Why this text from a Melbourne real estate agent has sparked backlash: 'What an absolute disgrace'

A Melbourne renter was preparing to inspect a homeJust hours before, the price increased by $50 per weekREAD MORE: Two men killed after stolen car loses control in Melbourne

A real estate agent has sparked outrage after informing a would-be renter via text they were suddenly increasing the advertised price because of high demand.

The renter had been preparing to inspect the property in Melbourne when they received the text from the agency.

They said the property had been advertised at $600 a week but was bumped up to $650 a week due to high demand.

‘Due to the overwhelming response on this property, we have had to change the weekly rental amount to $650,’ the text read.

‘The open tonight will still go ahead at 5pm. Kind regards, Nelson Alexander.’

Journalist Jacqueline Felgate shared a text (above) a Melbourne renter received from a realtor just hours before a property inspection

The text from real estate agency Nelson Alexander stated the rental price had risen from $600 a week to $650 a week due to ‘overwhelming demand’ (pictured, people queuing to view a rental property)

Nelson Alexander specialises in north Melbourne properties and was founded in 1971.

‘Nelson Alexander is unlike many real estate businesses in Australia and this gives us our competitive edge and ensures we can continue to deliver exceptional levels of service and results to our clients,’ its website states.

A shortage of housing in popular Melbourne suburbs has led to a drastic rise in rental prices with more people competing for limited accommodation.

A screenshot of the text was shared online where social media users said they were horrified of the real estate agency’s decision to increase the advertised price.

‘It’s hard enough for renters out there without this happening,’ one said.

‘What an absolute disgrace,’ another wrote.

Several others compared the price change to ‘rental bidding’ and called it ‘illegal’.

However, not everyone was offended by the realtor’s choice with one commenter writing: ‘Hotels increase their prices when there is high demand.’

Nelson Alexander also commented under the post and thanked Ms Felgate ‘for bringing this to our attention’.

‘We have immediately pulled the property to understand what has happened,’ it said.

‘Nelson Alexander takes great pride in the responsibility of managing as many properties as we do and this is not in line with our values.

‘We will be reviewing what additional training is required (on top of our current legislation training) to ensure this never happens again.’

The real estate agency followed the comment up with a longer statement on Friday.

North Melbourne realtor Nelson Alexander (above) shared a statement on the situation on Friday

A shortage of housing in popular Melbourne suburbs has led to a drastic rise in rental prices with more people competing for limited accommodation (pictured, people queuing to view a rental property)

‘We want to acknowledge and address the concerns raised about an advertised rental property under our management,’ it said.

‘This did not follow the standards we hold ourselves to and sincerely apologise for any frustration this may have caused.

‘We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this.’

Daily Mail Australia contacted Nelson Alexander for further comment.