Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Consumer Affairs

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A real estate agent in Redcliffe, Queensland, has been fined $10,000 and ordered to pay more than $39,000 by QCAT over wrongful conversion of trust monies, following multiple charges brought by the Office of Fair Trading.
The real estate agent, Jason Hoppner, was found guilty of the multiple charges.
The funds in the trust account were due to be paid to five landlords, but the money was then diverted into three separate bank accounts. Each of these were owned by Hopper. In total, thirteen payments were diverted to his accounts from December 2010 and April 2011.
The funds totalled over $12,000, and 23 affected consumers saw themselves paid $30,368.21 by the Office of Fair Trading, with another five currently owed $8668.11.
Hopper has been ordered to pay $39,036.32 and has been disqualified from holding a real estate agent’s license for 15 years.
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Redcliffe, Queensland agent fined $10,000 for trust account abuse

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ACT real estate agent Mark Blinksell, ex-director of Grapevine Property &amp; Business, has been fined $10,000 after using a client’s deposit from a trust fund to pay down his own mortgage.
In February, <a href="/news/act/canberra-agent-s-license-cancelled-after-taking-trust-money-to-fund-home-loan">Property Observer reported that Blinksell had his license cancelled for five years</a> and had been disqualified for applying for a real estate of business salesperson’s registration for three years after he was found guilty of engaging in dishonest conduct by misapplying deposit monies received in 2013.
The deposit funds, that had been received around 7 January, 2013, in his role as vendor’s agent, were effectively stolen. He subsequently misrepresented and lied about where the funds were. He had been engaged by the vendor in October 2012, and received $22,000 in a deposit cheque from the buyers in the January.
Blinksell was given a six-month suspended jail sentence and a three year good behaviour bond. He had paid back the money with interest.
ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading Brett Phillips said that the ACT government takes real estate agents’ breaches of the law seriously.
"Real estate agents regularly handle large sums of money for their clients, and it is vital that they understand the gravity of such a responsibility," said Phillips.
Blinksell had operated Grapevine since 2009. He previously held positions at Mirvac and Capital Property Trust.
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Agent fined for using client’s deposit to pay off own mortgage

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The Victorian, New South Wales and West Australian state governments have issued letters to property spruikers in their states outlining their obligations under consumer law.
Victoria’s consumer affairs minister, Heidi Victoria, spoke to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-08/state-governments-warn-spruikers-to-stick-to-the/5581698?section=business" target="_blank">the ABC</a> about the high pressure, persuasive techniques used by property spruikers at seminars and events.
“The sort of things that we’re concerned about is, for example, a high pressure sales environment – so when people come along just for information, but then feel obliged to either spend money on an education program, or that type of thing,” said Victoria.
“We want to make sure they’re not feeling pressured into signing anything on the night, that they are given plenty of time. But also to understand that those operating in the space must give a 10 day cooling off period.”
In February, the ABC reported that West Australia, New South Wales and Victoria’s governments were monitoring 15 property spruikers. However, Victoria said though some property spruikers had received letters outlining their legal obligations, Consumer Affairs Victoria was not currently investigating any particular property spruikers.
“This is just more a general ‘get to know you’ sort of letter, and say, ‘these are your rights and obligations’,” Victoria said.
“We’re very much about educating people who are operating in any business. The type of letter that has gone out to them just outlines their responsibilities, and also their obligations, and of course if they don’t abide by their obligations, and if they’re not working correctly under Australian consumer law, then we can take it much further.”
Of people investing in property through a self-managed super fund, Victoria said consumers must know their rights.
“A lot of people have to understand that when they’re doing this sort of investment, that they need legal and financial advice,” she said.
“It’s not something that can be taken lightly. As I said, it really is something that many people put their life savings into, and the last thing they want is for that to go belly up. So they do need to know their rights, their obligations as consumers and make sure they are investing in something that’s going to be safe, and something that has that long term projection.”
To see the letter sent by West Australia’s Commissioner for Consumer Protection, see next page
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
West Australia’s notice to the state’s property spruikers warns them of penalties associated with misleading consumers, which include fines of up to $1.1 million.
In a letter sent to property spruikers by West Australia’s Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll, she states:
<img src="/images/2014/07/10/cut-out-july-10-one.jpg" alt="">
In particular:
<img src="/images/2014/07/10/cut-out-july-10-two.jpg" alt="">
 
