New REIWA president on Perth's property prospects, housing policy and fighting the bad guys

In the often-sparkling world of property investment — awash with celebrity sales agents and Insta investment gurus — the humble renter can at times be something of an afterthought. 

Not so for Suzanne Brown, the first property manager to be appointed President of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA). 

In 2006 Ms Brown founded Perth property management giant Rentwest Solutions, which pushes the ethos that successful property investment “all starts with finding the right tenants”. 

“The human aspects of real estate — providing shelter and security, resonates deeply with my values,” Ms Brown told Australian Property Investor Magazine. 

“I feel very fortunate to be able to assist people with these needs on a daily basis.”

Appointed REIWA President in October last year, Ms Brown takes the reigns at a time of flux for the West Australian market. 

After years of soaring returns, investors from the eastern states are peering across the Nullarbor with increasing trepidation — wondering if the residential property boom has run its course. 

And at a legislative level, the ALP State Government — re-elected for a third term in a landslide in March — has many housing changes afoot. 

Last month it increased first homeowner concessions, increasing the price point at which concessions are removed, and extending the period for off-the-plan duty concessions by 12 months, until June next year. 

The moves were welcomed by REIWA, said Ms Brown. 

“Reducing upfront costs is a practical step that will help more Western Australians take their first step into home ownership,” she said. 

“However, demand-side incentives alone are not enough to address housing affordability. 

“First home buyers need access to affordable homes, and that requires a stronger focus on housing supply,” Ms Brown said. 

She said the REIWA would continue to advocate policies that increase housing supply, including linking stamp duty thresholds to the median house price to ensure the thresholds remain relevant to the market.

The rental partnership

Ms Brown’s Rentwest Solutions — which manages 1,500 properties — places tenants at the heart of its ethos. 

“It all starts with finding the right tenant,” the group says of property investment. 

“Tenants are treated with care and respect.”

We asked Ms Brown what makes a great tenant? 

“The ideal tenant is someone who treats the property as if it were their own, communicates openly when issues arise, and takes pride in where they live,” she said. 

“At Rentwest, we’ve found that strong tenant relationships are built on trust and mutual respect. It’s more than just paying rent on time – great tenants are proactive, responsive, and work with us to maintain the property. 

“That kind of partnership not only protects the owner’s investment but also contributes to longer, more stable tenancies, which is beneficial for both parties,” Ms Brown said.

Crime fighting without a cape

At REIWA, Ms Brown says the institute is advocating across a number of important areas, including rental reform. 

The final state of the reforms to the state’s Residential Tenancies Act, announced in 2023, will be implemented later this year, and another review of the Act is slated to occur in the next 12 months. 

“We are focused on ensuring the legislation remains fair and practical for both investors and tenants, and will continue to support members and the public through any changes,” Ms Brown said. 

A second major REIWA project is guiding members and the public through changes to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws that will take effect from 1 July next year. 

“This will see increased verification of identity requirements as well as agents being required to enquire into clients’ source of wealth,” Ms Brown said.

Viable property careers

Ms Brown’s bio’ at Rentwest Solutions states that, at 21, she was the youngest female to have obtained a real estate licence in WA. 

When asked about this, Ms Brown said the industry had seen major changes in the decades since.  

“During my time in the real estate industry, I have been fortunate to witness first-hand how transformative the industry has been for women’s professional growth,” she said. 

“Our industry offers many roles where women can work with flexibility and design their working week around family commitments if needed.  

“This flexibility, along with earning potential based on personal drive, rather than gender, creates an environment that is highly suited to women”. 

Perth’s property market remains supported by WA’s strong economy ... and our relative affordability compared to other states.

- Suzanne Brown, REIWA

The accessibility of the sector was also a drawcard. 

“The educational requirements and licencing process are relatively accessible, which open doors for women from diverse backgrounds and life stages,” Ms Brown said. 

“Many women, including myself, have found that real estate offers the rare combination of financial independence, flexibility and career advancement that is missing in many traditional corporate structures.” 

After abandoning earlier plans to be an accountant, Ms Brown said she followed her father’s footsteps into the property industry. 

“Having a dad in real estate provided a unique window into the industry although I had initially decided I was going to be an accountant,” she said. 

“After finishing Year 12, I ended up working in an accounting firm and realised it wasn’t for me but I was then lucky enough to secure a job in real estate and put my energy into studying for my real estate licence.”

Perth property market prospects

As to the current state of the Perth residential market, Ms Brown said more growth was forecast, although at growth rates more moderate than the increases we’ve seen over the past few years. 

The market fundamentals remained healthy, and median house and unit sales prices were on track to grow by 10 per cent in 2025, she said. 

“Both are at record highs, with the median house sale price reaching $775,000 at the end of April and the median unit sale price rising to $525,000.”

Yet in the short to medium term there were some factors that could impact price growth. 

“The Trump tariffs have the potential to create global economic uncertainty, which may affect consumer confidence and property market activity,” Ms Brown said. 

“On the other hand, the prospect of interest rate cuts could help support the market by boosting borrowing capacity and buyer sentiment. 

“Overall, Perth’s property market conditions remain supported by WA’s strong economy, population growth, low levels of new housing supply and our relative affordability compared to other states,” she said. 

On the personal front, we asked Ms Brown whether she had read any good books or seen any great TV shows recently. 

“My time is fairly limited at the moment with running a business and being the President of REIWA, so any reading opportunities have been a little light on,” Ms Brown said. 

“I do have The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday beside my bed, which are daily mediations on wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living.  

“I also recently loved Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, who was the founder of Nike and has some really great business insights.

Some luxury property was in her television sights.

“As for TV shows, I am just catching up on the third season of The White Lotus,” she said.