Tax changes, soft market: Here are the new rules of winning listings in 2026

Most agents are still trying to win listings like it's 2021, but in today's softer market, they're losing ground fast. Vendors are getting pickier, and they're choosing agents who show up as trusted advisors armed with data, strategy, and certainty, not just a confident handshake. On the REB Podcast, deputy editor Emilie Lauer sits down with PRD chief economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo to break down how agents can stay competitive as market conditions tighten and investor sentiment shifts. Mardiasmo explains how rising rates, global uncertainty, and the latest federal budget changes have reshaped buyer and seller behaviour, putting increased pressure on agents to move beyond transactional selling and become trusted advisors. The discussion highlights why agents who understand both macroeconomic trends and hyper-local market data are outperforming competitors, particularly as listings become harder to secure and clients demand deeper insights. The episode also explores why Brisbane has remained more resilient than Sydney and Melbourne, with infrastructure demand and Olympic-driven supply constraints continuing to support the Queensland market. Mardiasmo also points to the growing trend of residential investors shifting into commercial assets like strip retail and industrial property as they search for stronger returns and greater stability. In a market filled with uncertainty, the duo urges agents to know their numbers if they want to win the listings. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights.