Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Consumer Affairs

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Cyber fraudsters are believed to be behind a total of $50,000, made in three payments, out of a Broome real estate agency's trust account. It is believed the criminals accessed the agency's online banking system after a compromised email saw malware installed.
One of the recipients receiving regular payments had their account details altered on a pre-entered list, seeing their $50,000 redirected to another's account. Then, the details were changed back to the original to avoid detection of the fraud.
The agency has been reimbursed by their bank since the incidents in February.
In March last year, another agency experienced a similar case of cyber fraud, seeing $50,000 stolen through two BPay transactions from a trust account. The bank detected these cases early, and recovered the funds.
As a result, Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll has put out a warning to real estate agents, and settlement agents, to be wary of fraud. She also suggests that strict security protocols are in place for computer usage.
“While the property industry has been targeted in these cases, fraud of this kind can affect any business so it’s essential that businesses have procedures and protocols in place to prevent unauthorised access to their computer system and systems to detect malware,” Driscoll said.
“Staff should be trained to ensure that suspicious emails are deleted immediately, attachments are never opened and links never activated. Having up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware software is essential for any business."
She suggested that agents manually input bank account details of clients when making electronic bank payments, rather than using pre-entered lists.
These are not the only type of cyber scams around - in 2012, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/vigilant-applecross-perth-estate-agency-prevents-another-fraudulent-house-sale-nigerian-scam">a vigilant Applecross, Perth agency managed to avoid being victim to cyber crime</a>.
CONSUMER PROTECTION'S ANTI-FRAUD ADVICE:
<ol>
<li>Have the latest security software (anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall) installed on computer systems and keep the operating system up-to-date. 
</li>
<li>Remind staff of basic electronic security measures. If suspicious emails contain an attachment, do not open them as they may contain malicious software (malware or spyware). Do not click on any links within these emails and delete them immediately. 
</li>
<li>Be wary of unsolicited emails purporting to be from your bank as these may be phishing scams. 
</li>
<li>Be aware that banks will never ask you to supply any of your details via email. 
</li>
<li>Consider using security tokens or set up a mobile phone security code protocol when using e-banking and verifying all payments. Ensure the device protocols are set to the highest possible level for all staff members. 
</li>
<li>Revise transaction limits and reduce them if they are too high. Sometimes it’s safer to make smaller multiple payments than allow for one large payment to be made from your bank account. 
</li>
<li>Tyoe the address into the address bar when accessing online banking. Never click on an online link or ‘favourites link’ to access your bank’s webpage as these can be manipulated to send you to a counterfeit site. While these sites may look similar to your bank’s webpage, fraudsters operate them to obtain your personal banking details and passwords. 
</li>
<li>Staff members should enter a payee’s bank account details manually whenever they make an electronic funds transfer.</li>
</ol>
Property Observer suggests that investors should ask their agents how they protect themselves, and their clients' information.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Cyber criminals steal $50,000 from Broome real estate agency trust accounts

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Have a reno planned for this Easter weekend coming (or some home improvement), then play it safe is the message from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
It might not be glam, but it is falls that are on their radar, with eighty-two people passing away in Victoria between 2000 and 2011, in particular the elderly.
Eighty-two people died after falling from ladders in Victoria, between 2000 and 2011, with most of these people being aged over 65.
However, there are a number of safety issues for all Australians looking to give renovating an attempt.
LADDER TIPS Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria
<ul>
<li>Before getting on the ladder:</li>
<li>Check that your ladder is in good condition</li>
<li>Place it on dry, firm and level ground</li>
<li>Check all safety locks and braces are in place.</li>
</ul>
Other things to check:
<ul>
<li>Ensure the ladder has non-slip safety feet</li>
<li>Read safety warnings and follow the manufacturer's advice</li>
<li>Wear non-slip footwear</li>
<li>Keep people and vehicles away from the ladder while you are working</li>
<li>Work within your arm’s reach and avoid leaning out</li>
<li>Only climb as far as the second step from the top of a step-ladder or the third step from the top of a straight ladder</li>
<li>Never put the ladder on top of other objects to gain extra height.</li>
</ul>
ASBESTOS TIPS
Another common area of safety scares are when it comes to asbestos. We have written a number of articles about preparing for this eventuality.
