deliver a far more seamless experience for your clients. You also gain clearer visibility across workflows, enabling stronger collaboration and a more consistent, professional client journey.

Most importantly, your clients benefit from smoother communication, faster turnaround times, and a higher level of security, all of which contribute to trust and satisfaction.

This upgraded platform also positioned Queensland agencies to respond quickly to major regulatory changes, providing the tools to navigate reform confidently and maintain momentum across listings.

Supporting agents through major reform

One of the most significant developments this year has been the introduction of Queensland’s Seller Disclosure Regime in August, representing one of the biggest legislative shifts the real estate sector has seen in decades.

We recognised early on that you, as agents, would be at the centre of this change, taking on new compliance responsibilities when preparing and delivering disclosure documents for sellers. To help you navigate this transition with confidence, Securexchange partnered with the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) to launch the Seller Disclosure Tool, a first-of-its-kind solution designed to simplify the disclosure process.

By using the tool, you’re able to meet your obligations more efficiently, reduce administrative pressure, and maintain momentum across your listings. Agencies benefited from more structured workflow, while clients received accurate, compliant disclosure information quickly, ensuring a smoother lead-up to contract.

This initiative wasn’t just about compliance; it was about enabling leadership. The tool helps your agency remove complexity, save time, and stay focused on what matters most: managing listings, nurturing relationships, and closing deals. The REIQ’s backing reinforced the trust and credibility the solution brings to the industry, and I’m proud that this collaboration sets a new benchmark for how technology can drive compliance and efficiency together.

Understanding what your clients really value

Beyond innovation, one of the ways we’ve supported agents this year is through insight. The 2025 State of Real Estate Report, produced in collaboration with InfoTrack and InfoTrackGO, provided a national snapshot of how buyers and sellers experience the property journey, from the transaction process to how they rate the professionals guiding them.

The results showed clear areas where you’re excelling and where opportunities remain. With 91% of Australians engaging an agent and 82% rating their experience positively, it’s clear the industry is moving in the right direction. Even better, “average” experiences dropped from 18% in 2024 to 10% in 2025, reflecting your commitment to professionalism.

Communication remained the biggest driver of trust. Clients told us they value clear, consistent updates and transparency above all else. Securexchange continues to support you in delivering this, helping you stand out through stronger, safer, more structured communication.

Keeping your clients secure in a digital-first world

As property transactions become increasingly digital, protecting your clients from cybercrime has never been more important. The report revealed that 46% of Australians are highly concerned about transferring large deposit funds without a secure platform, yet one in four still underestimate the risk entirely.

This is where your leadership matters. By directing clients to secure digital tools, you protect their funds, your reputation, and the integrity of the transaction. Cyber security is no longer optional; it’s a fundamental expectation of modern client service.

Looking ahead: a future built on trust and readiness

As we move into 2026, the industry will again navigate major change with the introduction of AML/CTF reforms. Once again, you will be at the forefront, and Securexchange is already preparing the support and tools you’ll need to transition confidently.

This year has reaffirmed that real progress happens when the industry moves together. To every agent and property professional who has embraced innovation, adopted secure technology, and continued raising standards – thank you.

Looking forward, our focus remains the same: equipping agents with the tools, insights, and support they need to deliver seamless, secure, and client-first transactions. By embracing technology, prioritising communication, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, you can meet the challenges ahead and continue strengthening client trust, loyalty, and long-term business growth.

Here’s to 2026: a year of continued collaboration, smarter technology, and even stronger client relationships.