The Victorian government is facing renewed scrutiny over its management of the Land Registry, with a proposal to significantly increase fees raising concerns that the public is now paying the price for a 2018 concession sold to the private operator, SERV. Despite ceding control of land registry operations for 40 years, the government is moving...
As the festive season winds down and the faint aroma of burnt credit card statements wafts through the air, we in the legal profession brace ourselves for what we affectionately call the ‘post-Christmas will rush’. It’s a beautiful time, a true “Boxing Day epiphany” when families suddenly realise it’s time to sort out their affairs,...
The promise of retirement downsizing is a delectable dream: no lawns to mow, a low-maintenance lifestyle, a hefty mortgage paid off, and cash left over for travel and fun. But for many Australians, the reality is a transition “soured by a lot of things that happened along the way,” turning into a “claustrophobic nightmare”. The...
The Bank of Mum and Dad is one of Australia’s biggest lenders, a testament to the generosity of parents helping their children navigate an increasingly unaffordable property market. However, as well-intentioned as this help may be, it is a financial minefield, and emotional decisions without legal and financial advice can lead to costly mistakes—potentially hundreds...
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...
