Powerhouse of property: Carla Haddan on leadership, legacy, and giving back

Specialising in houses, apartments, and townhomes, Haddan has helped hundreds of clients find or sell their homes – many returning years later for their next chapter. Her deep market knowledge, fierce negotiating skills, and personal involvement in every inspection set her apart.

Beyond real estate, Haddan is a dedicated philanthropist, raising over $1 million for local charities and championing causes close to her heart. Whether it’s delivering landmark developments, supporting families through cancer, or making Christmas magical for children in need, Haddan’s passion for community is as strong as her results.

What does it mean to be a partner at Place One Group, and what led you to making that decision?

Becoming a partner at Place One Group represents both a personal milestone and a professional evolution. After 22 years with Place Bulimba, it was a natural step to take everything I’ve learnt and help shape a business with values and vision that align deeply with mine. It’s about leadership, legacy, and lifting others. I wanted to create an environment where we not only achieve great results but also build meaningful lives – for our clients and our team.

Place One Group has been growing. What sets this team apart from others in Brisbane’s competitive property market?

Place One Group is built on culture first. We’re driven, but we’re also incredibly people-focused. Our boutique approach allows us to offer the same depth of service across both new projects and residential resales, with a high-performance mindset and a heart-led purpose. We care deeply about each other, our clients, and the communities we serve – and that makes all the difference in a crowded market.

In your experience, what are the most important qualities for someone looking to join a top agency, like Place’s One Group?

Authenticity, accountability, and a willingness to grow. The best people in this business don’t just want to sell homes – they want to make a difference. At Place One Group, we value integrity, consistency, and a strong sense of purpose. If you’re coachable, community-minded, and care about delivering more than just transactions, you’ll thrive here.

Incredibly, you’ve been awarded Queensland Community Foundation - Philanthropist of the Year 2022. Why do you believe it’s so important to give back to the community?

Giving back is part of who I am – it’s something I hold close to my heart. I truly believe we’re given two hands: one to help ourselves and one to help others. After experiencing my own cancer journey, I saw firsthand the power of support, and it changed the way I wanted to live. Contributing to the wellbeing of others – whether it’s through sport, health, or helping a child in need – is one of the greatest privileges of my life. It brings purpose to everything I do.

What community events and charities are you involved with?

I’m involved in a number of causes that are deeply personal to me. I sponsor and support the Morningside Panthers AFL Club, with a strong focus on nurturing the women’s teams and creating opportunities for local talent to thrive.

One initiative especially close to my heart is the Santa Wishlist program, which I started through Lighthouse Care. It began when my son was very young – I wanted him to understand the true spirit of Christmas. Through the program, a child in need creates a wishlist valued at up to $200, and a community member fulfils it on Santa’s behalf. Each item is carefully wrapped and placed into a Santa sack to be given to the child at Christmas. It’s become a beloved tradition for many families – an opportunity to give with intention and love. Together, we’ve delivered over $500,000 in gifts to vulnerable children.

I’ve also led efforts to raise over $1.3 million for cancer equipment at the Wesley Hospital, and continue to support young mothers undergoing cancer treatment, which is incredibly close to my heart as a survivor.

In addition, we host an annual Christmas charity dinner to support the Queensland Brain Institute, raising funds for dementia research. So far, we’ve raised over $120,000 to support their groundbreaking work.

You’re known for your strong results and presence in Brisbane’s inner east; what are some of the things you do to elevate your brand and impact in that market?

Consistency, care, and community connection. I’ve always approached real estate with a long-game mindset. It’s not about the next sale – it’s about building trust over time. I also lean into storytelling through high-quality marketing, strong negotiation skills, and being deeply involved in the local area.

I’m proud to have made some of the highest sales in Hawthorne and Bulimba in the last six months – results that truly left both buyers and sellers feeling happy and content. When everyone walks away feeling like they’ve had a win, that’s the perfect outcome. Everyone’s happy, and that’s what I strive for in every transaction.

What excites you most about the future of Place One Group, and how do you see your role evolving as the group continues to grow?

What excites me most is the opportunity to keep shaping lives – within our team and our wider community. Watching our agents grow into leaders and helping them achieve financial freedom and purpose is deeply fulfilling. As we expand, I see my role evolving into a mentor and culture curator, ensuring we stay true to our roots while creating space for innovation and next-generation talent.

Another exciting time for me personally is having my 16-year-old son, currently in Year 11, showing a real interest in joining the business. He’s been helping with Saturday open homes for the past 12 months and during school holidays, and he’s genuinely becoming invested in the outcomes of inspections and subsequent offers. It’s thrilling to see his curiosity grow. I started in real estate at 30 – so for him to be starting now, the sky is truly the limit. There’s no better company than Place to nurture a young person from this age, and I can’t wait to watch his path unfold.