With renovations becoming increasingly popular, and <a href="/news/asbestos-found-in-one-in-four-pre-purchase-inspections">asbestos reportedly found in one in four building inspections</a>, it makes sense to be careful around this deadly material. Apparently, <a href="/news/nsw/how-is-asbestos-affecting-you-61-of-renovators-exposed">61% of renovators are exposed</a>.
Don't let this <a href="/expert-insights/investing/asbestos-is-a-silent-killer-and-our-ignorance-is-putting-people-in-danger">silent killer lurk in your home</a>.
<a href="/news/how-to-choose-a-building-and-pest-inspector">Choose a good building and pest inspector</a> when you purchase, or before any extreme renovations, so you know what you're up against.
This will quickly alert you to the asbestos that you should call the professionals in for. Don't DIY asbestos removal and disposal. Keep your mouth and nose covered when around the substance.
GENERAL TIPS
Unless you have been trained in certain areas, we recommend bringing in the professionals.
Electricity - get an electrician in to do the difficult jobs around power. It just isn't worth the potential danger.
Balcony fixing or installation - <a href="/expert-insights/investing/before-the-fall-balcony-safety-regulations-are-still-falling-short">Too many deaths have happened</a> to make this an excusable area for a dodgy reno. 
Swimming pools - Once again, this is a high risk area. Bring in the experts and ensure you're compliant.
When undertaking a renovation, ensure to have protective measures for all those on site - face masks, goggles, gloves and appropriate clothing. Be orderly and organised, and have required medical supplies with you at all time.
Ensure your Easter renovation works out as successfully as you had hoped!
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Easter weekend renovators: Tips from Consumer Affairs Victoria

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Checking testimonials and reviews, particularly online, are one way we all do a little bit of our due diligence when looking for any type of holiday accommodation or even restaurant to go to.
Property investors also largely use them for experts and professionals to help them with their buying, renovating, building and even accounting.
In fact, they're such a powerful way to be convinced into using a particular company or individual that it's rare to see a website without them.
But, just as it's easy to write someone a testimonial - which they may, or may not, use - it's just as easy for a less-than-reputable character to be overtly selective with their testimonials or just to fabricate them completely.
WHAT IS A TESTIMONIAL
Testimonials are comments from customers and clients of a service or product that explain their service and how they found dealing with a company of person. They are heavily used as marketing tools, and for promotion, in every industry - from the Sham Wow to the back of a novel. Testimonials can be incredibly useful for finding out what other people think about a service.
You might see them in newspapers, in emails, on websites or forums (particularly the business' own website), on review websites and in brochures.
MUST KNOW
Before we get into when to be alerted by a potentially fake testimonial, for companies in Australia it's worth noting that making, relying or using false or misleading testimonials is unlawful, according to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV).
That means, while they shouldn't be falsified, if they are then you do have a right to notify Consumer Affairs about it.
CAV notes that businesses that regularly rely on testimonials include alternative health care businesses, restaurants, weight loss service provides and, of course, estate agents.
<blockquote>
Businesses that regularly rely on testimonials include alternative health care businesses, restaurants, weight loss service provides and, of course, estate agents.
</blockquote>
If you're a real estate company using testimonials, basically make sure they're coming from real people, you haven't paid for a review, that you note down if there has been any sort of commercial relationship with that person, that you do not delete negative reviews and that you keep records of them all.
Remember, while less common, some do use fake testimonials to purposely say bad things about a competitor as well. These are also misleading, and you'll want to keep an eye out for them.
WHAT TO BE WARY OF
Duplicate reviews in different names, or appearing in different places multiple times.
Reviews that seem to overtly suggest you use the service, often providing discounts or codes. They may even be slagging off a competitor within the same review.
Review websites that are in some way associated to the company.
Email addresses with three or more numbers at the end - suggesting this is fake and may have been created by an automated program.
If it's an Australian company that deals with primarily Australian residents, then be wary if all the reviews have Americanised spelling. This should be a surefire warning sign that there's something fishy going on.
Those that sound like advertisements (there's a specific tone to be aware of). Be alerted by anything over the top, overly endorsement heavy, and non-specific. If they have industry-specific terms or phrasing that an average person is unlikely to use - also be aware.
