Rise in complaints about real estate agents

Real estate agents are making more money than ever as house prices skyrocket. However, complaints about them are also on the rise.

The Real Estate Authority (REA), which deals with complaints about agents, fielded 896 inquiries in the six months to December. That’s up 36 percent on the same period in 2019.

Of those who contacted the REA, 163 went on to make formal complaints – an increase of eight percent.

Authority chief executive Belinda Moffat said the swell in complaints was a reflection of the sizzling market.

However, the hot market wasn’t an excuse for agents to ignore their legal obligations to be upfront with buyers and sellers.

Agents needed to show high levels of “professionalism and care”, Moffatt said.

Prior to the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown, complaints to the REA had been at their lowest level since the authority was established.