Do Real Estate Agents Really Push Up Property Prices?
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
We hear it more often these days that, “It’s the agents pushing up house prices!” It’s a frustration that’s easy to understand. As property values climb, affordability feels increasingly out of reach, and agents can appear to be at the heart of it all. But are real estate agents truly to blame for rising house prices, or are they simply an easy target in a complex system?
The perception that agents inflate property values usually comes from a few visible things:
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Aggressive auction strategies or bidding wars
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Under-quoting or over-promising on price
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Big commissions tied to high sale prices
It’s a narrative that’s fed by headlines and emotion, but when we look at the evidence, the real story is very different. According to major reports from CoreLogic and PropTrack, the biggest influences on property prices have little to do with agents and everything to do with market fundamentals, namely, supply and demand, population growth, interest rates, and lending conditions.
That’s exactly what we’ve seen here locally. On the Sunshine Coast, the median house price has jumped from around $700,000 at the end of 2020 to roughly $1.1 million (and beyond) in 2025 which is a rise of about 50 %, with some reports showing growth of 70 % or more over four years and even higher in prestige pockets. And that surge didn’t happen because agents suddenly became better salespeople. Rather, it happened because there were far more buyers than there were homes, migration stayed strong, and supply stayed tight. Agents have been responding to that environment, not creating it.
A skilled agent’s role is to help sellers achieve the best possible price and the key word is achieve, not mislead, deceive or delude. An agent can influence how a property is presented, marketed, and negotiated, but not what buyers are willing (or able) to pay. If multiple buyers compete, prices rise because of demand and not manipulation. A good agent simply brings that demand to the surface.
As we often tell our clients:
“If a home sells above expectation, it’s not because the agent forced the buyer’s hand. It’s because the market found a new level.”
What’s Really Driving Price Growth?
Here are the real forces pushing property values higher on the Sunshine Coast and beyond:
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Record migration and population growth
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Years of under-building and limited new supply
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Rising construction and labour costs
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Interest rate cycles and credit availability
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Lifestyle and regional demand post-COVID
Until those fundamentals shift, pricing will continue to be influenced by economic conditions and not individual sales tactics.
How Do You Protect Your Move in Today’s Market?
While the current market may be strong, no one knows how long it will last. Interest rate changes, government policy shifts or global events can all impact sentiment quickly.
That’s why if you’re planning to sell, it’s crucial to take full advantage of today’s favourable conditions rather than waiting for an uncertain future. Timing the market perfectly is almost impossible but being ready and informed can make all the difference. Ultimately, your move should be a strategic decision, not a reactive one. The goal isn’t just to sell but to be the reason your move is successful.
What Questions Should You Ask Your Agent?
If you want to understand an agent’s motivation and whether they’re the right person to represent you, start by asking these three questions:
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“How do you determine the right pricing strategy for my home?”
→ Listen for evidence-based reasoning, not just big promises -
“What’s your approach to attracting qualified buyers?”
→ The best agents talk about strategy, presentation, and exposure, and not based on luck -
“How do you measure success beyond just the sale price?”
→ True professionals focus on service, communication, and long-term relationships
It’s easy to point fingers when housing affordability feels out of reach. But the truth is, agents don’t make the market. Rather, they navigate it. Their job is to help homeowners achieve the best possible price within current conditions, not to inflate or manipulate values.
If you’re concerned about the valuations you’ve been given, or you’d simply like to discuss your next move, our team at Martinuzzi Property Group is here to help. Whether you’re selling, buying, or just exploring options, we’ll guide you with honesty, data, and experience.
👉 Get in touch with us today and and let’s give you fantastic results that you deserve.
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