The Property Services Grants Program is an initiative of the New South Wales Government funded through NSW Fair Trading.

The overall aim of the Property Services Grants Program is to provide funding or loans for educational, training and research programs, which enhance outcomes for consumers of the property services industry through raising consumer awareness and industry standards.

Key dates

The current funding period is 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010. The next call for applications will be in April 2010.

Who can apply?

Applications can be made by:

• incorporated or registered organisations
• universities, TAFEs and other academic institutions
• individuals with the appropriate skills, experience and knowledge who are sponsored by such bodies.

Joint applications, where two or more organisations pool resources and expertise, are also encouraged under the Program.

Who can't apply

Applications cannot be made by:

• individuals/organisations intending to use the funds for a project in a State/Territory other than NSW
• universities, TAFE's and other academic institutions if the application relates to training courses which are part of their core curricula
• government agencies if the application relates to the core business of those agencies or
• NSW Fair Trading or its employees.

What will be funded?

The program aims to provide funding to:

• encourage best practice and innovation through training, including continuing professional development and industry education for persons working under the Property Stock and Business Agents Act 2002, the Valuers Act 2003 and the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003
• provide information or guidance/referral to property services practitioners
• provide information to customers of the property services industry which enhances their understanding of rights and responsibilities in the consumer/trader relationship
• conduct research into issues relevant to the property services industry, including quality assurance programs, mechanisms to enhance customer service delivery and strategies to encourage training in the industry
• foster the development of innovative approaches to regulation in the property services industry.

Note: All project objectives are to promote the delivery of social justice outcomes (access, equity, rights and participation) in the property services industry.

Current priorities

The Program contributes to the achievement of Fair Trading’s strategic intent, that New South Wales will be recognised for value and fairness in the market place. The program assists the Government to achieve its competition, consumer protection and social justice policy objectives.

To achieve these objectives, the Property Services Grants Program aims to fund or loan grant applications of a high standard which demonstrate sound planning and a commitment to professionalism in the property services industry and positive outcomes for industry clients.

How much funding is available?

Approximately $300,000 per annum was allocated under this program to 30 June 2010.

How to apply

The next call for applications will be in April 2010. For information on funding under this program, please refer to the following documents:

• Property services grants program funding guidelines in PDF format (size: 234kb)
• Sample application form in Word format (size: 399kb).

Currently funded services

Services currently funded under the program in PDF format (size: 181kb).

Want more information?

Contact Community and Industry Grants Branch at grants@services.nsw.gov.au or phone 9619 8731 or fax 9777 8810.