October 2024 Newsletter

October 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter snapshot:

  • NSW CPD update: Ballina Face-to-face, Upcoming Webinar training.

  • Industry updates: Some millionaires, some struggling: The fall-out of Adelaide's 50% property price hike, Myer family’s Melbourne mansion could sell for $100m+, Qld agent handed 10-year ban and $30k fine, Home prices fall in parts of Sydney as ‘buyer's market’ looms.

  • Job Opportunities!

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September 2024 Newsletter

September 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter snapshot:

  • NSW CPD update: Face-to-face AND Webinar training dates released!

  • Industry updates: Making renting fairer in NSW, New laws introduced to improve strata living.

  • Commercial Updates: Blue Mountains: 'rare' opportunity to invest at the Three Sisters, Airbnb boom hits a wall as landlords slash prices to lure tourists.

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July 2024 Newsletter

July 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter snapshot

  • NSW CPD updates

  • Industry updates: Sydney defies gravity smashing out a fresh home price record, Homeowners warned of looming ban on dangerous renovation product, Why it’s a better time to buy a home right now, National Property Manager’s Day!

  • Job Opportunities: Exciting opportunity for a part-time Property Administration Professional, located on the Sunshine Coast! Interested? Reach out to Gillian Gatt: gillian.gatt@AusDN.org.au

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June 2024 Newsletter

June 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter snapshot

  • Mothers Day Giveaway Winner Announced!!

  • Industry updates: Cheap rentals drying up in Townsville, 100 granny flats a week: Families turn to ‘instant’ housing solution

  • Commercial updates: Brisbane CBD tower being sold by DWS Group could trade for $112m.

  • On the road again! Stay tuned for our upcoming Face-to-face classes!

  • NSW CPD updates: NSW Class 1 and Class 2 licensees can now complete their training with us online!

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November 2023 Newsletter

November 2023 Newsletter

3 November 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Industry updates: NSW strata sector updates October 2023 // NSW Government introduces strata sector reforms, extends existing property services commissioner role // National Association of Renters' Organisations launches report on principles for strengthening renters’ rights.

  • Disciplinary action: Former Victorian estate agent convicted over illegal transfers of client funds // Victorian estate agent facing disciplinary action for poor conduct // Western Australia Consumer Protection urges tenants to report racist behaviour after agent reprimanded and suspended // NSW Fair Trading publishes results from underquoting compliance inspections, confirms $52,800 in fines issued.

  • Legislative changes: South Australian government clarifies further commitments to improving housing outcomes for tenants and prospective tenants // Bill introduced to amend South Australia's Residential Tenancy Act.

  • NSW CPD updates: NSW Class 2 and Class 1 licensees can now complete their CPD training with us online! Plus more face-to-face classroom CPD options!

  • WA CPD: WA agents, don’t forget to enrol in and complete your CPD by 31 December 2023!

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October 2023 Newsletter

October 2023 Newsletter

3 October 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Industry updates: Consumer Affairs Victoria warns against failure to audit trust accounts // Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) continues to encourage tenants to enquire about outstanding bonds // Commercial news: Commercial real estate sector primed for strong growth in 2024, experts predict.

  • Disciplinary action: Victorian estate agent facing disciplinary action for poor conduct // Former Victorian estate agent convicted over illegal transfers of client funds // Western Australia Consumer Protection urges tenants to report racist behaviour after agent reprimanded and suspended // NSW Fair Trading publishes results from underquoting compliance inspections, confirms $52,800 in fines issued.

  • Legislative changes: Tasmanian agents, have your say on proposed changes to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal legislation by 4 October 2023.

  • NSW CPD updates: NSW Class 2 and Class 1 licensees can now complete their CPD training with us online!

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August 2023 Newsletter

August 2023 Newsletter

4 August 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Industry updates: NSW Government announces change to temporary accommodation access support people in crisis // NSW Government introduces rental commissioner role // Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority reports over 114,000 outstanding bond payments // NSW stock agent news: Sheep and goat electronic ID grants open for saleyards and processors

  • Disciplinary action: Victorian agents hit with over $500k in fines for underquoting // Consumer Affairs Victoria commences action against agency for practising while unlicensed.

  • Legislative changes: NSW Government engages community consultation for further changes to rental laws // No-cause evictions to be banned in South Australia.

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Victorian agents hit with over $500k in fines for underquoting

Victorian agents hit with over $500k in fines for underquoting

31 July 2023

An underquoting taskforce established by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has announced that it observed twenty-nine agencies engage in the dishonest act of underquoting from the year 2022 to 2023.

CAV reports that in the 12 months to June 30, “inspectors issued 48 underquoting infringement notices totalling more than $520,000 and issued 37 official warnings to 29 estate agencies”.

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October 2022 Newsletter

October 2022 Newsletter

7 October 2022

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Site-wide discount code!

  • Industry updates: Consumer Affairs Victoria to crack down on underquoting, Fake social media accounts used to scam eager renters in WA.

  • Legislative changes: New QLD rental laws commenced on 1 October 2022.

  • Disciplinary action: Disciplinary proceedings commence against a Victorian agent with a history of misconduct, Court outcome for a Victorian agency that threatened to interfere with tenants' legal access to their homes.

  • Learn about workplace stress support services.

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Consumer Affairs Victoria to crack down on underquoting

Consumer Affairs Victoria to crack down on underquoting

14 September 2022

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has reported today that they will be targeting unfair business practices used by unethical estate agents, including the practice of underquoting. The property industry regulator has been allocated $3.8 million to allow inspectors, investigators, information analysts, and legal officers to effectively carry out the task.

Underquoting involves advertising a property for sale at “a price below the estimated selling price, the seller's asking price, or a price that has been rejected as too low by the seller”.

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SA Consumer and Business Services: Concerns about trust accounts and underquoting

SA Consumer and Business Services: Concerns about trust accounts and underquoting

1 July 2022

Consumer watchdogs across Australia have been cracking down on the illegal practice of underquoting for many years now. South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services (CBS) department has publicly advised that they will be cracking down on agents partaking in underquoting this year, bringing to light the fact that many agents are still willing to mislead their clients despite heavy penalties.

An agent or sales representative must have reasonable grounds for advertising a property at the price stated in the advertisement, or they can face penalties under the Australian Consumer Law of up to $500,000 for an individual or $10 million for a company.

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