Could the ongoing housing crisis in Australia finally be easing? According to one of the most prominent figures in international real estate, the answer could be yes and the change may arrive much sooner than expected.
Mauricio Umansky, renowned luxury realtor, Netflix personality, and former husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards, is once again making headlines though this time, the focus is not on his personal life but rather his outlook on the property market.
Speaking at the Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC) on the Gold Coast, Umansky delivered a bold forecast. As the founder and CEO of the US-based agency The Agency, he shared his belief that housing affordability in Australia could improve significantly within six to eighteen months.
This forecast may seem overly optimistic at first glance, especially given current market conditions. However, Umansky’s logic stems from key economic shifts he believes are already underway.
“You need to have some pain in the economies for costs to go down,” he explained. “Interest rates need to drop. Once we recover from the money that was pumped into the economy during Covid, we will begin to see more property transactions and improved affordability.”
While his comments may feel ambitious to renters and first-home buyers currently facing record-high prices, they do reflect a broader truth: the Australia real estate market is under mounting pressure due to elevated interest rates, limited affordability, and reduced transaction activity.
From Beverly Hills to Brisbane: why Mauricio Umansky Is watching Australia closely
For those unfamiliar with Umansky, his credibility in the real estate world is well-established. He is not merely a reality television figure, he is a highly respected real estate broker who famously sold the Playboy Mansion, built a global luxury property brand, and now stars in the Netflix series Buying Beverly Hills.
During his recent visit to Australia, he attracted widespread attention, with fans gathering to see him during his appearances on the Gold Coast. He revealed that he had planned to travel with a close companion, but a last-minute invitation to a wedding in Monaco changed those plans.
“It has been a fun experience,” he remarked. “I have been mobbed a little bit, but I am doing fine.”
Although being on Netflix has amplified his brand globally, Umansky also acknowledged the cost of fame. Reality television may be an incredible marketing platform, but it often turns private lives into public consumption.
“It is an amazing marketing tool, but the downside is that your life becomes very public. People think they know you because they watch you for an hour on television, but they do not. It is a major invasion of privacy, and that can be very difficult.”
Could buying Australia be the next Netflix hit?
The question many fans are now asking is whether Umansky might consider launching a spin-off of Buying Beverly Hills in Australia.
When asked, he did not rule out the idea.
“You never know! I have already put myself out there, so I would do Buying Sydney, Buying Australia — I am open to it.”
Given the current interest in luxury homes, development booms in suburban growth areas, and ongoing debates around housing supply, a show like Buying Australia might do more than entertain. It could also shine a global spotlight on Australia’s evolving property scene, especially for those looking to buy home in Victorian suburbs or explore opportunities in Melbourne, Sydney, and beyond.
Is there real hope for affordability?
The most pressing question remains: Is Umansky’s forecast realistic?
While economists are divided on timing, many agree that the conditions he described including easing interest rates and stabilizing inflation could lead to a more accessible housing market.
As sales activity slows and listings increase, even a modest improvement in affordability could offer a lifeline for individuals hoping to buy home in Australia. If the right mix of economic stability and policy support falls into place, the property dream might move from distant hope to tangible reality.
Final thought
Mauricio Umansky may be best known for his appearances on glamorous television shows and high-profile deals in Beverly Hills. However, his visit to Australia has sparked a serious and timely conversation about housing, affordability, and the future of Australia real estate.
In a market where many feel priced out and overwhelmed, the prospect of a shift even a small one is enough to inspire hope. And sometimes, the biggest plot twists do not happen on reality TV... they happen in the real estate market.