She adds:
<img src="/images/2014/07/10/cut-out-july-10-three.jpg" alt="">
Driscoll notes that misleading claims “can result in penalties of up to $1.1 million for a corporation or $220,000 for an individual”.
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Property spruikers receive warning letters from states

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George J Nowak, of the Charterhill Group, has filed for bankruptcy after the Federal Court in Adelaide froze his assets and those of his wife back in February.
At the time, the <a href="/news/federal-court-freezes-assets-of-charterhills-george-nowak">court had ordered the surrender of their passports, and restricted their travel outside of the country</a>, while ASIC investigated the collapse of the Charterhill Group.
The Charterhill Group specialized in assisting clients to invest in property with their SMSFs. This left nearly $6 million of super at risk.
Macks Advisory’s Peter Ivan Macks has been appointed as Nowak’s trustee, and he has advised that the bankruptcy came following an appointment of liquidators to companies within the Charterhill Group Lending Solutions International Pty Ltd and Nova Real Estate Pty Ltd.
Nowak, who lodged a statement of affairs with the trustee, listed 31 companies he was director and/or shareholder of.
The statement of affairs was signed and dated 30 June 2014, and lodged with the Debtor's Petition on the same day. The Debtor's Petition was accepted on 2 July 2014.
It is noted that unsecured creditors totals approximately $7 million. This includes a claim in his estate, brought by Nova Real Estate’s liquidators – of approximately $6 million.
Investigations are underway, but return to creditors at this stage is unlikely.
The following companies in the Charterhill Group were placed under external control in February:
•    Lending Solutions International Pty Ltd – liquidators appointed (Andrew Heard and Anthony Phillips of Heard Phillips)
•    Nova Real Estate Pty Ltd – external administrators appointed (Andrew Heard and Anthony Phillips of Heard Phillips)
•    EJ Property Developments Pty Ltd – receivers and managers appointed (Michael Basedow and Leigh Prior of Pitcher Partners)
•    Financial Wellness Pty Ltd – receivers and managers appointed (Michael Basedow and Leigh Prior of Pitcher Partners).
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ
Investor update: <a href="/news/investor-update-charterhill-issues-clients-apology-after-closure">Charterhill issues clients apology after closure</a>
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Charterhill's George Nowak files for bankruptcy following liquidation of companies

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Two Perth real estate agencies have seen Consumer Protection given supervision orders by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) due to their misuse of trust accounts. 
Supervision orders require the company to carry on the duties for the agencies, before winding them up.
The two agencies were also said to be unable to operate within the Real Estate and Business Agents Act.
Kurt James Wallace, who traded as Scope Investment Services, was restrained from operating under an SAT approved application on 18 June 2014. A supervisor was ordered to be appointed to administer the financial affairs for Scope Investment Services.
Rent money should have been deposited into a trust account, but was instead put into the general agency account. This was not corrected and had been found in a Consumer Protection investigation. Wallace also failed to renew his triennial certificate in April 2014.
The second real estate agency that Consumer Protection took action against was Spirit Realty Pty Ltd that had been trading as Professionals Perth. The application was approved on 8 May 2014.
Numerous breaches of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act were found during an examination of the trust accounts. After the investigation began, they went into voluntary liquidation – said to be a significant reason behind the order that they could no longer conduct their business in accordance with the Act.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll, conceded the actions are extreme, but said they are justified when client’s money has been misused.
“Bond and rental payments are not the property of the agent, that’s why they are held in trust on behalf of the agency’s clients. Failing to properly administer these funds is a serious offence with serious consequences under the law,” Driscoll said.
“There are strict rules governing the handling of client’s money and all licensed real estate agents need to be well aware of their legal obligations and adhere strictly to the law.
“Anyone who has any evidence of the misuse of trust money by agents is urged to contact us immediately so an investigation can be carried out and appropriate action can be taken.”
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Extreme action against trust fund misuse justified: Consumer Protection

