Enfield may be home to fewer than 3,000 residents, but its prime location between Strathfield and Burwood has cemented its status as one of the Inner West’s hidden gems.

The suburb offers a village-style lifestyle with an abundance of cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, staples of Inner West living.

At the last census, there were only around 300 apartments in the suburb. Fewer than a handful of new apartment developments have been delivered in recent years, but none are as well positioned as The Carlyle, just a three-minute walk to Henley Park, arguably one of the best parks in the area.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carlyle-enfield-164-liverpool-rd-enfield-nsw-2136">The Carlyle</a> will comprise 32 one- and two-bedroom apartments, a mix rarely seen in the new development market across Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6667]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects-western-sydney">Ray White Projects WS</a>&nbsp;is fielding enquiry from several buyer types.

"First home buyers are realising this is the best time to get into the market," says Mark Bernberg, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects-western-sydney">Ray White Projects WS</a>&nbsp;Managing Director.

"There are now several government incentives assisting first home buyers to get onto the property ladder. The recent announcement to waive lender's mortgage insurance for those with low deposits puts tens of thousands back in their pockets. Pair that with stamp duty savings in the new apartment space, and there has never been a better time to be a first home buyer in the off the plan apartment market."

Bernberg has also seen a re-emergence of investors, attracted to the low supply of apartments in Enfield and the suburb's lifestyle, while also being on the fringe of Burwood, which is set to undergo a huge transformation with its recent rezoning around the new metro station.

"That will bring a wealth of new retail and amenity to the area, which tends to drive prices higher," Bernberg says.

"Rents are at record highs, and with interest rates coming down from the highs earlier this year, investment apartments are starting to stack up again financially."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6665]

The Carlyle apartments will sit above doorstep amenity, with a two-level retail podium incorporated into the striking building. The retail component will include a new ground-floor café facing Carlyle Street.

Two-bedroom apartments range from 67 sqm to 83 sqm internally, with some of the larger residences on the top level featuring expansive wraparound balconies. These layouts are designed to enhance seamless indoor-outdoor living, maximising natural light and views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148733 project_image_fid=6666]

The Carlyle's proximity to Henley Park is one of its biggest drawcards. The 13-hectare park includes multiple sports fields, two fenced playgrounds designed for various age groups, and Enfield Aquatic Centre, complete with Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The Carlyle is on track to welcome residents in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6667]

Joel Robinson

The Carlyle in Enfield launches to undersupplied Inner West market

A new Metro stop, a thriving café scene, and proximity to village-style retail have cemented St Leonards as one of the Lower North Shore’s most sought-after suburbs for new development.

Among those seizing the opportunity is Sekisui House Australia, which has chosen this prized pocket, in the St Leonards South precinct, for its first-ever inner-city apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/waterstone-st-leonards-24-berry-road-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Waterstone</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=230]

Set for completion in the summer of 2027, Waterstone comprises 207 apartments across five buildings, designed to look south back to the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;CBD.&nbsp;The new project offers residents the rare balance of connected urban living and tranquil green surrounds.

Just moments from home lies Smoothey Park, a blend of natural bushland and manicured parkland. It forms part of the Wollstonecraft cluster of reserves, including Gore Cove, Badangi Reserve, and Berry Island, all offering peaceful escapes on the Harbour’s edge.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KCD5mtyKBjc?si=DcC6Koxg6shdDFzq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

When it comes to lifestyle, St Leonards and its neighbouring suburbs, Crows Nest, Waverton, Greenwich, and Wollstonecraft, deliver an endless array of cafés, restaurants, and boutique retailers. Nearby Mall 88, only 650 metres from Waterstone, adds convenience with over 30 specialty stores.

Connectivity is another major drawcard. The new Crows Nest Metro Station is just one kilometre away, while St Leonards Train Station is a short seven-minute walk. For a more scenic commute, the Greenwich Point Wharf ferry reaches Circular Quay in under 30 minutes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134191 project_image_fid=351953]

For peace of mind, Royal North Shore Hospital, one of Sydney’s most prominent medical hubs, sits just 650 metres away, making Waterstone ideal for healthcare professionals or residents seeking easy access to world-class medical facilities.

