Whispers of a significant personal and professional split are circulating around one of Brisbane's most prominent real estate power couples. Ben and Samantha Wakely, who founded the esteemed Wakely Properties in Paddington, are believed to have ended their nearly decade-long marriage.
Signs of a Personal and Professional Parting
The speculation has been fuelled by several telling developments. Professionally, while Samantha Wakely's LinkedIn profile still lists her as a co-founder and director of the agency, her biography has been removed from the official Wakely Properties website. This move hints at a potential disentanglement from the business they built together.
On a personal level, followers have noted a distinct shift in the couple's social media presence. Ben Wakely, a former Queensland Reds player, was once prolific in sharing loving tributes to his wife on Instagram. However, his last post mentioning Samantha was in March 2024, where he referred to her as his "beautiful wife / best friend." Samantha, meanwhile, has deleted her own social media account entirely.
The Toowong Family Home Hits the Market
Adding considerable weight to the separation rumours is the recent listing of the couple's substantial family residence in Toowong. The property is being jointly managed by Rachael Spinks of Spinks & Co and Stephen Matthews from Wakely Properties.
The impressive home is a five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence set on a generous 1,164m² north-east facing block. It boasts views of the city and Mt Coot-tha, along with proximity to shops, schools, and the CBD. Spread across three architect-designed levels, the property features an open-plan living area flowing to an alfresco space, a Miele-equipped kitchen, a private main bedroom wing, a pool deck, office, media room, and a sparkling swimming pool.
A High-Profile Romance That Captured Attention
Ben and Samantha Wakely's relationship first became a topic of public fascination with their lavish wedding in December 2016. The ceremony took place in Carmel, California, and attracted a guest list filled with local celebrities, including Wendell and Tara Sailor, Channel 10's Georgina Lewis and her then-husband Paul O'Brien, and former TV weather presenter Amanda Mahony.
The pair later became synonymous with Brisbane's luxury property scene, building Wakely Properties into a highly-regarded brand. The potential dissolution of both their marriage and their professional partnership marks a significant shift for the once high-profile duo. Daily Mail Australia has approached the couple for comment.
