More than 200 estate agents, auctioneers and property professionals gathered in Waterford last week for Ireland’s first-ever Real Estate Agency Summit – a landmark event designed to bring the sector together to discuss the future of the profession.
Held at the Theatre Royal on 11 June, the summit attracted delegates from across Ireland and overseas, alongside a line-up of speakers from the property, business and sporting worlds.
The event comes at a significant moment for the Irish housing market. While residential prices continue to rise and supply remains constrained, agents are facing changing buyer behaviour, growing competition and increasing pressure to demonstrate value to vendors and landlords.
A key attraction was the first Irish speaking appearance by Australian real estate coach Tom Panos, one of the most recognised figures in global estate agency.
BOOM COMING TO AN END
Speaking to delegates, Panos warned that the market conditions experienced in recent years should not be taken for granted.
He said: “What the Irish market has had over the past number of years is not a normal market. Covid created a property boom, but that boom will come to an end. Over the next three years, rising interest rates, inflation and global conflict will create headwinds for the property sector.”
He also urged agents to sharpen their core skills if they are to thrive during the next phase of the market cycle.
“Irish estate agents need to become better at vendor management and far more consistent at prospecting if they are going to thrive in the next phase of the market cycle.”
INSPIRING SPEAKERS
The speaker programme also featured UK industry trainer Richard Rawlings, mentor and podcast host Matt Giggs, property marketing specialist Kirsty Franks, and Olympic medallists Roger Black MBE and Steve Backley OBE.
The summit was supported by MyHome.ie as platinum sponsor.
Joanne Geary of MyHome.ie says: “We were thrilled to be part of The Summit as it created a valuable space for agents to come together, benefit from a host of inspiring and knowledgeable speakers, and share their experiences while focusing on building stronger, more sustainable businesses built for the future.”
Summit organiser Regina Mangan adds: “The success of the inaugural Real Estate Agency Summit has exceeded all expectations.
“To welcome more than 200 delegates from across Ireland and overseas to Waterford for our first event is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the strength and ambition of the property profession.”
“Our objective was to create a platform where estate agents and property professionals could come together to learn from some of the industry’s leading voices, share experiences and prepare for the future.
“The engagement throughout the day has been exceptional, and there is a real sense of optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead for those willing to adapt and evolve.”
Organisers have confirmed that planning is already under way for future editions following strong interest from delegates, sponsors and industry partners.