Perfectly positioned on the fringe of vibrant activity yet embraced by parkland serenity, Waterstone offers the best of both worlds in Sydney’s evolving Lower North Shore.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134191]

Urban Editorial

Nature and connection define life at Waterstone in emerging St Leonards South precinct

A new collection of residences is now available at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sol-by-walker-maroochydore-first-avenue-maroochydore-qld-4558">SOL by Walker</a>, the residential development that continues to take shape within the Maroochydore City Centre.

The second release introduces 137 apartments to the market, adding to the growing community in what is set to become one of South East Queensland’s most significant urban renewal precincts. The new offering includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited number of terraces and penthouses designed to suit a range of lifestyle needs.

“SOL represents the beginning of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/maroochydore-qld-4558">Maroochydore</a>’s exciting next chapter, redefining expectations around life in this beautiful coastal city,” David Gallant, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/walker-corporation">Walker Corporation</a>, said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319853]

Located on South Sea Islander Way, SOL forms part of the broader vision to deliver a connected and vibrant city heart for the Sunshine Coast. Construction is already underway on the first 19-storey tower, with completion targeted for early 2028. The development is being delivered by Walker in collaboration with Sunshine Coast Council and SunCentral.

SOL’s second stage continues the project’s focus on high-quality apartment living, with access to a suite of resident-only amenities including a rooftop sky terrace, wellness retreat, co-working lounge, gym and landscaped garden spaces.

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> combine timeless design with natural materials, generous layouts and panoramic outlooks to the ocean, hinterland and river.&nbsp;

“SOL by Walker establishes a new standard in apartment quality, seamlessly integrating superior craftsmanship with unmatched design,” Danny Juric, Director at Plus Studio, said

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=346899]

Apartments feature open-plan layouts with high ceilings and expansive glazing to enhance natural light and ventilation.&nbsp;

A warm, neutral palette ties together stone benchtops, brushed platinum accents, and sandstone-toned carpet, while large sliding doors connect living areas to generous outdoor spaces.&nbsp;

Kitchens are fitted with integrated Miele appliances, refined cabinetry and thoughtful storage, while bathrooms offer double vanities and oversized showers to balance function and comfort.

As part of the Sunshine Coast’s new CBD, residents will be within walking distance of local retail, dining and green space, with transport connections set to expand as the precinct grows. Once complete, Maroochydore City Centre is expected to deliver thousands of new homes as part of the region’s long-term housing strategy.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147777]

Second release at SOL by Walker expands residential offering in Maroochydore City Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has marked the topping out of Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, celebrating the completion of the building’s highest point and a major step forward for one of the developer’s landmark Melbourne communities.

The milestone forms part of Mirvac’s strong construction momentum across Victoria, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> and The Albertine both recently reaching structural completion. Together, the two projects will deliver 265 new apartments, contributing to much-needed housing supply in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=3627]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, Prince &amp; Parade continues a long-standing partnership that has delivered The Melburnian (2002) and The Eastbourne (2019).

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> address comprises a mix of one to four-bedroom residences complemented by extensive amenity, including a residents’ lounge, shared dining room and kitchen, library, yoga room, gym, and rooftop terrace, with landscaping by Jack Merlo and a concierge service.

Construction is rapidly transforming the site, with significant milestones achieved across two buildings, supported by 73 slab pours and six fully constructed building cores. Completion is expected in 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=269383]

Mirvac’s General Manager, Residential Development Victoria, Elysa Anderson said Prince &amp; Parade has been strongly received by buyers seeking quality design and trusted delivery.

“These communities have been well received, attracting strong interest from downsizers and professionals who value high-quality design, premium locations and the confidence of buying with Mirvac,” Anderson said.

Prince &amp; Parade has also achieved a record-breaking apartment sale in Brunswick, underscoring its design quality and market appeal.

“We’re incredibly proud to see Prince &amp; Parade set a new benchmark for Brunswick. This <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/exclusive-mirvac-breaks-brunswick-record-with-prince-parade-sale">record-breaking sale</a> is a testament to Mirvac’s design excellence, quality craftsmanship, and our strong reputation for delivering high-quality residential communities across the country,” Anderson said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4802]

Prince & Parade tops out in Brunswick as Mirvac marks dual Melbourne milestones

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has celebrated the topping out of The Albertine, marking the completion of the 14-storey structure on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD and signalling strong progress across the developer’s Victorian pipeline.

