Real Estate Sites Lock Key Information Behind Agent Contact
Buying property in Australia has just become significantly more difficult and opaque for everyday buyers. In a controversial new move, major real estate websites are now requiring users to contact an agent in order to unlock essential listing details like property photos and exact locations.
Vague Pricing Adds to Market Confusion
This shift affects listings across multiple states, especially New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, where properties can now be advertised using vague pricing labels like “Expressions of Interest”, “Price on Application”, or “Price by Negotiation.” While laws prevent completely open-ended pricing in some regions, they do not demand a fixed price be listed, leaving room for manipulation and ambiguity.
Lack of Regulation Worsens in Other States
In contrast, states such as Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia have even fewer advertising regulations, opening the door to further inconsistency. Now, search filters on property websites no longer reflect accurate pricing data or sold listings, leaving buyers with little transparency or market context.
Sold Listings Will Be Hidden from July 1
From July 1, major real estate platforms will also stop displaying recently sold properties. This means users can no longer gauge local market value, which places first-time home buyers and budget-conscious individuals at a disadvantage. This trend is being framed by agents as a way to weed out “time wasters,” but in reality, it forces buyers into data exchanges and upsells.
Agents Defend Move as ‘Efficient’ but Critics Disagree
Tom Knoll from Cunce Real Estate defended the change, claiming it benefits serious buyers and improves “data quality.” He noted a 300% increase in user data submission during initial trials in Tasmania. However, this comes at a cost—both in transparency and money.
Membership Fees Introduced for Basic Access
Websites are now pushing premium memberships, offering full access to listings for a fee. As Tom sarcastically added, “You have to pay $20 a month to use Flatmates to find a rental, so why not charge a membership to find a house? Haha…stupid renters.”
Data Commodification and Targeted Marketing Concerns
Critics argue that this is a clear step toward commodifying public data access, with agencies using consumer data for targeted marketing, profiling, and upselling. For buyers, the homeownership journey is now harder, more expensive, and less transparent than ever.
Increased Agent Interaction Slows Down the Process
The new changes mean potential buyers may have to call or email multiple agents just to view basic information. This not only slows down the process but also puts pressure on users to engage with sales agents prematurely, possibly leading to biased or pressured decisions.
Transparency Barriers May Deepen Housing Crisis
Australia’s real estate sector has long faced criticism for affordability and accessibility issues. These new online restrictions may widen the gap further—favoring agents and premium users while alienating casual or lower-income buyers.
Digital Hurdles Continue to Grow for Buyers
As the housing crisis intensifies across Australia, the question remains: Who benefits when transparency is replaced by paywalls and lead-generation tactics? And for everyday Australians, how many more digital hurdles will be added between them and their dream of owning a home?
Very informative post. Thanks