REB Business Empowerment Showcase: Leading the pack in 2026 – NAB on the forces reshaping real estate

In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with Kate Bain and Lucy Zheng from National Australia Bank (NAB) to unpack the economic, technological, and regulatory forces redefining Australian real estate – and what agents need to do now to stay competitive. Bain, executive of professional services at NAB, shares a macro view of the market, explaining how rate movements, confidence shifts, and structural supply challenges are shaping conditions across residential, retail, and office sectors. She outlines why resilience has defined the past year, but why complacency is a growing risk as the market normalises. Zheng, business banking executive for professional services, brings the on-the-ground perspective from working closely with agencies nationwide. She explores the pressure points agents are grappling with daily, from cash flow and margin compression to talent attraction, retention, and the cultural tensions around hybrid work. The conversation also dives into artificial intelligence, with both guests making it clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer optional. They discuss how agents are already using AI in marketing, virtual inspections, and customer engagement, and why trust, relationships, and human judgement will become even more valuable as technology accelerates. Looking ahead to 2026, Bain and Zheng highlight succession planning, compliance readiness, and leadership depth as critical priorities, particularly with new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations on the horizon. They close by outlining how NAB is supporting agents beyond banking, helping businesses future-proof, lift productivity, and navigate the next phase of industry change with confidence.