In the heart of the Australian suburbs, a fundamental conflict is brewing. It’s a clash between the cherished dream of a backyard and a detached home, and a government-led agenda aggressively pushing for high-density apartment living. This policy direction, driven by all levels of government, is unfolding against the backdrop of the worst housing affordability...
Published: July 1, 2025 The Victorian Government has recently passed the State Taxation Acts Amendment Act 2025, introducing several important changes to state taxation laws. Following its Royal Assent on June 24, 2025, the act brings updates that will affect property buyers, developers, businesses, and landowners across the state. Here’s a breakdown of the key...
For many Victorians, the dream of owning a home can feel like a distant ambition. The financial hurdles, from saving a deposit to covering transaction costs, are significant. Fortunately, the Victorian Government offers a helping hand through several initiatives designed to make homeownership more accessible. Whether you’re buying a new build or an established property,...
The Australian dream of homeownership is increasingly being financed by the “Bank of Mum and Dad.” With property prices soaring, it’s now common for parents to contribute tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of dollars to help their children secure a first home. It’s a generous act of love. But it’s also a significant financial...
Picture this: You’ve just purchased your third investment property in Melbourne, feeling proud of your growing portfolio. Your accountant set up the first property in your personal name for “simplicity,” and you’ve continued with the same structure ever since. Fast forward five years, and a single professional indemnity claim threatens to wipe out your entire...
We are pleased to share that from 1 July 2025, Hayton Kosky will operate as an Incorporated Legal Practice (ILP) under the name: Hayton Kosky Pty Ltd ACN 688 292 588 | ABN 13 688 292 588 This change reflects the evolution of our practice structure and brings with it a number of administrative and...
Victoria’s Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) was designed to unlock empty homes and boost housing supply during an acute housing crisis. However, recent data reveals a gap between the tax’s intended reach and its actual enforcement, with thousands of property owners successfully avoiding millions in tax obligations through various legal and practical loopholes. The Scale...
As Victoria chases its AAA credit rating, with little or no success, having sold virtually every government-owned asset through privatisation, it is now scraping the barrel by selling off public housing assets. What has emerged from recent research is that this desperate financial manoeuvre is being orchestrated with the assistance of major international real estate...
Mushroom foraging has been a deeply ingrained cultural practice across Europe for centuries, a tradition passed down through generations. For many, it’s not merely a hobby but a cherished connection to nature and a source of culinary delight. From the dense forests of Scandinavia to the sun-drenched hills of the Mediterranean, the pursuit of wild...
Colin Mandy, SC, the defense lawyer for Erin Patterson, has presented a multi-faceted argument aimed at establishing his client’s innocence and challenging the prosecution’s narrative. His defense hinges on several key points: 1. Mushroom Foraging as a Hobby, Not Malice: Mandy emphasized that Erin Patterson’s interest in wild mushrooms was a genuine hobby that blossomed...
