Australian Consumer Law (ACL) prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct and false or misleading representations, including representations about land. Most states and territories do not prescribe a virtual-staging watermark format, so the legal question is whether the advertisement's overall impression is false or misleading. For qualifying ACL penalty provisions and conduct on or after March 28, 2026, the corporate maximum is the greater of A$100 million, three times the attributable benefit, or 30% of adjusted turnover during the breach period; the individual maximum is A$2.5 million. These are statutory maximums, not automatic virtual-staging fines, and ACL section 18 itself is not a pecuniary-penalty provision.
Informational guidance only. Requirements and MLS rules change; confirm the current rule with the regulator, board, or qualified legal counsel before publishing.
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“Images have been virtually staged to illustrate the property's potential. Furniture and décor shown are digitally rendered and are not included with the property. Please refer to the original photographs for an accurate representation of the property's current condition.”
“This property features virtual staging to help you visualise its potential. The furniture shown is digitally added and not physically present. Book a viewing to see the actual space. #VirtualStaging #PropertyMarketing”
“This listing includes virtually staged photographs. Digital furniture and décor have been added to help you visualise the space. These items are not present in the physical property. Unstaged photographs are available upon request.”
“VIRTUALLY STAGED – Furniture shown is digitally rendered”
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