The milestone forms part of Mirvac’s $7.4 billion Victorian development portfolio, which includes both residential and mixed-use projects such as Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, which also reached its highest point recently, and Trielle at Yarra’s Edge, scheduled to top out in early 2026

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=294831]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a> offers one to four-bedroom residences complemented by exclusive resident-only amenity, including The Circadian Club, a wellness centre with an indoor pool and spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and sauna, as well as The Elysian Room, a private dining space on level 10 with sweeping views across Melbourne.

Since construction began in August last year, up to 240 workers have been on site daily, pouring 7,000 cubic metres of concrete across 72 pours and installing more than 1,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement to bring the project to this landmark moment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=4353]

Mirvac’s CEO, Development – Residential and Commercial Mixed Use, Stuart Penklis said the achievement highlights Mirvac’s design quality and sustained delivery across Melbourne.

“We are proud to be delivering The Albertine and Prince &amp; Parade, two projects that embody Mirvac’s design excellence, commitment to quality, and focus on creating homes that connect people to their communities," Penklis said.

"With cranes rising high across Melbourne, Mirvac’s residential pipeline is moving strongly, and these milestones are a testament to that momentum."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=294826]

Penklis added that Mirvac’s growing portfolio demonstrates its commitment to providing diverse housing options across Victoria.

“We have recently opened our third build-to-rent community in Melbourne, LIV Albert at Brunswick, our fifth nationally, which together with our master-planned communities ensures that we are providing a full spectrum of housing options to Victorians.

Completion of The Albertine is expected in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138659]

The Albertine reaches its highest point on Melbourne’s city fringe

Scam

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Australians under 25 lost over $5 million to scams in 2019 and reports made from this age group are increasing faster than older generations, according to the ACCC
In 2019, around 12,000 (7.15 per cent) reports made to Scamwatch were from people under the age of 25, an increase of 11 per cent compared to 2018 figures. Reports from this age group increased by 10 percentage points more than any other age group.
“Scammers don’t discriminate based on age and the wide range of scams reported by this age group is concerning,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“Young people may think they are tech savvy, but scammers are adapting and we expect to see more scams on newer platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok.”
Facebook and Instagram were the most common platforms for reports and losses by those under 25, with typical scams on these platforms involving fake online stores or the sale of fake tickets to events.
Online shopping scams were the most common scams, making up more than 14 per cent of reports and almost 12 per cent of losses among people under 25.
“Almost half of the losses to people under 25 occurred through bank transfer but you should also be wary of sellers asking for payment through unusual payment methods such as gift cards or bitcoin,” Ms Rickard said.
Scammers can also target children who play online video games, such as Fortnite, by offering unlocked achievements or special items in exchange for money or gift card codes without ever transferring the item.
“By targeting children, scammers could obtain personal and banking information from the individual’s parents,” Ms Rickard said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Gen Z sees fastest growing number of scam victims: ACCC

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Scammers have succeeded in securing $90,000 in proceeds from the recent sale of a $1.2 million Gold Coast investment property by Ray White Mermaid Beach.
The sale included a $120,000 deposit put in a trust account managed by the agency.
With the sale proceeding, the agency took its $30,000 commission and then told the client to email them his bank account details.
The client, Andrew Buckley, the former chief executive officer of the engineering firm Cardno, did so, but soon after, another email was sent purportedly from him.
The false email had requested the money be sent to a different, fake bank account.
The agency sent the $90,000 to that fake Westpac account, with the proceeds having not been recovered.
Buckley told the Courier Mail he was "flabbergasted" that no one called him from Ray white to check the new bank account details were true.
“As far as I’m concerned … this (email with a fake account) is a well-known scam,” he said.
The Ray White agency, in a letter to Buckley, pinned the blame on him.
“The fact that it has now come to light that it was not Mr Buckley who sent those written directions is as a result of Mr Buckley’s own failure to ensure the security of his email account,” its letter said.
Buckley acknowledged his email might have been hacked, but also it could have been a hacking on Ray White’s side.
Ultimately, he said this issue was irrelevant as he argued the real estate agent had a responsibility to verify details, especially with cash held on trust.
“You’re looking after someone else’s money,” he said.
The agency declined to answer questions from the Courier Mail, saying it was “fully co-operating” with investigations under way.
Ray White’s head office last month told agents to “never accept a change in bank account details via email without confirming its legitimacy with your client”.
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Ray White blame client for missing $90,000 Mermaid Beach sale deposit scam

