A recent News.com.au article spotlighted Simon Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Cohen Handler, for an extraordinary feat in the Australian real estate market. In the first 68 days of 2025, Cohen Handler, a leading buyers agent company, has brokered over $300 million worth of real estate deals. Cohen Handler’s incredible start to the year underscores its reputation as a powerhouse in the property industry, and highlights the surging demand for expert buyers agents in today’s market.
Record-Breaking Start to 2025 in Real Estate
According to the article, Cohen Handler has secured around $300 million in property purchases in just over two months. “It’s an OK number,” Simon Cohen quipped with characteristic humility, a modest take on what is objectively a record-breaking performance. This volume of deals in such a short period is virtually unheard of, even in booming markets like Sydney. It speaks to the intense competition and high-end property activity currently underway. Many of these transactions were for luxury homes and investment properties, a domain where Cohen Handler has long excelled.
What’s driving this flurry of deals? Cohen notes that savvy buyers, particularly at the prestige end of the market, are seizing opportunities early in the year. Despite some sense of market uncertainty and interest rate rises, premium property buyers remain active. “The top end of town is still buying,” Cohen explained, indicating that well-heeled clients are less deterred by economic fluctuations. In fact, many see 2025 as a prime time to secure rare assets. This confidence, combined with Cohen Handler’s expertise, resulted in a surge of purchases from January through early March.
From Teenage Dream to Industry Leader
It’s no coincidence that Cohen Handler is achieving such heights – Simon Cohen’s passion for property runs deep. As a teenager, Simon would often convince his dad to drive through Sydney’s most prestigious suburb of Point Piper so he could gawk at the mega-mansions and dream of the deals behind them. That early fascination with real estate foreshadowed his future success. Fast forward to today, and Simon Cohen is not only the CEO of Australia’s top buyer’s agencies, but also a familiar face to many Australians as a star of Amazon Prime’s “Luxe Listings Sydney.”
Cohen’s journey began with co-founding Cohen Handler in 2009 to champion buyers in a seller-dominated market. Over more than a decade, he has built the firm into an industry leader known for securing trophy homes and investment gems for its clients. His celebrity from Luxe Listings – where his negotiation skills and market knowledge were on full display – has further cemented his status as an authority in luxury real estate. That credibility and experience trickle down to the entire Cohen Handler team, fueling their recent achievements and media accolades.
Unprecedented Demand and Off-Market Opportunities
One key factor behind the $300M in deals is Cohen Handler’s access to off-market properties. In competitive markets like Sydney and Melbourne, many prime properties never even make it to public listing – they’re sold off-market through networks and connections. As an experienced buyers agent Sydney luxury specialists, Cohen Handler leverages an extensive network of contacts to find these hidden opportunities.
The recent News.com.au feature noted that demand is “weirdly” strong in pockets of the market, meaning that while some segments cool, the upper tier and unique properties are being snapped up quickly. Buyers agents play an indispensable role here: they act fast, do in-depth due diligence, and negotiate hard on behalf of their clients. Cohen Handler’s team has been able to secure coveted properties for clients in this “stealth” market before others even know they’re for sale. This proactive approach is a major reason the firm could transact such a high volume in a short timeframe.
Why use a buyers agent in a hot market? For many busy professionals and high-net-worth individuals, having an expert represent them is a game-changer. A buyers agent not only identifies the right property (often before it hits the market) but also ensures the buyer doesn’t overpay in an auction frenzy or private negotiation. Cohen Handler’s recent successes illustrate how crucial this expertise can be, especially when every week can bring a new buying opportunity that requires immediate action.
One Key Piece of Advice for Young Aussies
While Simon Cohen deals in multi-million-dollar properties daily, he hasn’t forgotten about everyday Australians aspiring to buy their first home. In the interview, he had one piece of advice for young Aussies who fear they’ll never own a home: don’t give up.
Cohen acknowledges that housing affordability is a real challenge, but he urges young buyers to think strategically and stay persistent. “The first property doesn’t have to be your dream home,” he advises. Start by getting a foot on the property ladder in any way possible – whether it’s a smaller apartment, a property in an up-and-coming suburb, or even an investment property as a stepping stone. The key is to enter the market and build equity. Over time, that first purchase can be leveraged into something bigger and closer to your ideal home.
He also suggests young people educate themselves and even consider seeking expert help from a buyers agent. A professional can identify affordable opportunities or creative purchasing strategies (such as buying with a friend or utilising government first-home buyer schemes). Cohen’s overarching message is optimistic: home ownership is still achievable, but you may need to adjust your approach and expectations. By staying focused on the goal and making savvy decisions, young buyers can indeed make the leap from renting to owning.
