News & Events

March 29th at 7:26pm

Leah Calnan: My second term as President of REIV



The team at MetroPM would like to congratulate our very own Director Leah Calnan who has been re-elected as President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, for the 2020-2021 term. The only female president to ever do so!

She found some time in her very busy schedule to tell us more about the process of being elected, what she learnt from her first year and the challenges the real estate world will see in the future year to come.

Congrats Leah on being re-elected for 2020/21! What a fantastic achievement.

I am incredibly honoured to lead the Real Estate Institute of Victoria for another year. It’s fair to say 2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone. More so than ever, it was extremely important for our industry to have consistency and continuity for the next 12 months whilst we all learn to adapt and continue to operate through Covid-19.

Tell us about your history with the REIV, and how you came to being elected REIV President?

I was elected to the Board of directors 6 years ago. I have been supported by the directors over that time and was elected as Vice President, then Senior Vice President and now a second term as President. The next 3 years will be my final term on the board.

What is the process for being elected for President?

The current board members all vote for the Office Bearer positions of Vice President, Senior Vice President and President.

How did you find your first year?

I found it challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Challenging because the pandemic absolutely turned our world upside down and we needed to change and adapt overnight. It’s been very rewarding because the industry showed their ability to work together and support one another through these very difficult times.

What did you learn in your first year?

I have learnt so much over the last 12 months. The operations and processes of Government, the frustrations of working with Government, the ability for business to change and adapt quickly. Personally, I’ve learnt my own strength and resilience and to appreciate the time I’ve had with my children during the lockdown periods.

What challenges will the real estate world see in 2020/21?

Residential and commercial investors will continue to find the next 6-9 months challenging. They are working with a moratorium on evictions, tenant business’ that have been shut down due to the lockdowns in Victoria, landlords with very little government financial support, an incredible in vacant commercial spaces and residential landlords and property managers will also be working with brand new legislation due to take effect on or before the end of April 2021. It’s going to be a tough few months ahead, but we’re all in this together to make it through to the other side.