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A Claremont-based real estate agency has been reprimanded, fined $5,000 and must pay $1,000 to cover the costs of disciplinary action by Consumer Protection due to apartment-buyers being kept in the dark about balcony shutters.
During mediation at the State Administrative Tribunal, M Property Pty Ltd agreed there had been two breaches of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act and Code of Conduct for Agents and Sales Representatives. Both breaches related to a sales representative’s failure to disclose information to buyers during the sales of apartments in a North Coogee development called ‘the Helm’.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said the failure to shed light on changes to the balcony shutter plans was totally unacceptable.
“Buying an apartment is one of the biggest purchases a consumer will make and when it’s a yet-to-be-completed development, a lot of trust is placed in the agent selling off-the-plan or from a display home.
“WA’s real estate industry licensing regime exists to maintain high standards and involves compulsory professional development training for agents and sales representatives. This includes fully understanding the product they are selling. To mislead buyers by not disclosing vital information won’t be tolerated by Consumer Protection, as the regulator.”
Information about WA’s property industry laws can be found on the Consumer Protection website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/cp. Property-buyers who face problems with their purchase can call 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au.
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