Property Buzz: Buyer's agents, bad advice, and the battle for investor trust

The property industry is facing a trust test, with questionable advice, buyer's agent practices, and rushed investment decisions putting buyers on alert. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman unpack the biggest issues facing property investors right now, from misleading investment advice and buyer's agent concerns to the rush before major self-managed super fund (SMSF) changes take effect. The pair discuss the growing scrutiny around buyer's agents, questioning whether some business models have prioritised sales over investor outcomes. They also examine the latest developments from the Dashdot collapse, including concerns around upfront fees, investment advice, and the impact on customers left out of pocket. The duo explores why some investors are being drawn towards questionable opportunities, from expensive apartment purchases to promises of easy returns, and why due diligence remains critical in a shifting market. Tarrant and Garman then turn to the SMSF borrowing changes, the rush to secure deals before the deadline, and whether policy decisions are accurately reflecting the realities of the property market. The episode also looks at housing affordability, falling prices, and what a more cautious market means for investors trying to make their next move.