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Property advertisements are governed under state and territory rules and regulations that define when something is misleading.
Today, we turn our attention to New South Wales’ Fair Trading and their guidelines around the advertising of real estate, as governed under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 as well as the Fair Trading Act 1987.
Firstly, we note that something is misleading or deceptive if “it is likely to lead a reasonable or ordinary member of the class of persons to whom it is directed into error”.
If you are found to have engaged in this conduct, then the maximum penalty is 200 penalty units, which equates to $22,000. However, heftier fines may be imposed for those to also be found to have breached section 30 of Australian Consumer Law, which applies to the sale of land or interest in land. This could see you face a $220,000 fine in the case of an individual, or $1.1 million for a company.
To avoid the section 30 fine, you must not make false or misleading representations about the nature of the interest, the price payable, the location, the characteristics, the use to which it is capable of being put or may lawfully be put or the existence/availability of facilities.
This covers advertisements in newspapers, periodicals or other publications, public displays (on buildings, vehicles, place or in the air), in any document sent or delivered to anyone or left at the premises, on radio or television, or on a website or email.
ONE
Omission or silence around facts can be misleading. Your intent to mislead or not is irrelevant. What matters is the likely effect on reasonable or ordinary members of your target audience and the overall impression created.
TWO
It is not limited to your words – the photographs can be scrutinised for misleading conduct as well. Views and facilities are particularly important to focus on getting right.
Here are six scenarios of photographs, from Fair Trading, that are “undesirable” and likely to mislead:
<ul>
<li>A water view or scenery, placed next to a photograph of a house, makes it difficult to ascertain whether the water view or scenery can be seen from the house or whether the photograph is a 'location shot' 
</li>
<li>A beach scene with the wording 'minutes to this!' typed above the photograph does not give a clear indication of the distance from the property to the beach shown in the photograph 
</li>
<li>A park and beach with the wording 'opposite home' where, in fact, this view cannot be seen from the property 
</li>
<li>A house placed next to a photograph of a beach with the wording 'stroll to beach' printed underneath the photograph does not give a clear indication of the distance from the property to the beach 
</li>
<li>A beach with the wording '90 seconds walk to waters edge, not actual view' printed at the bottom of the photograph needs more clarification 
</li>
<li>A photograph on the internet of a beach with the wording '100 metres from beach' printed at the bottom of the photograph needs more clarification.</li>
</ul>
THREE
“Touching up” of photographs isn’t as harmless as you might think. If you’re hiding undesirable characteristics or enhancing other features, rather than just making the photos a bit more presentable, then you could be misleading the buyers.
This includes modifying, or allowing modification, of photographs so they no longer “truthfully and fairly represent that property”. Removing or adding features digitally in a manner than changes the appearance of a property is potentially misleading. Similarly, zooming in on a view that can be seen from the property, to make it appear closer, is also potentially misleading.
FOUR
It's acceptable to use obvious labels to clarify exactly what the photograph is in relation to the property, which will allow real estate agents to take great photographs of nearby, but not visible, beaches and amenities.
Photographs of views taken from the property itself - no label required.
Photograhs of views in the immediate area, but not taken from the property - labelled 'LOCATION SHOT'.
This label should only be applied to photographs of facilities and services in the "immediate surrounding area of the property".
FIVE
When it comes to wording, there's a vague way and a more appropriate way, suggested by Fair Trading. This is particularly the case for descriptions in reference to distances - the more specific and detailed the better.
For instance, 'close to [feature e.g. beach, shops]' is not as favoured as 'Two kilometres to [feature]'. The term "within walking distance" is also preferably replaced with the real distance.
Fair Trading warns the real estate agents are responsibly for the information they provide, and claiming that buyers should make enquiries as to the accuracy of the information is not enough.
Despite this, many real estate agents provide a comment in their advertisements noting that the information should be checked by the buyer.
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Five things to know about misleading property advertisements

