Introduction

The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) is the leading industry body representing real estate professionals throughout the state.

Beyond its role in providing professional development and support for agents, REINSW is a leading advocate for balanced, practical housing policy. With vacancy rates at historic lows, investor confidence wavering, landlord rights under strain and housing policy a major focus for government and the public, the Institute recognised that informed advocacy required timely, transparent data. To effectively engage with policymakers and the public, REINSW needs more than opinion. It needs evidence.

What didn’t they know?

Before implementing a structured data collection approach, REINSW didn’t have consistent, real-time insights into vacancy rates within the rental market across New South Wales. While general sales data was available through third-party providers like CoreLogic, there was no focus, ongoing measurement of rental property vacancies. Without this data, it was difficult to provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers.

A major challenge was understanding how vacancy rates were changing in different regions and what factors were influencing these shifts. REINSW needed to determine whether rental availability was improving or worsening, particularly as landlords faced rising costs and increasing regulatory restrictions.

Another critical unknown was the extent to which landlords were withdrawing properties from the rental market due to financial pressures and policy changes. Without reliable data, REINSW could not measure the impact of new tenancy laws on rental supply or predict the long-term consequences for tenants and investors.

The institute required clear, quantifiable evidence to push back against policy changes that threatened to reduce rental supply and discourage investment. Without structured research, REINSW’s ability to advocate effectively was limited.

What did they learn?

Survey Matters has been conducting the REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey for the last ten years.

The monthly survey provides a much clearer picture of the statewide rental market. Each month, hundreds of property managers participate in the survey, offering valuable data on how many properties are available for rent in their respective areas. The research helps the Institute understand major shifts in rental availability, regional differences and investor confidence.  

One of the most significant findings over time has been the widening gap between supply and demand. This trend has been particularly evident in the context of rising interest rates, which have significantly impacted the financial viability of property investment.

Regional variations in vacancy rates are another key insight. While some areas experience temporary increases in rental availability due to seasonal factors, others remain critically undersupplied.

The data also highlights the impact of rental reforms.  With recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Regulation, REINSW anticipates similar effects in New South Wales to those experienced in Victoria, where policy changes had led to an estimated 20,000 fewer rental properties and has used the data to forecast potential future shortages.

The survey also collects invaluable qualitative insights, with property managers reporting firsthand experiences of struggling to find rental properties for tenants and of investors choosing to sell their properties rather than continuing to invest within the residential rental market due to high costs and increasingly restrictive conditions.

How did they apply what they learned?

REINSW incorporates the data into monthly releases which is a key membership benefit and supports its advocacy efforts, ensuring that policymakers have access to clear, real-time evidence of how legislative changes were affecting rental supply.

The vacancy rate reports have become a crucial tool in discussions with government bodies, including Fair Trading and the Rental Commissioner, where REINSW presents clear data-driven arguments against restrictive tenancy laws. The institute also uses the reports to demonstrate how policies such as the removal of "no grounds" evictions are discouraging landlords from staying in the rental market, ultimately reducing supply and exacerbating the housing crisis.

The findings are also used in monthly media campaigns, ensuring that rental market challenges remain in the public conversation. Each month, REINSW distributes a media release summarising the key trends identified in the vacancy rate survey. These reports are regularly picked up by major news outlets, including Nine News and other industry publications, reinforcing REINSW’s position as a trusted source of real estate insights.

The data also informs targeted landlord and tenant advocacy efforts. REINSW has since developed micro-sites where landlords can input their postcode and send automated messages to their federal MP, raising concerns about the impact of new policies. This grassroots advocacy initiative was directly supported by the vacancy rate data.

REINSW also incorporates the findings into major industry events, including roadshows and training sessions for property managers, to help them prepare for legislative changes.   By providing them with concrete data on market trends, REINSW helps agents better navigate conversations with landlords and tenants, reinforcing the importance of their role in the real estate sector.

Recognising the long-term value of this research, REINSW has committed to maintaining the monthly vacancy rate survey as a core component of its policy and advocacy efforts. By tracking trends over time, the Institute will be able to measure the impact of policy changes, refine its lobbying strategy, and continue providing evidence-based recommendations to government and industry leaders.