REBAA elects youngest president in association’s history

The Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA) has elected a new president, with Brisbane-based buyers’ agent Zoran Solano taking the helm following the departure of longstanding leader Melinda Jennison.

Mr Solano, principal of Hot Property Buyers Agency, steps into the role after serving as the association’s vice-president. At 35 years old and with 17 years of experience as a buyers’ agent, he becomes the youngest REBAA president elected since the association was founded in 2000.

Ms Jennison, who led REBAA for three years, opted to stand down from the role, citing a period of significant growth and heightened industry profile during her tenure.

“The past three years have been extremely busy for our organisation and for our sector,” Ms Jennison said.

“Some of the highlights have included the strong growth in REBAA membership as well as our increasing profile with consumers and policymakers.

“It has been a privilege to lead the association and I wish Zoran, as well as the incoming executive committee, all the best as they forge the next chapter.”

Mr Solano has outlined an agenda focused on membership growth, professional standards and building a stronger industry ecosystem. He has credited his predecessor with laying important groundwork, particularly in securing greater representation for buyers’ agents at the policy level.

“I look forward to continuing to grow our membership so that more buyers’ agents operate to the highest possible standards,” Mr Solano said.

“One of the initiatives I’d like to instigate is increasing member benefits, including creating an industry eco-system of like-minded businesses that can share ideas and grow together.

“I would like to thank Melinda for her dedication over the past three years, including creating significant in-roads with policymakers so that our industry and our members are better represented at the highest levels.”

Alongside Mr Solano’s election, REBAA has confirmed a refreshed executive committee. Henny Rahardja from Oh Property Group was elected as the new vice-president, while Bryan Lougnan from Propertyology was re-elected as treasurer, and Bronwen Stacey from Home Scouts was re-elected as secretary.

The leadership transition comes at a time of growing prominence for buyer representation in Australia’s property market, with buyers’ agents increasingly sought out by both owner-occupiers and investors navigating competitive conditions across major capital cities and regional markets alike.

REBAA, founded in 2000, is the peak industry body for professional buyers’ agents in Australia and has positioned itself as a key advocate for consumer protections and industry standards. Ms Jennison’s tenure saw the association deepen its engagement with policymakers, a legacy Mr Solano has indicated he intends to build upon.

With membership growth flagged as a central priority, Mr Solano’s presidency is set to focus on expanding REBAA’s reach and reinforcing the professional standards that distinguish accredited buyers’ agents from unlicensed operators — a distinction that has drawn increasing scrutiny from regulators and consumer groups in recent years.