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A Perth property manager has been fined $2500 after falling for a Scarborough holiday accommodation booking scam.
The scammer posed as "Colonel Michael Warner" in 2015 when he contacted the Scarborough real estate agency to make a booking for short-term rental residential apartments.
Consumer Protection WA said the name "Colonel Michael Warner" had been used previously in other Nigerian-based scams.
"Mr Warner" asked to make a booking for three groups at the apartments, totalling $53,449.
<div id="plista_widget_outstream_5a3c25c90ad7880" class="plista_widget_outstream" data-widget="">When he attempted to make the booking, the scammer attempted to use seven credit cards, with three declined, but leasing agent Vicki Ms Redfern went ahead with his requests.</div>
<div class="plista_widget_outstream" data-widget="">
At the scammer's request, Ms Redfern then transferred $25,138 and $20,066 from the agency's trust account to third parties in order to pay for "translation and tour guide services" the scammer wanted to use.
Ms Redfern's co-worker told her the requests seemed suspicious, but she went ahead.
The money Ms Redfern transferred has never been recovered, the Stirling Times website advised.
Consumer Protection WA brought disciplinary action against Ms Redfern following the incident, claiming she had:
<ul>
<li>failed to ensure the caller completed and returned agency forms in respect to the booking</li>
<li>failed to follow the agency's practice of holding deposits in the trust account until all guests left the accommodation</li>
<li>​failed to verify the identity of the credit card holders</li>
<li>failed to verify the identities of the third party "translation and tour guide agencies"</li>
<li>and failed to let her agency's owner know about the major transactions.</li>
</ul>
Consumer Protection WA commissioner David Hillyard said it was all due to the "incompetence" of an employee.
"It is disheartening that in this case scammers could use the agency as a vehicle to steal credit card holders' funds with relative ease, with not even the most basic checks being carried out," he said.
"Just a quick internet search of the scammer's name would have uncovered the fact that the name has been used previously in a variety of Nigerian-based scams.
"Then to ignore the concerns from a colleague about the scammer's unusual demands is entirely lacking in diligence.
"All principals of businesses in the property industry in WA must ensure that their staff, particularly those who are entrusted to operate the agency's bank accounts, are well trained in fraud prevention methods and exercise a high degree of vigilance.
"Agencies must have practices and procedures in place to assist staff recognise scam attempts in order to thwart them before the criminals are rewarded and losses are incurred by the business."
</div>
The scam left her real estate agency $45,000 out-of-pocket.
<a href="http://decisions.justice.wa.gov.au/SAT/SATdcsn.nsf/%24%24OpenDominoDocument.xsp?documentId=5EAD1AC4B54E9918482581FA00226ADA&amp;action=openDocument&amp;SessionID=EWMOQ8KVRY" target="_blank">The State Administrative Tribunal</a> found Vicki Redfern had "failed to exercise due skill, care and diligence."
It noted the agency lacked sufficient internal procedures and staff training regarding fraud prevention, including a lack of formal induction training, procedure manuals and use of written instructions.
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Another Colonel Michael Warner accommodation scam triggers fine for incompetent Perth agent 

