Failed home builder Apex Homes received a $100,000 payment from a customer just days before a winding up order was lodged against it over unpaid debts.
The customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims their financial advisor authorised the payment to Apex three weeks ago, after the company signed a statutory declaration that it was debt free.
“They (Apex) advise that they didn’t owe anyone any money and that’s why finance released the money ($100,000) to them,” the customer said.
Just days later, on February 15, Aerolink Pty Ltd lodged a winding up order against Apex over debts of $46,000.
On Wednesday the Victoria Supreme Court ordered the North Melbourne-based builder with projects in Melbourne’s north, Wyndham and Geelong into liquidation.
A further four creditors, including the State Revenue Officer, had joined Aerolink in seeking to have Apex Homes wound up over more than $200,000 in unpaid debts.
Matthew Blum from insolvency firm BDO has been appointed liquidator and was contacted for comment.
Apex Homes was unable to be contacted.
The anonymous customer, who was seeking to build a home in Geelong with her husband, said Apex Homes was recommended to them by their architect and a check of the company by their lawyers didn’t uncover any concerns.
She said they don’t know what to do next.
“I didn’t sleep last night. It’s so stressful,” she said on Thursday, the day after Judicial Registrar Claire Gitsham ordered the company into liquidation.
The customer, who is now living with her brother, couldn’t bring herself to watch Wednesday’s hearing, but another owed thousands of dollars by Apex, did.
Co-owner of Point Cook business, Melbourne Wide Demolition, Moira Linton, was awaiting payment of $21,450 from Apex for demolition work when the winding up against the company was lodged.
She said the fact Apex didn’t fight the liquidation or even attend the hearing, added insult to injury.
“Just having no one show up not at all to defend the company or to represent them even after all those millions they have taken from people for their deposits for their homes, and it’s their homes, it’s not just housing, it’s their building, I was just appalled.”
Moira Linton said she had lodged her company’s debt with the liquidator and even though this process would cost her more money, she would pursue it regardless.
“For me, it’s on principle,” said Ms Linton.
“Yes I’ve absorbed the hit, but I still want to go after those funds, not for us to get the money, but to actually make a point and try and help those that haven’t got their money back.”
