PROPERTY AGENTS LURKING AROUND NEW CONDOS, SNEAK IN TO ASK OWNERS IF THEY WANT SELL

Can property agents do this legally?

Been hearing that in newly TOP-ed developments, there are property agents hanging around in the carparks and slinking into the compound when owners go in.

These agents will loiter in common areas of the property and approach various people asking if they are owners.

Some will even access buildings and knock on people’s homes minutes after they entered their homes for the first time, possibly asking if the owner is keen to sell.

Quite disturbing behaviours and a massive breach of security.

Is this not considered trespassing? Illegal? Why are security doing nothing for this? Apparently this is not just in one development

Sorry I wasn’t clear. This is private condo.

Netizens’ comments

1. Heard of cases where owners collect their keys for first time and agents knocking on their door 15 minutes later asking if they are planning or selling or renting. It’s very obvious which unit have collect their keys cause the handle wrapping would be torn off.
   In such cases, 2 likely scenario: either the agent also bought an investment unit and also owner and taking chance to promote their services to neighbors, or they already marketing one unit in the development and taking the chance to solicit business.
   In general, this is not allowed but also cut the security guard some slack if it’s a newly TOP. Lots of chaos for first few days/couple of weeks with all the key collection, defects ratifications and the guards are understaffed. When things settle down, and this still happens, report it to MCST (you are likely not the only one feeling this)
2. supposed to wear and display their CEA card when carrying out estate work. say you’re interested to sell, ask them to show you their card then take photo and send complaint into CEA. should get disciplinary action.
   dont display card, not visiting, not owner, just straight up dial 999
3. You can report them to security and/or complain to developer.
   I own a newly TOP unit and the security at my place is quite strict because they have orders from the developer. That said a lot of agents still come in somehow (eg with a legitimate client) then stay inside indefinitely …
4. Not wrong if it’s a HDB. The practice has been around for awhile.
   I have had Insurance agents, MLM and even missionaries knocking on my doors before. My mum even bought a 5k vacuum from a door knock salesman lol.
5. Because they are benign opportunistic.
   Worse case get chased out, then plenty of new developments to go to.
   Best case scenario, they gain access to one person on the floor and spread his influence to others.
   Every new development now has a different mix of agendas, in the 90s perhaps there is lesser landlord mindset than today.