The Licensing Loophole Threatening Australia’s Buyer’s Agent Industry

There’s a growing problem in the property industry — and it’s putting Australian buyers at risk. In this episode, Bryce and Ben are joined by a leading voice in buyer’s advocacy to unpack how licensing loopholes are allowing unqualified buyer’s agents to enter the market. With the surge of new agents in recent years, many are taking shortcuts through Queensland’s fast-tracked licensing process and using national recognition laws to operate in other states — without proper understanding of local legislation or contracts. The conversation dives deep into why this matters for consumers, what ethical and professional buyer’s advocacy should look like, and how the current system is failing to keep pace with a borderless property market. It’s a crucial listen for anyone working with, or considering hiring, a buyer’s agent — and a call for reform to protect Australians making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. 🎧 Tune in now to hear how the industry can lift its standards and what changes are needed to safeguard buyers. *Timestamps:* 00:00 – Why the surge of new buyer’s agents is raising red flags 01:20 – Short courses and the wrong motivations entering the industry 02:25 – Licensing shortcuts and state-based concerns 03:47 – Why local legislation knowledge is critical 04:16 – The Queensland loophole explained 05:53 – How national mutual recognition laws are being exploited 06:15 – Is it legal, ethical, or best practice? 06:52 – The call for a national licensing standard P.S. This is just a snippet from our 568 | Buyer’s Agents Behaving Badly? The Good, The Bad, and The Dangerous – Chat with Melinda Jennison. For the full scoop, check it out here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/ep568-buyers-agents-behaving-badly-melinda-jennison/ P.P.S. And feel free to send in your questions here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ We would love to answer them on the show! #ThePropertyCouch #PropertyIndustry #BuyersAgent #RealEstateAustralia #PropertyInvesting #AustralianProperty #ConsumerProtection #PropertyAdvice #EthicalInvesting #PropertyMarket