Property spruiker activity on the rise, adviser warns
The number of property spruikers preying on SMSF trustees and practitioners has increased in the past year, with spruikers attempting to entice advisers with large commissions, according to one SMSF advice firm.
GEM Capital adviser Mark Draper says there’s been a huge increase in the number of property spruikers approaching his practice in the last 12 months.
About three different property spruikers will contact the firm every week in an attempt to flog property to their clients.
“They’re offering 5 to 10 per cent commissions, which should be ringing alarm bells [to any adviser],” Mr Draper said.
The increase in property spruiker activity is likely driven by the growth in property values, low interest rates and the growing amount of money sitting in SMSFs, he said.
“They’re seeing that as an opportunity. There’s a lot of money out there looking for a home and these guys are out there trying to get [that money] so [practitioners] and trustees need to be careful of that.
“I just think there are few more warning signs at the moment … in the property sector – that’s where I’m seeing the most risk.”
Mr Draper added that there has also been an increase in the number of risky unlisted property trusts with high gearing being promoted.
The increasing risk of property spruikers has also been identified by PI insurers, with insurers scrutinising financial planning firms providing direct property advice.
“I think the PI insurers are ahead of the curb. They’re seeing where the hot spots are,” he said.
Miranda Brownlee
Miranda Brownlee is the deputy editor of SMSF Adviser, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the SMSF sector.
Since joining the team in 2014, Miranda has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest superannuation stories in Australia, and has reported extensively on technical strategy and legislative updates.
Miranda also has broad business and financial services reporting experience, having written for titles including Investor Daily, ifa and Accountants Daily.
