17/09/2026
If you've ever made an offer on a property in NSW and wondered whether the advertised price was ever realistic — you're not alone.
Underquoting has been a frustration for buyers for years. That's changing. NSW has passed new laws designed to make property advertising more honest.
From around late 2026, these rules will be fully in effect — and if you're buying anywhere from Ballina to Casino, it helps to understand what they mean for you.
Agents will be required to publish a price or price guide on every property they advertise.
Alongside that, they must provide a Statement of Information showing how that price was worked out — including comparable recent sales and the suburb's median sale price.
It gives buyers something concrete to work with, rather than a number pulled from thin air.
There are clear limits on price ranges, too. If an agent advertises a range, the gap between the low and high figure cannot exceed 10 per cent.
So $500,000 to $550,000 is acceptable. $500,000 to $600,000 is not.
Agents will also be banned from advertising a price lower than the highest unsuccessful bid at auction or any previously rejected written offer.
That's a meaningful protection for buyers who've been through the process and know how disheartening it can be. The penalties for getting it wrong have risen sharply — from $22,000 up to $110,000, or three times the agent's commission, whichever is higher.
That signals the government is serious about enforcement. Our team works with buyers across the Northern Rivers every day.
If you're thinking about purchasing property and want to understand your position before you sign anything, we're here to help you do that clearly and without fuss.
