well, i've just done a search in my area which shows a few properties don't add up. one sold for $2m more than they're worth today, 4 years ago! obviously a geniune mistake in that instance.
so no, they are not connected directly unless the person 4 years ago wanted to pay stamp duty on an additional $2m, which i highly doubt.
therefore my suspicions were right. there is an ability for agents to inflate sold prices in order to drum up more business and inaccurately mark-up the market with an excuse of the 'fat finger' if questioned.
something not discussed in your industry i imagine, for obvious reasons. it's fraud.
