When it comes to dealing with property transactions in New South Wales, ensuring that you’re working with a licensed real estate agent is crucial.
Whether you’re a consumer, property owner, agent, or just a curious member of the general public, verifying a real estate licence can offer peace of mind and protect your interests.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of checking a property agent’s licence or certificate, making it easy and hassle-free.
Introduction
In NSW, real estate agents are required to hold a valid licence to operate. This includes various types of licences and certificates, such as:
- Assistant agent certificate of registration
- Corporation property licence
- Individual property licence
Verifying these licences ensures that you’re dealing with a professional who complies with state regulations, offering a layer of security and trust in your property transactions.
What You Need
Before you start the licence check process, make sure you have at least one of the following pieces of information handy:
- Licensee name
- Business name
- Licence number
- Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Australian Company Number (ACN)
Having this information ready will streamline the verification process.
How to Check
Checking a real estate licence in NSW is straightforward and can be done online with a few simple steps:
- Visit the Verification Portal: Go to the NSW licence verification website at https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/home/Property. This official resource is your go-to for up-to-date licence information.
- Enter Details: Once you’re on the site, select the ‘Check online’ option. Enter the licensee name, business name, or licence number in the search field provided.
- Conduct the Search: After entering the necessary information, click the search button to initiate the licence verification process.
The results will provide you with comprehensive details about the licence status, including whether it’s current, expired, suspended, or cancelled. You’ll also find information about the licence holder, such as the individual’s name, business details, and the class of work they are licensed to undertake.
Additional Tips for a Thorough Check
- Look for Compliance Records: The register will include details about compliance records, public warnings, compensation fund claims, disciplinary actions, prosecutions, suspensions, and cancellations. This information can be crucial in assessing the reliability and integrity of the agent or agency you’re considering.
- Verify Work Class: Ensure that the licensee is authorised to undertake the specific type of real estate work you require. This can range from sales and property management to auctioneering.
- Check Licence Dates: Confirm that the licence is current and has not been suspended or cancelled. Pay attention to the start and end dates of the licence.
- Conduct Web Searches: Besides the official licence check, doing a web search on the licensee can provide additional insights, such as service reviews and ratings, which can aid in making an informed decision.
- Fair Trading NSW: For more detailed information and for checking compliance and disciplinary actions not published on the register, consider visiting the Fair Trading NSW website.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify the licence of any real estate agent or agency before engaging in property transactions.
- Use the NSW licence verification website for accurate and up-to-date information.
- Look beyond the licence status to understand the full scope of the agent’s or agency’s compliance and disciplinary history.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re dealing with a licensed, reputable, and compliant real estate professional in NSW.
This not only safeguards your property transactions but also contributes to a more transparent and trustworthy real estate industry.
Due diligence is key in any real estate dealings, so take the time to verify and make informed decisions.
