PHOTO: Monika Tu. SUPPLIED
Monika Tu: Luxury Real Estate Powerhouse, Philanthropist, and Cultural Icon
Outside Neil Perry’s renowned restaurant Margaret in Double Bay, preparations are underway for the midday rush. Waiters bustle around as the sommelier introduces the day’s wine selections. On this bustling Sydney corner, celebrity real estate agent Monika Tu is about to make her grand entrance.
Draped in high-end brands, Tu, known for her starring role in Luxe Listings Sydney and founder of luxury property concierge Black Diamondz, steps out of a chauffeured car. She’s wearing a Fendi top, Bulgari earrings, and a Hermes Birkin bag — a designer ensemble she casually estimates is worth “about $150,000.” Yet, Tu’s attention is just as focused on high-end properties as it is on fashion.
The Rise of Monika Tu in Australia’s Luxury Real Estate Market
Tu’s journey to the top of Australia’s luxury real estate market began in 2009 when she founded Black Diamondz, specializing in marketing Australian properties to international buyers. Recently, Tu has made waves with some of Sydney’s priciest listings, including a Point Piper waterfront home valued at $100 million. She sold Sydney FC owner Scott Barlow’s home on Wolseley Road for $60 million and helped set an Annandale suburb record with the sale of The Abbey mansion for $12.5 million.
As Tu and I sit down to lunch at Margaret, she quickly dives into her expertise — selling. “You must try the pearl meat,” she insists, highlighting the rare dish sourced from the Kimberley region. “They only serve it here.”
Along with luxurious real estate, Tu indulges in the finest dining. For lunch, we enjoy sashimi of Paspaley pearl meat, oysters, spicy tuna tartare, and a wagyu rump, all paired with glasses of Lancelot-Royer Reserve champagne. Yet behind the opulence lies an unshakable work ethic and a deep connection to her Chinese heritage.
From Humble Beginnings to Sydney’s Elite
Tu’s story is far more than glitz and glam. Born in Guiyang, China, in a poor but culturally rich family, Tu was raised on poetry and the value of education, even though her family couldn’t afford basic necessities like milk. Her grandfather, a wealthy man before China’s Cultural Revolution, instilled in her a desire to give back to society. “He believed that if you have money, you should use it to help others,” Tu recalls.
That philosophy drives Tu’s passion for philanthropy today. She was the first Chinese-Australian committee member for the prestigious Gold Dinner charity fundraiser, which set a record by raising $33.4 million for Sydney Children’s Hospital earlier this year. Beyond her involvement with childhood cancer charities, Tu also supports the arts, helping to establish the Museum of Contemporary Art’s first Artists Ball.
Tu’s deep involvement in charity work reflects her belief that business and philanthropy are intertwined. “If you’re lucky enough to be able to give, it feels amazing,” she says. Her philanthropic efforts have not only strengthened her personal mission but have also expanded her business network.
Navigating Challenges in the Real Estate World
Despite her success, Tu’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2016, she nearly left the real estate industry, feeling disillusioned by the backstabbing and unethical behavior she encountered. “I told my husband, ‘I want to quit,’” she admits, citing the cutthroat nature of Sydney’s high-end property market. However, her husband, Jad Khattar, convinced her to stay the course, helping her rise above the competition with her integrity intact.
Tu’s honesty and straightforwardness have become her trademarks. She doesn’t shy away from discussing how she used her cultural understanding to clinch major sales, like her $40 million deal for Point Piper’s Mandalay mansion. By tapping into her extensive network of Chinese buyers, many of whom she connects with through the social media platform WeChat, Tu has cemented her place as a leader in Sydney’s luxury property market.
Beyond Real Estate: A Focus on Philanthropy, Culture, and Networking
Tu is not your typical real estate agent. She views her career as more than just transactions, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange, philanthropy, and lifestyle. “I’m not a transactional agent,” she asserts. “For me, it’s about the synergy between people and the bigger picture.”
Her social calendar, which includes art exhibits, charity galas, and brand launches, is strategically planned around potential business opportunities. Networking is a critical part of her success, as she often meets high-profile clients in these spaces. But Tu is quick to point out that she doesn’t engage in social events without purpose. “If people ask me over for dinner without a reason, I won’t turn up,” she says.
Among her upcoming philanthropic commitments is CEO Dare to Cure, a charity event where Tu will participate in challenges to raise money for the Children’s Cancer Institute. For Tu, philanthropy is more than just writing checks — it’s a reflection of her personal values and a key driver of her success in both life and business.
The Art of Selling a Lifestyle
While Tu’s expertise in selling luxury homes is undeniable, she has also mastered the art of selling a lifestyle. From positioning properties as cultural treasures to highlighting unique aspects that resonate with international buyers, Tu brings an authenticity that sets her apart in a market dominated by competition.
For instance, when selling The Abbey in Annandale, a mansion with a National Trust listing that initially turned off some buyers, Tu spun the historical feature into an asset, presenting it as a “castle” in the heart of Sydney. Her unique approach to marketing not only landed the sale but also broke a suburb record.
Overcoming Prejudice and Staying True to Herself
As a Chinese-Australian woman in an industry dominated by men, Tu has faced her share of prejudice. However, she remains unfazed by critics. “Racism and sexism are everywhere,” she says. “But if you let it affect you, you won’t survive.” Instead, she focuses on her mission: to succeed with integrity and purpose.
Tu’s resilience and determination are evident in everything she does, from her commitment to charity to her continued success in the luxury real estate market. With her company Black Diamondz projected to exceed $300 million in sales this year, Tu shows no signs of slowing down.
As our lunch wraps up, it’s clear that Monika Tu is not just selling homes — she’s selling a vision of success, culture, and philanthropy, one luxury property at a time.
SOURCE: AFR