Simon Cohen’s guide to buying prestige Sydney real estate
The Luxe Listings star on the best way to manage a prestige real estate portfolio in uncertain times
3 min
Since bursting onto our screens with Amazon Prime’s Luxe Listings Sydney, prestige buyer’s agent Simon Cohen has become a household name. The co-founder of agents Cohen Handler and brand ambassador for H&R Block has been selling some of Sydney’s priciest properties for more than a decade now and is now considered the highest grossing real estate agent in the country.
He spoke to Kanebridge News about the challenges and triumphs of working in the Sydney market.
What in your view is the best real estate market to invest in right now?
Without question, Sydney. It’s the market that increases the most and has the least drop when things go bad.
What is the best way to manage a luxury property portfolio in a market where both prices and interest rates are increasing?
Don’t freak out! Always know that if you’re in the right city, the right suburb and in a blue-chip location, that your property and investment will always be safe. Stay strong, stay believing in your asset and ride the wave.
How realistic is Luxe listings? What has surprised you about working on the show?
It’s certainly a reality TV show, so it’s very realistic. All the deals and properties are real. What surprised me the most, is how much love and enjoyment people and viewers have got out of it from all around the world.
Where does an agent with your reputation and experience choose to live?
I currently live in Elizabeth Bay and I’m currently building one suburb away, in Potts Point.
What services can a buyer’s agent provide?
Sourcing every property that exists out in the marketplace, doing the due diligence and valuations and being able to help negotiate the lowest price possible for the purchaser.
What’s your advice for people looking to make their first investment in the residential property market?
“First time property investment can be complex and overwhelming, so seeking advice from experts. (Look for) a team that can provide the guidance and work with you every step of the way to advise on what tax deductions to consider (i.e. stamp duty, capital gains, and land tax) when considering your first investment property. Don’t get emotional. Buy where (you are) going to have the best capital growth and the greatest yield. Look for properties in the best blue-chip locations as you can afford and as close to major cities as you can afford, because they are always the ones that are going to have the best return.
How can a buyer’s agent assist overseas buyers interested in the Australian market?
A buyer’s agent is especially useful for overseas buyers because we’re giving them the in-depth understanding of what’s happening in the marketplace in which they are looking to buy in. We’re able to give them access to off-market properties and also point out things that they’re not able to see such as the warts, the problems the things that the shiny, beautiful photos might not show. Investing in an overseas property can be a lucrative opportunity for many buyers, but it can also come with its own set of challenges and complexities, especially when it comes to navigating the tax implications of such a purchase. This is where partnering with a H&R Block tax experts can be extremely valuable.”
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Strong consumer spending and tight supply have driven retail to the top of commercial property, but signs of pressure are starting to emerge.
2 min
Australia’s retail property sector entered 2026 as the strongest performing commercial asset class, but rising geopolitical risks and cost pressures are beginning to test its resilience, according to new research from Knight Frank.
The latest Australian Retail Review shows the sector rode a wave of consumer spending and constrained supply through 2025, delivering total returns of 9.2 per cent and driving transaction volumes up 43 per cent year-on-year to $14.4 billion.
That momentum carried into early 2026, with around $3.6 billion in deals recorded in the first quarter alone.
“Retail clearly emerged as the standout commercial property performer in 2025,” said Knight Frank Senior Economist, Research & Consulting Alistair Read.
“Improving household spending, limited new supply and stronger leasing fundamentals combined to drive better income growth and renewed investor confidence in the sector.”
Spending rebound drives retail strength
A lift in household spending has been central to the sector’s performance. Consumer spending rose 4.6 per cent year-on-year to February 2026, supported by easing inflation and improving real incomes.
That shift flowed directly into retailer performance, with average EBIT margins across major retailers rising to 8.9 per cent in the first half of 2026, their strongest level in several years.
“Stronger consumer spending was critical in restoring momentum to the retail sector,” Mr Read said.
“Retailers have generally been better able to absorb costs, rebuild margins and support sustainable rental outcomes, particularly in higher-quality centres.”
Improved trading conditions also pushed leasing spreads up 4.2 per cent in 2025, reinforcing income growth and supporting capital values.
Geopolitical tensions begin to bite
But the outlook has become more complicated. The report warns that escalating conflict in the Middle East and its impact on fuel prices, supply chains and interest rates could weigh heavily on consumer spending.
“Higher fuel prices, flow-on cost pressures across supply chains, and recent interest rate increases are collectively squeezing household budgets, and early consumer sentiment data suggests confidence is already softening,” Mr Read said.
“While household balance sheets remain generally resilient, heightened uncertainty over future costs is likely to weigh on spending — particularly in discretionary categories — in the months ahead.”
The impact is already being felt in investment activity. While the year began strongly, transaction volumes slowed in March as investors paused amid the uncertainty.
“Early indicators suggest elevated uncertainty has already begun to affect the market. While retail investment enjoyed its strongest start to a year in a decade, with nearly $3 billion transacted by the end of February, activity stalled in March, as investors took a pause amid elevated uncertainty,” Mr Read said.
Solid foundations support medium-term outlook
Despite the near-term headwinds, Knight Frank maintains that the sector’s underlying fundamentals remain strong. Limited new supply, high construction costs and population growth are expected to continue supporting rental growth over the medium term.
“Retail has entered this period of uncertainty from a position of strength,” Mr Read said.
“Supply-side constraints, population growth and improving income fundamentals remain powerful structural supports for the sector.”
The report highlights several trends shaping the year ahead, including steady yields as interest rates rise, mounting pressure on tenant margins, continued outperformance of prime centres, the growing need for logistics integration, and risks linked to underinvestment in capital expenditure.
For now, retail remains a sector with momentum, but one increasingly at the mercy of forces far beyond the shopping centre.
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