Child advocacy group Molo Songololo says authorities must treat the matter of an online ad offering a baby in exchange for a house with urgency.

Western Cape Social Development officials are still trying to establish the validity of the notice offering to swap a baby for a house.

In the Gumtree notice, advertisers state that the 15-month-old girl needs a better home.

In return the advertisers request a small house.

Molo Songololo’s Patrick Solomons says this needs to be prioritised and the police need to consider laying criminal charges.