PHOTO: Simon Cohen. FILE
Simon Cohen: The Powerhouse Behind Australia’s Most Prestigious Property Deals
Simon Cohen has become a dominant force in Australia’s luxury real estate market, with his buyers’ agency, Cohen Handler, brokering over $300 million in property deals in the first 68 days of 2025 alone. As one of the country’s most recognised and successful buyers’ agents, Cohen’s influence in the high-end property sector is unmatched, making him the go-to expert for Australia’s wealthiest property seekers.
From Humble Beginnings to Real Estate Mogul
As a teenager, Cohen dreamed of working in Sydney’s prestigious Point Piper and Bellevue Hill markets. His passion for luxury real estate was evident early on as he would beg his father to drive him past Sydney’s most iconic waterfront mansions. Fast forward a few decades, and he has not only entered the world of high-end real estate but has dominated it.
Launching Cohen Handler in 2009 amid the Global Financial Crisis, Cohen and his co-founder Ben Handler faced an uphill battle educating Australians on the role of a buyer’s agent. However, through sheer perseverance and strategic expansion, Cohen Handler has grown into Australia’s largest and most influential buyers’ agency, with eight offices and over 70 staff across the country.
Dominating the Prestige Property Market
Cohen has built a reputation for sourcing some of Australia’s most exclusive properties, with 80% of his deals happening off-market. His expertise lies in securing multimillion-dollar trophy homes for elite clientele, from company executives and tech entrepreneurs to international billionaires.
Among his most impressive transactions is the $80 million sale of Alcooringa, a historic Spanish Mission estate in Bellevue Hill, which stands as one of Sydney’s most expensive property deals.
With Australia seeing an influx of international wealth and high-net-worth buyers, Cohen predicts that record-breaking transactions will continue throughout 2025. He hints at upcoming deals that could surpass his previous milestones, as Sydney’s premium real estate remains in high demand.
Breaking the Myth: Buyers’ Agents Are Not Just for the Ultra-Wealthy
While Cohen is best known for his elite clientele, he stresses that Cohen Handler works with a wide range of buyers, including:
- First-home buyers looking for guidance in an overwhelming market.
- Small investors wanting to enter the property market with strong growth potential.
- Growing families searching for their dream home.
He believes that Australian homeownership is still achievable but requires a shift in mindset. “Young people need to get into the market as soon as possible, even if it means investing in an affordable area before upgrading later,” Cohen advises.
Cohen’s Personal Property Empire
Practising what he preaches, Cohen has built a diverse property portfolio, investing in:
- Residential and commercial properties across multiple Australian cities.
- Property funds and shopping centres.
- Luxury homes, including his recent purchase of a $13 million Paddington estate.
Despite his success, he admits one of his biggest regrets is selling properties too soon instead of holding onto them for long-term capital growth.
What’s Next for Simon Cohen?
With ongoing expansion, Cohen Handler is poised for another record-breaking year. Cohen continues to be at the forefront of Australia’s luxury real estate boom, helping buyers navigate the highly competitive property market. Whether it’s securing waterfront mansions, off-market gems, or strategic investments, his expertise remains unparalleled.
For those looking to enter, expand, or dominate the property market, Simon Cohen and Cohen Handler offer a level of service and access that is second to none.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU