Long before she led one of South-East Queensland’s busiest commercial real estate teams, Emily Pendleton was tagging along to open homes with her parents.
“My family owned a number of investment properties and holiday homes, so I grew up spending weekends with my parents looking at real estate and learning about the market,” she says.
Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for property – one that would see her leave school in Year 10 to pursue a career in the field.
Initially drawn to residential property, she soon found her niche in the commercial sector.
Today, she is Associate Director and Senior Sales and Leasing Executive at Ray White Commercial Northern Corridor, leading a highly successful team in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.
“I was really attracted to the strategic, long-term nature of commercial real estate,” she says.
“I enjoy the complexity of the deals, the relationships you build with business owners and investors, and the variety - no two days are ever the same.”
Leading With Trust
Ms Pendleton has carved out a 14-year career in a sector where trust is everything.
At Ray White Commercial, she has built a team that reflects her long-term, relationship-driven approach.
“We’re deeply embedded in the local community, but backed by the strength of a national brand - that gives us both reach and credibility,” she says.
“Having worked in the industry for more than a decade, I’ve learned that commercial real estate is all about trust, consistency, and playing the long game.”
Her team takes the same steady, values-led approach.
“We’re not here for quick wins. We focus on genuine relationships, delivering results, and being transparent with our clients,” she says.
“That’s how we’ve built long-term loyalty and a strong presence in the market - by doing the right thing, every time.”
Learning New Skills
Becoming a new mum has added another layer to Ms Pendleton’s skill set.
She sees clear parallels between parenting and managing commercial property transactions.
“It’s taught me patience, time management, and the ability to adapt quickly,” she says.
“You learn to stay calm under pressure and juggle multiple things at once, which is basically every day in commercial real estate.”
Listening is another skill that has proven invaluable.
“It sounds simple, but really listening to clients, tenants, and team members helps you understand what’s actually needed and often opens the door to better deals and stronger relationships,” she says.
“The best outcomes come from building trust over time, not rushing transactions.”
She also embraces the perspective that being a woman in a male-dominated field brings.
“I find clients often appreciate a fresh, straightforward approach,” she says.
“It’s also an opportunity to lead by example and show others that success in this space isn’t defined by gender.”
Insights from the frontline
With her finger on the pulse of the local market, Pendleton is quick to spot emerging opportunities as interest rates stabilise and confidence returns to the market.
“It’s a dynamic market - we’re seeing strong interest in well-located assets, especially anything with secure income and future upside,” she says.
Industrial properties are performing particularly well, driven by low vacancy and strong tenant demand.
Service-based retail is seeing renewed activity in growth corridors, while coastal commercial sites with redevelopment potential are also attracting investor attention.
Looking ahead, she believes long-term growth will be underpinned by population increases, infrastructure investment, and the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.
“Population growth and major infrastructure investment are driving long-term demand across the region, particularly in niche and lifestyle-driven commercial sectors,” she says.
“Investors who focus on location, adaptability, and long-term potential will be well placed to capitalise on the evolving needs of both business and community in the years ahead.”
