$30,000 fine for property finder “sets a clear precedent”

Manch said the level of fine handed out by the court was "quite a significant signal that if you're going to be doing this kind of stuff then you should be licensed."

Forster and her company Home Buyers were charged by the REAA of conducting real estate work without a license, with Judge Bruce Davidson saying in his sentencing notes that it was "abundantly clear" Forster and Home Buyers "were involved in a fairly comprehensive real estate agency service."

Forster told Landlords she was unwilling to comment too much on the case as her lawyers were still examining the written judgement.

"My lawyers are going through that at the moment and we're going to have a talk about whether we will or won't [appeal], that's why I'm saying I can't really comment."