By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia)
The NSW Government has introduced a new “Name and Shame” register through NSW Fair Trading, allowing homeowners, buyers, and renters to better understand who they are dealing with before signing anything. The quality of the agent involved in a transaction can impact the accuracy of the information shared between the seller, buyer, and legal representatives. From a conveyancing perspective, this is important. While conveyancers are responsible for the contract, title, and settlement process, the sales side often lays the groundwork for a transaction to run smoothly. According to the project’s director, Melanie Leckey, a tool like this is intended to bring greater transparency to the early stages of a transaction. This is positive for sellers seeking a professional campaign, buyers wanting honest dealings, and renters aiming to avoid obvious red flags.
The value of this reform lies in providing access to compliance history in one searchable place. This includes fines, suspensions and licence cancellations, disqualifications, public warnings, enforceable undertakings, and prosecution outcomes. It also displays key details such as the trader’s name, licence number, ABN or ACN, suburb, and a description of the action taken and the reason for it. As a result, sellers can carry out better due diligence before appointing an agent, while buyers and renters can make more informed decisions before dealing with someone unfamiliar. The government also aims to introduce tougher penalties for underquoting, require clearer price guides, and implement a Statement of Information. Proposed penalties may reach $110,000 or three times the commission for underquoting, and property advertising may be required to include mandatory price guides.
With increased transparency, there are likely to be fewer unpleasant surprises. If sellers choose the wrong agent, they may receive poor advice, misleading pricing strategies, reputational damage, wasted time, and a campaign that fails to achieve the desired result. For buyers, dealing with a non-compliant agent may increase the risk of underquoting, misleading conduct, missing information, and unnecessary stress in an already high-pressure situation. Renters may face even greater risks, as they often have less ability to negotiate and may only discover issues after committing. While the register does not eliminate all risks, it provides a stronger tool for understanding who you are dealing with and reduces the likelihood of placing trust in the wrong hands.
Flash Conveyancing, run by Julian and Renee, specialises in property transactions across New South Wales. With extensive experience working with local councils including Blacktown, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, The Hills, Hornsby, and Parramatta, they provide a personalised approach to every settlement. We believe that this level of transparency benefits both sellers and buyers, as better transactions often begin with better professionals. At Flash Conveyancing, we work with agents who communicate clearly, act professionally, and understand the importance of getting things right from the start.
Our team has a proven track record of working seamlessly with the Blacktown, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, The Hills Shire, Hornsby, and Parramatta councils.
North-West Growth Corridor: Marsden Park, Box Hill, Schofields, Tallawong, Riverstone, Gables, Melonba, Grantham Farm, and Angus.
The Hills District & Surrounds: Castle Hill, Kellyville, North Kellyville, Bella Vista, Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Norwest, Rouse Hill, Winston Hills, and Westmead.
Blacktown City & Established West: Blacktown, Seven Hills, Glendenning, Glenwood, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Quakers Hill, Kings Langley, Parklea, Acacia Gardens, Arndell Park, Rooty Hill, and Doonside.
Hawkesbury & Lifestyle Estates: Dural, Middle Dural, Kenthurst, Glenhaven, Galston, Glenorie, Annangrove, Nelson, Cattai, Maraylya, Vineyard, and Windsor.
Parramatta & Emerging Hubs: Parramatta, Northmead, North Rocks, North Parramatta, Wentworthville, and St Marys.