What the Ultra-Rich Really Look For in a Home
As the CEO of a firm that has represented some of Australia’s wealthiest clients, Simon Cohen has unique insight into what ultra-high-net-worth buyers want in a property. In the News.com.au feature, he shared that the “uber-rich” approach home-buying with a different checklist than the average buyer. It’s not just about location, but about securing a lifestyle and legacy through real estate.
According to Cohen, the ultra-wealthy prioritize a few key factors when shopping for a luxury home:
- Blue-Chip Location and Views: Prestige buyers seek properties in Australia’s most coveted neighborhoods – think harbourfront mansions in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, beachfront estates, or grand homes in Melbourne’s Toorak. Panoramic views (such as Sydney Harbour or beachfront panoramas) add immense value. For these buyers, location is paramount, often above price considerations.
- Privacy and Security: High-end clients want seclusion. Gated driveways, high-tech security systems, long private driveways or large land parcels that shield the home from prying eyes are big selling points. Privacy isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for prominent individuals.
- Luxurious Amenities: The ultra-rich look for features that elevate daily living and entertaining. Home theaters, wine cellars, wellness facilities (gyms, spas), infinity pools, and state-of-the-art smart home technology are often on the must-have list. Homes that come with bespoke design elements, custom furnishings, or resort-like outdoor spaces stand out.
- Quality and Uniqueness: Ultimately, this clientele is drawn to properties that are one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s a renowned architect’s masterpiece, a heritage estate with a story, or a cutting-edge modern design, unique properties that exude quality craftsmanship and timeless appeal attract top-dollar buyers. These homes are seen as both status symbols and solid investments that will appreciate further.
Cohen’s discussion of these points reinforces Cohen Handler’s understanding of the luxury market. By knowing exactly what matters to high-end buyers, the firm can better serve clients and negotiate deals that tick all the right boxes. It’s a level of insight that only comes from years of experience at the pinnacle of the property market.
From Sydney to Perth: Cohen Handler’s National Buyers Agent Network
While the recent news spotlight focused on Sydney’s booming luxury market, Cohen Handler’s reach extends far beyond its Sydney roots. Over the years, the firm has grown into a national network of expert buyers agents, serving clients across Australia’s major cities. This means that the same level of insight and negotiation prowess that has delivered standout results in Sydney is available to buyers in other markets as well.
National presence – Cohen Handler now has experienced teams of buyers agents in Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, and Perth, in addition to its flagship Sydney team. Each city’s property market has its own character and challenges, and Cohen Handler’s local experts specialize in those nuances. For example:
- A buyers agent in Melbourne from Cohen Handler brings deep knowledge of Melbourne’s distinct neighbourhoods – from the upscale eastern suburbs to the trendy inner-city locales – helping clients find the right fit in a competitive market.
- In Queensland, our buyers agent Brisbane team navigates the rapidly growing Brisbane market, which has seen increased interest from both interstate migrants and investors. They know where to find high-growth potential suburbs and off-market listings in the River City.
- Even in the nation’s capital, a buyers agent Canberra on the Cohen Handler team can guide buyers through Canberra’s unique market dynamics (influenced by government and university sectors), ensuring clients secure properties in desirable suburbs like Griffith, Kingston, or Red Hill.
- Likewise, buyers agent services in Adelaide and Perth are part of Cohen Handler’s offerings, recognising that opportunities exist in these cities’ markets for both homeowners and investors. Adelaide’s steady market and Perth’s resurging property scene (thanks to mining and infrastructure booms) present great prospects that our local teams help clients capitalise on.
By having a footprint in all these cities, Cohen Handler ensures that clients anywhere in Australia can benefit from professional buyers agent representation. Whether you’re looking for a family home, a luxury estate, or an investment property, you can tap into Cohen Handler’s nationwide expertise. From the heated auctions in Sydney to off-market finds in Melbourne, beachside opportunities in Brisbane, and up-and-coming areas in Adelaide, Perth, or Canberra, Cohen Handler has you covered with trusted advisors on the ground.
Cohen Handler’s Ongoing Momentum and Expertise
Achieving $300M in property acquisitions in 68 days reflects not only market demand but also the skill, strategy, and dedication that Cohen and his team bring to their clients. It highlights how a buyers agent can make a profound difference in navigating Australia’s real estate landscape, whether for luxury buyers or first-home seekers.
As 2025 progresses, Cohen Handler shows no signs of slowing down. The firm is poised to continue leveraging its market knowledge, vast network, and client-first approach to keep delivering exceptional results. For Australian property buyers – be it in Sydney or Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide, Canberra or Perth – this news serves as a reminder: having a seasoned buyers agent in your corner can be the key to real estate success.
Interested in learning more about how a buyers agent can help you? Contact the Cohen Handler team to see how we can assist with your property goals. With Cohen Handler’s proven track record and passion for property, you’ll be in expert hands on your real estate journey.