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A woman whose Canberra house was stolen by overseas scammers has sued the ACT government to recoup her money.
She was awarded $546,268 compensation yesterday.
"The evidence of the plaintiff in the present case was that she intended to keep the property and ultimately leave it to her children," he said in his decision.
The international fraudsters pocketed $430,000 when they sold the four-bedroom Canberra house in 2014 in a sophisticated scam spanning several months and countries, including South Africa, Australia and Indonesia.
The owner lived in South Africa at the time.  
The ACT Supreme Court has been told the thieves went to elaborate lengths to steal the MacGregor home, conning real estate agents, lawyers and a bank.
The fraudsters are yet to be caught two years after the fraud came to light after its 2014 sale. 
It was only the third time an Australian property has been sold fraudulently with two successful sales in 2011 and six attempted property frauds in Western Australia.
"I have never given instructions to anyone to sell the property on my behalf. I never had any intention of selling the property as I wanted to keep it for as long as I could and then pass it on to my children," the victim said in an affidavit obtained by Fairfax Media.
The fraud stripped the victim of any right to the property, which was legally transferred to the innocent purchaser couple.
Registered real estate purchases made in good faith are protected by the ACT Land Titles Act.
The woman is now suing the ACT government for statutory compensation, seeking damages for the property value, stamp duty and legal costs along with lost rental income.
The government disagrees that she is entitled to recover damages from the government.
"The plaintiff has a remedy against the fraudster under section 154 of the Act and must first take action against him or her before she may take action against the defendant," the government said in its submission.
Associate Judge David Mossop has reserved his decision.
The international fraudsters pocketed $430,000 when they sold the four-bedroom Canberra house in 2014 in a sophisticated scam spanning several months and countries, including South Africa, Australia and Indonesia.
The owner lived in South Africa at the time. 
The ACT Supreme Court has been told the thieves went to elaborate lengths to steal the MacGregor home, conning real estate agents, lawyers and a bank.
The fraudsters are yet to be caught two years after the fraud came to light after its 2014 sale.
"I have never given instructions to anyone to sell the property on my behalf. I never had any intention of selling the property as I wanted to keep it for as long as I could and then pass it on to my children," the victim said in an affidavit obtained by Fairfax Media.
The fraud stripped the victim of any right to the property, which was legally transferred to the innocent purchaser couple.
Registered real estate purchases made in good faith are protected by the ACT Land Titles Act.
The woman is now suing the ACT government for statutory compensation, seeking damages for the property value, stamp duty and legal costs along with lost rental income.
The government disagrees that she is entitled to recover damages from the government.
"The plaintiff has a remedy against the fraudster under section 154 of the Act and must first take action against him or her before she may take action against the defendant," the government said in its submission.
Associate Judge David Mossop has reserved his decision.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

ACT Government ordered to pay compensation after Nigerian scam gets house

<html><body>
A travel accommodation website is listing properties for lease without the property owner’s permission, sparking West Australian official fears that the site is run by scammers.
WA ScamNet is currently investigating the origins and purpose of Travel Advisor Pro (TAP) but due to early indications that it is a scam, a decision has been made to issue an early warning to protect consumers from potential monetary loss.
Anyone who has booked a property through Travel Advisor Pro (TAP) should contact WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection by calling 1300 30 40 54 or emailing <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=JhbmEinqKy7IV-TBLV0h0WixQKNjJEXkEEXn0bUBmlmlAJqgKoDSCG0AYQBpAGwAdABvADoAdwBhAHMAYwBhAG0AbgBlAHQAQABjAG8AbQBtAGUAcgBjAGUALgB3AGEALgBnAG8AdgAuAGEAdQA.&amp;URL=mailto%3awascamnet%40commerce.wa.gov.au" target="_blank">wascamnet@commerce.wa.gov.au</a>
While this matter is looked into, WA Consumer Protection recommends that this site is not used to book holiday accommodation.
"Not only could you be paying scammers without securing a stay at the property, the unsecure nature of the site should be a concern and could expose you to data theft.
"Property owners whose properties have been advertised on Travel Advisor Pro (TAP) without their permission should also get in touch," the department said.
The Travel Advisor Pro (TAP) site appears to be based in the Netherlands even though it purports to be a UK-based business.
The website is not secure and WA Consumer Protection’s computer scanning systems identity it as potential threat stating: “Domain reported and verified as serving malware. Identified as a malicious domain or URL.”
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WA ScamNet issue warning on travel accomodation website

