Last updated: 17th May, 2026
Prop-Assist works with Sunshine Coast homeowners who are facing mortgage stress, default notices, or possible repossession of their home. This page sets out, in plain English, what Prop-Assist does, what Prop-Assist does not do, and the free, independent help that is available to you.
Please read this page before engaging Prop-Assist's services. If you are in immediate financial distress, the most important step is often to speak with a free, independent financial counsellor before making any decision about your home.
Free, independent help is available right now
If you are unsure where to turn, start with one of these services. They are free, confidential, and independent of any bank, lender or property buyer (including Prop-Assist).
National Debt Helpline
- Free financial counselling by phone or live chat.
- Phone: 1800 007 007 (weekdays 9:30 am to 4:30 pm)
- Live chat: ndh.org.au (weekdays 9:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Moneysmart (ASIC)
- Australian Government information on hardship, mortgages, debt and credit.
- Website: moneysmart.gov.au
Legal Aid Queensland
- Free legal information and, for eligible people, legal advice.
- Phone: 1300 65 11 88
- Website: legalaid.qld.gov.au
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
- Free, independent dispute resolution if your lender has declined a hardship request, has not responded, or is taking enforcement action.
- Phone: 1800 931 678
- Website: afca.org.au
Mob Strong Debt Help
(for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
- Free legal advice and financial counselling, nationwide.
- Phone: 1800 808 488 (weekdays 9:30 am to 4:30 pm)
If you are in crisis
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours)
What Prop-Assist is
Prop-Assist is the trading name of Mr A Horton, a private property buyer based in Noosaville, Queensland. Prop-Assist buys residential properties on the Sunshine Coast, including:
- Homes where the owner is in mortgage arrears, has received default notices, or is facing foreclosure.
- Distressed properties, including those affected by flood, mould, fire or general disrepair.
- Deceased estates.
- Properties the owner wants to sell quickly for any other reason.
Where Prop-Assist buys a property, the aim is typically a fast cash settlement so the homeowner can move on and, where relevant, resolve their debts with their lender.
What Prop-Assist is not
It is important you understand the limits of what Prop-Assist does:
- Prop-Assist is not a financial counsellor. Financial counsellors provide free, independent advice and do not buy property. If you have not yet spoken with one, we recommend you do so before committing to sell.
- Prop-Assist is not a lawyer. Prop-Assist cannot give you legal advice about your mortgage, your rights against your lender, or any contract. You should obtain independent legal advice before signing anything.
- Prop-Assist is not a licensed credit provider or mortgage broker. Prop-Assist cannot lend you money, refinance your loan or arrange finance.
- Prop-Assist is not a real estate agent. Prop-Assist is the buyer. Prop-Assist does not list your property for sale or represent you in negotiations with other buyers.
- Prop-Assist is not a debt management or debt agreement administrator. Prop-Assist cannot negotiate or restructure your other debts.
Your rights under Australian law
If you are struggling to meet your home loan repayments, you have rights under Australian law that exist regardless of whether you engage with Prop-Assist or any other property buyer.
The right to ask your lender for a hardship variation
Under section 72 of the National Credit Code, you can give your lender a hardship notice (verbally or in writing) if you are unable, or expect to be unable, to meet your loan obligations. Your lender must consider your request and respond, generally within 21 days. Variations your lender may agree to include payment deferrals, reduced repayments, interest-only periods, term extensions, or capitalisation of arrears. (Source: ASIC INFO 105.)
ASIC has taken enforcement action against major banks for failing to respond to hardship notices on time. In June 2025, the Federal Court ordered NAB and AFSH Nominees Pty Ltd to pay $15.5 million in penalties for failing to respond to 345 hardship applications within the required 21-day timeframe (Source: ASIC Media Release 25-165MR). You have the right to expect your lender to take your hardship request seriously.
The right to complain to AFCA
If your lender declines your hardship request, does not respond within the required time, or continues legal or debt collection action against you after you have made a hardship request, you can make a free complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on 1800 931 678. AFCA's service is free, and its decisions are binding on the financial firm if you accept them.
The Queensland foreclosure process is not immediate
Under the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld), your lender generally cannot exercise its power of sale until it has served a notice under section 84 (or section 114, depending on the form of notice) and given you at least 30 days to remedy the default. From there, formal possession typically requires court proceedings. The full process from default notice to forced sale usually takes several months. Acting early gives you more options.
Prop-Assist's commitment to you
Because Prop-Assist works with people during one of the most stressful periods of their lives, the following standards apply:
- Initial conversations are free and confidential.
- You will be encouraged to obtain independent legal and financial advice before signing any contract.
- There will be no pressure to make a decision. If an offer suits your circumstances, you are free to accept it. If it does not, you are free to walk away at any point before contracts are exchanged.
- Where Prop-Assist is aware of free services that may help you (including those listed above), you will be told about them.
- Prop-Assist will not engage in conduct that is misleading, deceptive or unconscionable in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Important things to consider before selling to anyone
Whether you are considering selling to Prop-Assist or any other buyer, please think carefully about the following before signing a contract:
- Have you spoken with a free financial counsellor about all your options?
- Have you formally asked your lender for a hardship variation under the National Credit Code?
- If your lender has declined or not responded, have you considered making a complaint to AFCA?
- Are you confident the price offered fairly reflects the condition of the property, the time you have to sell, and any savings on selling costs (such as agent commission and marketing)?
- Have you had the contract of sale reviewed by your own independent solicitor or conveyancer?
- If the property is a deceased estate or jointly owned, are all other authorised decision-makers aware and in agreement?
No guarantees about outcomes
Every situation is different. Prop-Assist cannot and does not guarantee:
- That an offer will be made on your property.
- That an offer (if any) will match what you might achieve through a traditional sale, auction or different cash buyer.
- That your lender will agree to any particular settlement amount, payout figure, or timeline.
- That a sale to Prop-Assist will prevent foreclosure, repossession, bankruptcy or any other legal action against you.
- That selling your home will resolve all of your financial difficulties.
Decisions about whether to apply for hardship assistance, accept an offer, or pursue another option are yours alone. We strongly recommend you take independent professional advice.
Limit of this disclaimer
This page summarises general information about hardship, the Queensland foreclosure process and the services available to homeowners. It is not legal, financial, taxation or credit advice. Laws, government programs, lender practices and external services change. While reasonable effort is made to keep this page current, you should always verify information directly with the authority concerned before acting on it.
Contact
If you have read this page and would still like a confidential, no-obligation discussion with Prop-Assist, you can get in touch:
- Phone: +61 431 397 368
- Email: [email protected]
- Or through the contact form at propassist.com.au/contact-us
If you would prefer to start with a free, independent service first, please call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. There is no obligation to engage with Prop-Assist at any point.