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...
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...
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...
The humble paper Certificate of Title, for generations the ultimate symbol of property ownership in Victoria, is officially riding into the sunset. As of 3 August 2024, the Victorian Register of Land has gone fully digital, issuing only electronic Certificates of Title (eCTs). But what does this mean for you as a property owner? Is...
Published by Hayton Kosky Lawyers Date: 13 August 2025 When the Great Australian Dream Becomes a Financial Nightmare It’s a story that sends a shiver down the spine of any aspiring property owner. A Melbourne mum recently made headlines after her dream apartment purchase left her $30,000 out of pocket. The culprit? A single, seemingly...
If you’ve ever fallen in love with a property at auction, only to discover the vendor’s reserve price was far higher than the advertised guide, you’re not alone. In Victoria, underquoting — advertising a property at a price lower than it is reasonably expected to sell for — has long been illegal under the Estate...
Selling property in Victoria can be a long game. From the day of sale to the settlement date, months can pass, and for many vendors, the deposit sitting in a trust account can feel tantalisingly close yet frustratingly out of reach. It’s no surprise that the question often arises: can we get that deposit released...
