Dashdot, a property advisory firm, will enter voluntary liquidation, citing weak consumer confidence, federal property tax changes, tighter lending, and rising Meta advertising costs.
Since its launch in 2019, the firm co-founded by Goose McGrath helped over 1,800 families purchase more than 2,800 properties, generating more than $540 million in wealth.
Sector Strains and Insolvencies
According to ASIC data, the Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services sector has recorded 426 insolvencies this financial year. This includes nine in NSW, five in Victoria, and one in Queensland in May alone.
Industry Reactions: A Business Model Warning, Not a Market Failure
Industry figures offered differing perspectives on the collapse.
“This is a business model warning rather than a market failure.”
— Michael Beresford, OpenCorp executive director
Beresford emphasized that core drivers of long-term property investment—immigration, housing undersupply, and rental demand—remain unchanged. He noted continued investor interest despite federal budget changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing.
Investor Caution and Rental Pressure
Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA) president Melinda Jennison advised affected clients to review their agreements, particularly those involving upfront fees.
“Policy changes that discourage private investors could exacerbate rental pressure.”
— Melinda Jennison, REBAA president
Jennison stated that REBAA members have observed investors delaying or reconsidering purchases following the budget announcements.
The End of a Social Media–Driven Firm
Dashdot co-founders Goose McGrath and Gabi McGrath built a significant social media presence. In a farewell statement, Goose McGrath expressed regret to clients, noting the firm had explored equity raising, cost cutting, and merger options before liquidation. More than 40 staff were made redundant.