PROPERTY NEWS & UPDATES / NSW REAL ESTATE Big changes are coming to the way homes are advertised in NSW. Here's what the new price transparency rules mean for anyone buying or selling property on the Central Coast. Ever found a property online that looks perfect, only to discover there's no advertised price? For many buyers, working out whether a property is within budget can be one of the most frustrating parts of searching for a home. The NSW Government has passed reforms designed to make residential property pricing clearer and strengthen protections against underquoting. The changes will affect how properties are advertised, how agents support their price estimates and what information buyers receive. THE BIG CHANGE Residential property advertisements in NSW will need to display a selling price or price guide under the new rules. 01 / PRICE TRANSPARENCY One of the most significant changes is the requirement for residential property advertisements to include a selling price or price range. This is intended to give prospective buyers clearer information before they spend time attending inspections, arranging finance or investigating properties that may fall outside their budget. 02 / UNDERQUOTING Underquoting occurs when an agent advertises or communicates a price below their reasonable estimate of a property's likely selling price. The reforms strengthen requirements around how price estimates are calculated, recorded and updated throughout a sales campaign. Important distinction: A property selling above its advertised guide does not automatically mean underquoting has occurred. Strong buyer competition can push the final sale price beyond an agent's reasonable initial estimate. 03 / BETTER MARKET EVIDENCE The reforms also introduce a Statement of Information designed to explain the basis of a property's estimated selling price. This is intended to provide buyers with more context, including relevant comparable sales and local market information, rather than leaving them to interpret a price guide on its own. What buyers should remember: A comparable sale is most useful when it is genuinely similar in location, land size, condition, layout and property features. The Statement of Information is a separate part of the reforms, with implementation expected to follow the initial price advertising changes. IMPORTANT DATES June 2026 The NSW Parliament passed legislation strengthening property pricing and underquoting requirements. 17 November 2026 NSW Fair Trading identifies this as the commencement date for the new underquoting requirements. Until 8 February 2027 Fair Trading has outlined a transitional, generally educative enforcement approach for certain new administrative requirements. Other obligations remain enforceable. Timing and implementation details should be checked against current NSW Fair Trading guidance. WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU FOR BUYERS ✓ See a price or guide in advertisements. FOR SELLERS ✓ Expect evidence-based price estimates. 04 / ACCOUNTABILITY The NSW Government has also increased the potential financial consequences for underquoting. Up to $110,000 Or three times the agent's commission, whichever is greater, under the strengthened underquoting penalty provisions. The intention is to strengthen accountability and discourage misleading pricing practices. 05 / THE CENTRAL COAST MARKET For buyers and sellers across the Central Coast, the changes reinforce the importance of understanding local property values. Homes can vary considerably in price depending on their position, land size, condition, renovation quality and proximity to beaches, transport and local amenities. A transparent price guide is a useful starting point, but it doesn't replace detailed local market knowledge. Buyers should still research carefully, while sellers should work with an agent who can explain the evidence behind their pricing recommendations. BEFORE YOUR NEXT MOVE Ask for comparable properties and understand why they are relevant. Discuss market feedback, buyer interest and changing conditions. Understand how the advertised guide will be presented and updated throughout the campaign. THE TAKEAWAY The upcoming NSW property pricing reforms aim to make the buying and selling process more transparent. While price guides will remain estimates rather than guarantees, clearer advertising and stronger supporting evidence should help buyers and sellers approach the market with greater confidence. FURTHER READING NSW Government: New underquoting laws and price transparency reforms NSW Fair Trading: Statement of Regulatory Intent Related reporting: realestate.com.au - New home price rules are coming to NSW BRAND PROPERTY Understanding property prices starts with good local market knowledge. Whether you're preparing to sell or searching for your next home, the Brand Property team is here to help you navigate the market with confidence. Information current as at 29 October 2026. This article provides general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Legislation, commencement arrangements and regulatory guidance may change. Refer to NSW Fair Trading for current requirements.New NSW Property Price Rules: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Property Listings Will Need a Price Guide
Stronger Rules Against Underquoting
More Information Behind the Asking Price
When Are the Changes Happening?
Buyers and Sellers: What Changes?
More Clarity While Searching
✓ Compare properties against your budget.
✓ Better understand supporting sales evidence.
✓ Ask informed questions about pricing.
✓ Continue researching comparable properties independently.Greater Focus on Pricing Strategy
✓ Discuss comparable sales with your agent.
✓ Understand how your guide is communicated.
✓ Review market feedback during the campaign.
✓ Keep pricing accurate as conditions change.Higher Penalties for Misleading Conduct
What Does This Mean for Central Coast Property?
Three Smart Questions to Ask Your Agent
01. Which recent sales support this price?
02. What could cause the guide to change?
03. How will pricing be communicated?
Clearer Pricing. More Informed Decisions.
Thinking About Buying or Selling on the Central Coast?
