Dane Queenan in REB's Top 50 Agents 2024 ranking in NSW/ACT

The top 50 agents in NSW and the ACT transacted fewer properties during 2023, according to new data, as housing affordability remains a major concern for Sydney.

Real Estate Business (REB) has unveiled the Top 50 Agents NSW/ACT 2024 ranking, which provides industry-wide recognition to agents who dedicated themselves to achieving strong sales numbers and providing exceptional customer services to their vendors and buyers during the 2023 calendar year.

The fourth annual state-based ranking has championed agents who succeeded despite operating in a market where housing affordability issues have softened buyer demand due to persistent growth in property prices (although the growth rate has slowed down in the recent past).

As a result of these factors, agents sold 5,447 properties for $12.9 billion in 2023, down from 6,432 properties sold for $14.3 billion in 2022. Analysis of the top 10 agents revealed a similar trend, as they sold 1,402 properties for $4.8 billion, down from 1,648 properties sold for $5.1 billion in 2022.

The average number of properties sold also decreased year on year across the top 50 agents from 129 for $285.3 million to 108.94 properties sold for $258.8 million. The top 10 agents transacted 140.2 sales for $475.9 million, down from 165 properties sold for an average of $506.5 million in 2022.

The average sales price mirrored overall property price rises in Sydney and regional NSW, increasing from $2.56 million in 2022 to $2.66 million in 2023 across the top 50 agents. The price across the top 10 agents increased by almost 10 per cent year on year to $3.36 million in 2023.

Days on market contracted for the top 10 agents from 34 to 27.67. On the other hand, it took the top 50 agents 34.1 days to sell a property, steady since 2022.

Phillips Pantzer Donnelley Partner Alexander Phillips retained his number one position for the fourth consecutive year in the NSW/ACT ranking. He sold 205 properties for $973.8 million in 2023, the highest value among his peers.

Clarke & Humel Property Co-founder and Director Michael Clarke secured second spot, a position he has held since the inception of the ranking in 2021.

After slipping to fourth position last year, Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty Sales Associate Maclay Longhurst was third in this year’s ranking.

Agile Market Intelligence Director Michael Johnson commended the agents in NSW and the ACT for their phenomenal numbers, particularly in light of market conditions.

“The experience and strength of the real estate industry in NSW and ACT is once again on full display,” Johnson said.

“Despite operating in a market where housing affordability issues are making buyers think twice about their property purchase, these agents used their extraordinary skills to transact in high numbers throughout 2023. I commend the agents for their perseverance and strong results.”

REB Editor Grace Ormsby said: “A changing marketplace has not dampened the achievements of agents operating across New South Wales.”

“This year’s ranking is a testament to the resilience of some of Australia’s best agents, and it’s a pleasure to once again be recognising their hard work, commitment to clients, and success.”

The REB Top 50 Agents NSW/ACT ranking is compiled by Agile Market Intelligence, the research arm of parent company Momentum Media.

The state-based ranking was designed specifically to recognise the top-performing agents across the state and territory.