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Rent to buy schemes, also known as vendor financing, have received some bad press over the past year – and it seems that their run isn’t up.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has promoted tweets, warning that property buyers should be wary of “high risk” property investments, including rent to buy.
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" alt="">
Warning <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing-and-accommodation/buying-and-selling-property/buying-property/high-risk-property-investments" target="_blank">against property spruikers in the same link</a>, rent to buy schemes are targeted. It notes that this variation of vendor sales targets lower income earners, or “prospective property buyers unable to obtain mainstream finance”.
It warns that buyers have limited legal rights if the arrangement goes wrong.
Under a rent-to-buy scheme, the buyer enters into a rental agreement with the vendor where they are charged high rent (well above market rate). At the end of the rental period they may buy the property but ownership of the property does not pass to the buyer until they exercise the ‘option to purchase’ after the rental period has expired.
Those who clicked on their promoted tweets would have seen the following:
The risks for buyers
<ul>
<li>Rent-to-buy contracts are high-risk schemes for buyers because the title of the property is not transferred to them until they have purchased the property outright. 
</li>
<li>You will likely be paying significantly above market rate rent and will not have any equity in the property until the full purchase price is paid. 
</li>
<li>The rental period may last several years and, if your circumstances change, you may be unable to complete the payments. Therefore, if you pay almost the full purchase price but do not complete the payments, you won’t get your money back and will not have any claim over the property. 
</li>
<li>Even if you complete the rental payments, you may still not obtain a home loan and lose not only the property, but also all of money you have spent. 
</li>
<li>Be aware that if you use your first home buyers grant to buy a property, you will lose the right to apply it to any future property transactions. 
</li>
<li>Some rent-to-buy contracts may indicate that you will lose all payments made and have no claim over the property, if you fail to make even a single payment on time. 
</li>
<li>In addition to rent payments and an option fee (for the option of purchasing), some contracts generally require you to pay for repairs and maintenance, council rates, insurance and other outgoings. 
</li>
<li>Potential buyers should be aware that these costs may be substantial, particularly with an older or run down property. 
</li>
<li>If the vendor has a mortgage over the property and fails to keep up their own repayments, their lender may have the right to repossess the property.</li>
</ul>
Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria
Vendors must be aware that they must:
<ul>
<li>Abide by the rent-to-buy contract and be unable to sell the property to the another buyer (perhaps offering a higher price) while the contract is in force, even if you need to liquidate your assets due to a change in circumstances. 
</li>
<li>Be effectively locked into a long-term settlement period where the purchase price is fixed and you will lose any right to future capital growth if the property’s value increases over that time. 
</li>
<li>Remain legally responsible for the property until the buyer makes the final payment and the property title is transferred.</li>
</ul>
Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria
They also warn that if you are using the rent to cover the mortgage then you will be left vulnerable if the buyer fails to pay, and the renters may choose not to buy the property mid-way through the rent to buy process.
As an example of what can happen, on one instance in 2011, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/tenants-sell-landlords-pool-in-rent-to-buy-swindle">tenants sold a vendor’s pool in a rent to buy swindle</a>.
Western Australia’s Consumer Protection has been particularly bullish against rent to buy schemes. For one company, the Supreme Court ruled that one operator was illegally functioning as the owners were not licensed estate agents and also misled those who signed up – this was <a href="/news/wa-rent-to-buy-scheme-ruled-deceptive-and-illegal-with-other-similar-schemes-facing-investigation">in the case of No Loan Home Pty Ltd in June 2012</a>.
In another publicised situation, a WA rent to buy property scheme saw <a href="/news/wa-consumer-protection-targets-rent-to-buy-property-scheme-that-took-david-beckham-jersey-in-lieu-of-deposit">vendors taking a signed David Beckham jersey and a Franklin Mint Edition Monopoly Board in lieu of a deposit</a>.
Property Observer followed what caused a young brother-and-sister duo to be led <a href="/expert-insights/investing/from-seminar-to-success-story-to-getting-fined-in-the-supreme-court-of-western-australia-how-it-happened">from a rent to buy seminar to being fined in the Supreme Court of Western Australia for their property dealings</a>.
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Consumer Affairs Victoria taking charge against “high-risk” rent to buy schemes

