20 August 2026
SA Greens MLC Robert Simms has secured a Parliamentary Select Committee to examine the conduct of real estate agents, property managers and other real estate professionals in South Australia.
The motion was passed by the Legislative Council, with support of the government last night.
The inquiry will investigate concerns including underquoting, inaccurate appraisals, non-disclosure of building faults, rent bidding and unreasonable rental inspection reports.
It will also examine whether existing regulations, codes of practice and dispute resolution mechanisms are adequately protecting buyers, sellers and renters.
Quotes attributable to Robert Simms MLC:
“Buying, selling or renting a home is one of the biggest financial decisions people will ever make, and South Australians deserve to know they’re being treated fairly.”
“We’ve seen too many examples of people being left out of pocket when things go wrong in the property market.”
“This inquiry will allow us to properly examine whether our current rules are strong enough to protect consumers and identify what needs to change.”
“People deserve a fair deal when they’re buying, selling or renting a home.”
The full terms of reference are below;
I. Establish a Select Committee to inquire and report on:
(a) The conduct of real estate agents, property managers and other real estate professionals in South Australia, including:
i. The adequacy of existing regulations and codes of practice;
ii. Regulations and codes of practice that exist in other jurisdictions;
iii. The prevalence of misleading, deceptive or unreasonable conduct impacting on property vendors, purchasers and renters, including (but not limited to) the use of tactics such as underquoting, inaccurate appraisals, non-disclosure of building faults, rent bidding and unreasonable rental inspection reports;
iv. Adequacy of dispute resolution and review mechanisms available to purchasers, vendors and renters; and
v. Any other related matters.
(b) Make recommendations to improve protections for consumers across the real estate sector.