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Real estate investment seminars are in the spotlight again with the competition watchdog instituting proceedings against property training company We Buy Houses and best-selling author Rick Otton.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has repeatedly warned consumers to be cautious about real estate investment seminars in general. It urges people who have been scammed or come into contact with a seminar or real estate investment that “doesn’t seem right” to report it to the ACCC through the <a href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/InvestmentSeminarsRealEstateScams" target="_blank">SCAMwatch website</a>.
In the latest case, <a href="/news/accc-drags-rick-otton-to-court-for-his-buy-a-house-for-1-claims">the ACCC alleges </a>We Buy Houses and Otton contravened the Australian Consumer Law by making misleading claims in promoting property investment seminars and training programs at costs ranging from $2997 to about $17,000.
Otton, who wrote the popular book How to Buy a House for a Dollar, says the ACCC is taking a literal interpretation of the book’s title while members of the public would understand that the dollar was just the start of the process.
But the ACCC is concerned the seminars target vulnerable consumers who don’t qualify for bank loans or who are having difficulties meeting their mortgage repayments.
The latest action follows an investigation with New South Wales Fair Trading. We Buy Houses and Otton have <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/warning-on-risky-we-buy-houses-scheme-20121102-28ofe" target="_blank">previously been under scrutiny</a> in other states with Victorian consumers warned about the seminars in 2012 and Otton being <a href="/news/wa/best-selling-property-investment-authors-wa-seminars-banned-department-of-commerce">banned from conducting seminars in Western Australia</a> in 2013. 
The ACCC frequently warns would-be investors that many consumers have paid thousands of dollars to a wide range of property investment seminar promoters to receive advice. In many cases the strategies presented have been high-risk, involving borrowing excessive sums or borrowing on risky terms, and inappropriate for the investor.
In some instances, people with <a href="/guides/asic-commences-proceedings-against-property-promoter-park-trent-properties">self-managed superannuation funds have been specifically targeted</a>, although<a href="https://fsi.gov.au/publications/final-report/chapter-1/direct-borrowing" target="_blank"> proposals to ban SMSFs from borrowing</a> may curb that. 
Some investment seminar promoters use high pressure tactics to coerce people into making investments without independent advice. Some charge unexpected fees and commissions or make false or misleading promises about rent guarantees or discounts for buying off the plan.
Here’s a list of tips compiled from the <a href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/investmentseminarsrealestatescams" target="_blank">ACCC’s ScamWatch website</a> and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) <a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/investment-warnings/investment-seminars" target="_blank">MoneySmart website</a> on how consumers can protect themselves from losing money as a result of advice from a property investment seminar:
<ul>
<li>Use your common sense: the offer may be a scam. 
</li>
<li>Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: the only people who make money are the scammers. 
</li>
<li>Be wary of investments promising a high return with little or no risk. No investment is risk-free. If it looks too good to be true—it probably is. 
</li>
<li>Look carefully at the strategies suggested by the seminar to achieve these results. Property typically returns 6-7% a year, year after year. If you're offered returns of 1-2% more than the typically return, get a second opinion and ask for a detailed written explanation. 
</li>
<li>Watch out for property deals that include 'rent guarantees' or 'discounts' for buying off the plan. They can involve hidden fees and commissions. The properties can also be over-valued. 
</li>
<li>If you are planning to make an investment, consider other costs that may be involved such as legal fees and stamp duty. 
</li>
<li>Do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions about money or investments. Do not commit to any investment at a seminar where the atmosphere can be charged and exciting. Investment decisions should only be made after a lot of thinking and after seeking independent advice. 
</li>
<li>Remember that family members and friends may try to involve you in a scam without realising that it is a scam: you should seek independent advice (from a lawyer or financial adviser). 
</li>
<li>Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam): delete them. Do not reply to a spam email even to unsubscribe. 
</li>
<li>Check with ASIC and the ACCC to see if they have taken any action against seminar promoters or their schemes. Remember that even if ASIC or the ACCC have not taken any action to date, this does not mean the scheme is safe or legal. 
</li>
<li>Before you accept an offer to fly interstate to view properties, find out if you must pay for your travel and accommodation if you don’t buy. 
</li>
<li>Another twist is to get you to invest in offshore schemes where you lose the protection of Australian laws. You may never see your money again.</li>
</ul>
Source: ACCC, ASIC.
 
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zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

11 tips to protect yourself from a property investment scammer

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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.
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Businesses that regularly rely on testimonials include alternative health care businesses, restaurants, weight loss service provides and, of course, estate agents.
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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.
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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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A warning has been issued by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria about scam emails advising about court and tribunal appearances and proceedings.
The email may advise you to report to court on a specific day/time and to bring documents and witnesses.
The email instructs the recipient to open and read an attached ‘court notice’. They’re warning that this contains a virus and that you should not open the attachment and that you should delete the email.
“If you are not involved in a proceeding, a court or tribunal will not communicate with you by email. Unsolicited emails or requests for personal information are not sent by courts or tribunals,” VCAT is advising.
 
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