The phrase “Anywhere but Melbourne” or “Anywhere but Victoria” has become a growing sentiment among property investors, and the data reveals a startling truth behind this market exodus. A closer look at the Victorian rental market shows that thousands of landlords are quietly exiting, leaving behind a profound void and reshaping the property landscape The...
Significant changes to Victoria’s property tax landscape have arrived following the enactment of the State Taxation Further Amendment Act 2025. These updates reshape how stamp duty and land tax apply to commercial property, residential ownership, and certain exemptions. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new. Commercial and Industrial Property Tax (CIPT) Takes Effect One of the...
For decades, private agreements known as restrictive covenants have shaped the character of many Melbourne suburbs, often guaranteeing large blocks and low-density housing. Thousands of these covenants exist, frequently introduced by developers or struck between property owners to prevent subdivisions and second dwellings. However, these agreements—which in some cases can be set 50 or 100...
At Hayton Kosky, our goal is to make complex legal processes as clear and straightforward as possible for our clients. We were delighted to receive a glowing 5-star review from a recent client, following the settlement of her new Gateway Bank Reverse Mortgage Access loan, introduced by Seniors First. The client’s feedback, which echoed...
In a landmark development for supported decision-making, the Victorian Government has introduced the Supportive Power of Attorney (SPA) under the Powers of Attorney Act 2014 and the newly updated Powers of Attorney Regulations 2025. This innovative legal tool marks a significant shift toward recognising and enabling the autonomy of people who may need assistance to...
Underquoting, the illegal practice of deliberately listing a property for less than its estimated value to attract more potential buyers, remains a systemic issue in the Australian property market, with Victorian agents employing a range of unethical tricks to circumvent the law. These practices contravene the Victorian Estate Agents Act 1980 and related professional conduct...
In an era of rising costs, the path to energy independence lies in combining smart technology with clean energy. Imagine a home where your biggest energy expenses—electricity, hot water, and transport—are powered by the sun. This dream is achievable by integrating a home solar system, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and a modern electric...
October 27, 2025 It’s the kind of news that sends a chill down the spine of every Australian with a superannuation account. Yesterday, Netwealth, an ASX-listed financial giant with a market cap of nearly $8 billion, formally asked the federal government to use public funds to bail out its members to the tune of $101...
Introduction During his tenure as the 43rd Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett spearheaded a series of radical reforms that reshaped the state’s political and economic landscape. Among the most significant of these were the sweeping amalgamations of local councils and the introduction of a cap on council rate increases. At the time, these measures were...
It’s a familiar narrative in the legal world: lawyers approach new technology with a level of caution that borders on suspicion. They circle innovation, armed with a long list of questions and a healthy dose of skepticism. But a fascinating pattern emerges time and again. Once convinced of its value, lawyers don’t just adopt technology—they...
