‘Extremely concerning’ detail in house listing sparks major backlash

A house for sale in regional NSW has sparked backlash over “concerning” references to murder in the ad, but the agent has claimed it was only a “pun”.

A real estate agent in regional New South Wales has come under fire over a controversial house listing description, which jokingly included references to killing someone’s partner.

The description of the $269,000 home in Tottenham, 140km west of Dubbo, has drawn ire from domestic violence support groups, who labelled it “extremely concerning” and “insensitive”.

The listing has since been changed in the wake of the backlash, but screenshots have been shared of the description published by real estate agency ABC Property Sales.

“Does the sound of your husband/wife’s voice irritate you enough to fantasise about their possible murder?” the listing read.

“This home has a large, shady back veranda area to lock them out on … so you can have wine in peace.”

The listing on the ABC Property Sales website has since been changed. Picture: ABC Property Sales

The description claimed that if this “didn’t help” then the property also features a massive yard with “plenty of space to bury a body”, adding that it is located on the edge of town so there would be “no witnesses”.

The listing also claimed the fireplace in the lounge room was perfect for heating or “burning evidence”.

Averill Berryman, the home’s listing agent, told news.com.au that the controversial description was not written with the intention that “people are now suggesting”.

“It was a pun, written by someone associated with the owners of the house, who put it on Facebook,” she said.

“It was received as humorous with not a single negative comment.”

Ms Berryman said that, with the author’s permission, she replaced the “boring, everyday text” she had written on the listing with the new description.

She claimed the description was on the real estate site for two weeks with “no negative feedback” and only positive comments about it “being cleverly written”.

The home is located in Tottenham, 140km west of Dubbo. Picture: ABC Property Sales

However, the agent said she changed the description immediately after receiving a call from a university academic who told her she though it was “inappropriate”.

“I had no intention whatsoever of inciting any kind of violence, it never occurred to me that anyone would actually take it seriously,” Ms Berryman said.

“There really is no more to it than that.”

A number of domestic and family violence agencies and support groups have condemned the listing in the wake of it going viral.

Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, told news.com.au that everyone has a responsibility when it comes to ensuring all types of violence are taken seriously and not presented in a joking manner.

“This listing is extremely concerning and insensitive to victim-survivors of domestic and family violence,” she said.

“DVNSW are extremely concerned by the attitudes underpinning this type of messaging. All people in the community, including the Real Estate sector, have a responsibility to take all forms of violence seriously.

“This isn’t a laughing matter especially after eight women being murdered in October alone.”

Domestic and family violence support groups have condemned the language used in the listing. Picture: ABC Property Sales

Ms Donovan said more needs to be done to prevent violence in Australia and we need to start by promoting attitudes of respect and safety in all aspects of our lives.

“The NSW Government will share its prevention strategy for the state in the coming months and its vital we see a significant increase in funding prevention activity across the state,” she said.

“We all have a role to play.”

National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service, 1800RESPECT, told news.com.au that jokes around these types of violence can have serious impacts on victims.

“Violence of any kind is not okay. It is important that people know that whatever their situation, that there is help and support available,” a spokesperson said.

“Jokes and casual statements about domestic, family and sexual violence can be distressing for people affected by violence.”

This is the new description on the listing. Picture: ABC Property Sales

The home is still listed for sale on the ABC Property Sales website, though the description has been changed, with all references to murder and burying bodies removed.

The new blurb describes the “cute little house” as being the “perfect spot to retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life”.

Nearby sporting facilities, schools, hospital and dining opportunities are all listed, with the town described as a “family friendly environment to raise a family”.

“The home has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, formal dining and large lounge with great fireplace,” the description reads.

“There are multiple sheds on the large double block of land so plenty of room for all the toys.”