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...
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...
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...
Walk from the High Court of Australia towards the National Library, and you’ll encounter something unique in the Australian landscape: a monument not to a soldier or a politician, but to a court judgment. Etched in steel are the powerful words of Sir Gerard Brennan, from a decision that forever changed the nation: “The common...
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...
