I’ve got to be honest, the premise had me concerned; a reality show, about Jewish estate agents. Not to denigrate Jewish estate agents, some of my best friends are Jewish estate agents, but, when it comes to our people being represented in a positive light, of not chucking ammunition to the antisemites, my first choice wouldn’t necessarily be, Jewish estate agents. I guess all the Jewish traffic wardens were busy.
Fortunately, in Luxe Listings Sydney, whilst two of the three principle characters, Simon Cohen and Gavin Rubinstein, are indeed aggressive, ruthless and utterly fixated on financial gain, they also have charm. And with charm, you can get away with a lot. Like charging 9.4 million dollars, for a house only worth 9.1 million.
Those of you here for just the property porn won’t be disappointed, with Sydney’s Billionaire’s Row showcasing some of the most beautiful homes in the world. Even if you’re not that bothered, you’ll soon find yourself nodding along or disagreeing like an expert. “I love what they’ve done with the wine cellar ceiling.” “Urgh, that kitchen’s going to need to be completely redone.” “They’re asking 16 mill! Personally I wouldn’t pay anything over 14, they’re having a laugh!”
This is big business, their respective companies trading in billions each year, these three are at the top of their game. Rounding out the characters is D’Leanne Lewis, presented as the moral centre, in as much as that isn’t a contradiction in the world of property. But even amongst all the sports cars, tailored clothing, rivalry, and ridiculous business speak, there’s still space for quips, silliness, and a knowing twinkle of the eye that they don’t take themselves too seriously. Mostly.