Websites where all the reviews are positive or where large numbers of reviews sit at either end of the spectrum. The majority of real people give reviews within the two to four star bracket, rather than the one and five stars.
<blockquote>
The majority of real people give reviews within the two to four star bracket, rather than the one and five stars.
</blockquote>
Gut feeling is a powerful thing. Would this be something you could see yourself writing if you had the same good/bad experience? If not, why not?
Do they overtly use words and phrasing that a typical person would not? For instance, they may refer to a iPad Mini as an iPad or an iPad Mini, but it's unlikely they'd refer to its complete specs in a review e.g. iPad Mini 16GB with retina display and Wifi. Similarly, phrasing might be a little... off, particularly if cliched.
Not everyone is a wordsmith, and it's likely some people will use typical phraseology to review an item, but something like the following sentence reeks of falsity: "Great buying experience, couldn't be happier - now on my way to millions!". Unconvinced? So are we.
While not everyone will allow you to check their identity, usually there's at least one person with their full name (in which case, is it a "common" name that cannot be verified?).
If photos are with the testimonial - are they stock photos? Have you seen them used elsewhere? Search the photo through Google images' search function or through a reverse image search. Just because a photo has been included, it doesn't mean it's real.
Have you checked reviews across a number of sites? If you haven't it's time to get Googling a little more. Check out forums, where unhappy clients may be able to tackle false reviews more easily by providing their own experiences.
Look for links. Links to a person's blog or own website can be a powerful thing, suggesting they're a real individual. However, a 'tracking' link or a link that redirects you suggests that the review may be paid for.
If you're wanting to verify any further, then Property Observer suggests calling the company in question and asking for contact details for the person who provided the review - or for your contact detail to be passed on (such as an email).
Video testimonials can be even more convincing for some, however how do you know when the video was taken? Was the reviewer halfway through a seminar, or about to head in? Again, it's worth asking to contact the individual themselves.
Think you've seen a false review on a property product online? Email: <a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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How to tell if a testimonial is fake: Spruiker alert

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The much discussed practice of underquoting, or bait pricing, has attracted the interest of Consumer Affairs Victoria, who have announced they will be keeping a close eye on the property market, and specifically auctions, this autumn season.
The practice of underquoting, much-discussed on Property Observer, has director of Consumer Affairs Victoria Claire Noone set to catch out real estate agents misleading prospective buyers. This is timely, considering the potential Queensland change to legislation to stop all price guides at auction in <a href="/news/qld/letter-from-the-editor-more-information-not-less-please-queensland">a bid to solve the issue of underquoting that the REIQ claims is rampant in the auction-heavy capitals</a>.
"In this peak auction period, we are gathering market intelligence through online monitoring and other data collection methods," Noone said. 
"We will be watching for any misconduct during the buying and selling process - from the moment a property is advertised to when deposits are paid and held in trust accounts.”
She also expressed that staff would be attending auctions to ensure they are “conducted according to auction rules”. Property Observer welcomes this attention into the issue, particularly surrounding the announced attention being paid to indicators of misleading price advertising and campaigns.
However, Noone also urged prospective buyers to ready themselves with auction rules, including price advertising and underquoting, prior to attending auction so that they can be prepared.
"Comparing the initial advertised price with the sale price is not evidence of underquoting," Noone explained. 
"Underquoting is when an agent misleads a prospective buyer about the likely selling price of a property for sale.”
She explained that examples of this included when a property is advertised or quoted to a prospective buyer at a price lower than the seller’s asking price or auction reserve price, the agent’s estimate of the selling price or a genuine offer or expression of interest.
Property Observer recently attended a Sydney auction that was potentially a case of underquoting, with a reserve price set some $200,000 above the price guide.
Noone also reminded buyers that, at auction, you will not be able to make a contract subject to conditions and that there is no cooling off period.
Underquoting is a regularly debated topic. Recently, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/underquoting-the-auction-system-s-necessary-evil-mark-armstrong">observer Mark Armstrong referred to is as the auction system’s “necessary evil”</a>, meanwhile a petition has been started by buyer’s agent Patrick Bright for the <a href="/news/online-petition-for-mandatory-reserve-price-publishing-launched">mandatory publishing of reserve prices</a>.
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