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Home improvement company Gotta Getta Group has paid $20,400 in penalties after being issued with an infringement notice by the consumer watchdog, which alleged the company engaged in misleading advertising.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Gotta Getta Group offered consumers 60 cents per kilowatt hour for energy fed back into the grid if they purchased a solar panel and entered a three-year energy plan with Simply Energy.
The advertisements, which ran on television, the internet and radio in South Australia during 2013, claimed the feed-in credit meant consumers would recoup the cost of their solar panel up to three times faster than if they purchased it from a competitor.
The ads also claimed consumers would not have to spend any money in order to benefit from the offer.
In a statement, the ACCC alleged the Gotta Getta Group advertisements made false or misleading claims and contravened Australian Consumer Law.
“Gotta Getta Group did not take into account the fact that consumers who purchased a solar system from another supplier would receive the benefit of the 9.8 cent minimum retailer payment in addition to the 16 cent South Australian Government feed-in tariff,” said the competition watchdog.
“Gotta Getta Group charged consumers an amount in relation to the 60 cent feed-in tariff offer, by including in the purchase price of its solar systems an amount in respect of a commission payable by Gotta Getta Group to Simply Energy,” said the ACCC.
However, an ACCC spokesperson told SmartCompany infringement notices are not an admission of conduct.
SmartCompany contacted Gotta Getta Group this morning, but did not receive a response prior to publication.
The incident is the latest in a series of investigations into the energy sector by the ACCC.
Last month, the agency instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Origin Energy, claiming it had made <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/41863-origin-energy-in-hot-water-over-alleged-false-conduct">false or misleading representations to consumers</a>.
In a statement, ACCC Commissioner Sarah Court said complex terms and conditions can make it difficult for consumers to compare offers from competing suppliers.
“Suppliers must ensure that representations made about the benefits of purchasing a solar system are truthful and accurate, so that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions, and suppliers do not gain an unfair advantage over their competitors,” said Court.
Melissa Monks, special counsel at law firm King &amp; Wood Mallesons, toldSmartCompany in February the energy sector was one of the <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/35752-accc-to-crackdown-on-drip-pricing-and-big-businesses-posing-as-small-businesses">ACCC’s key priorities</a> for 2014. 
“We will definitely see litigation in relation to the savings ‘discounts off what?’ concerns, likely in the energy sector given the ACCC has been investigating this concern since at least June last year,” she said.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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asadauskas-o9wSWMRiAW

ACCC energy sector crackdown continues as solar installer fined $20,400

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Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Heidi Victoria has rejected weekend media reports that ­collusive bidding was a problem at weekend auctions.
“Consumer Affairs Victoria is not aware that this practice is currently prevalent ,” she told the Australian Financial Review.
The paper<a href="https://www.afr.com/p/national/buyers_dirty_auction_tricks_exposed_fUcTgsHwP88nAb6vLujfdM" target="_blank"> </a>reported two or more ­bidders representing one buyer at an auction, creating the impression there are multiple buyers, was a common occurrence at Melbourne auctions.
The AFR noted it was more of an issue in Victoria than NSW, where bidders are required to register before auction.
NSW Fair Trading Minister ­Matthew Mason-Cox said collusive bidding was already outlawed, but would consider if new forms of the practice required a legislative update.
The AFR suggested the unscrupulous buyers were working with the help or encouragement of buyer’s agents.
By creating the impression that there are multiple buyers bidding for the same property, one buyer’s agent claimed the tactic worked by reputedly saving their client $300,000 plus at auction to the annoyance of the vendor if they knew. 
“It’s illegal, but very hard to police,” said Rich Harvey, from the Sydney buyer’s agency, propertybuyer.com.au, who slammed the practice in the article.
The ploy also created an impression in the vendor’s mind that there was good activity below the reserve, and so encouraging the vendor to put the property on the market, rather than pass it in.
NSW regulations state that a person must not induce another person to abstain from bidding or do anything in any way which may prevent free and open competition.
Paul Osborne from Melbourne buyer’s agency, The Secret Agent, said he had seen three people representing the same buyer bidding at auction.
"Buyers use all kinds of theatrics that are not transparent,” he said.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Collusive auction bidding not prevalent: Consumer Affairs Victoria 

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A proposal to deregulate fees charged by settlement agents and land valuers in Western Australia has Consumer Protection calling for comment.
This would be a move to bring Western Australia back in line with all the other states in Australia, as they are currently the only state to fix a maximum amount that these experts can charge for their services.
With 660 licensed settlement agents, and 840 land valuers, across the state it could help competition and red tape reduction if the fee schedule is removed, according to Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe.
The other states, where there is not this level of regulation, competition is what keeps charges low. Newcombe said that, as a result, having a mandated maximum is unnecessary.
“In fact, discounting by settlement agents and land valuers in WA’s competitive market often means that fees well below the maximum allowed are being charged, demonstrating that there is little benefit to consumers and further cementing the case for deregulation,” he said.
“If fees were to be deregulated, there would be a provision for consumers to be provided with information about the fees being charged that would help them assess the services being offered and make an informed choice about service providers.”
The deregulation of fees for real estate and business agents, which occurred in 1998, will be the modelling for this legislation. At the time, there were no adverse effects recorded.
“Consumers would continue to be protected by the Australian Consumer Law and industry professional standards would be maintained by the licensing and codes of conduct obligations placed on settlement agents and land valuers which will remain firmly in place, regardless of any fee deregulation,” he said.
Comments can be made until 31 July 2014.
{module Do you think settlement agents and land valuers' fees should be deregulated?}
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