The promise is seductive: sell your large family home, pocket the difference, and move into a sleek apartment where someone else handles the maintenance while you enjoy your golden years mortgage-free. Government incentives sweeten the deal with superannuation concessions and stamp duty breaks. Real estate agents paint pictures of carefree living with resort-style amenities just...
Adverse PossessionPropertyAfter Generations of Struggle: Victoria’s First Exclusive Native Title Victory Marks Historic Justice for Millewa-Mallee Peoples
19 July 2025
On a crisp Friday morning in July 2025, as the winter sun cast long shadows across the red earth of the Mallee, three proud First Nations communities received news that their ancestors had been waiting to hear for more than two centuries. In a landmark Federal Court ruling that will forever change the landscape of...
Protecting Property Buyers from Hidden Defect Exclusions When purchasing property, the excitement of finding the perfect home or investment can overshadow one of the most crucial steps in the transaction process: obtaining a professional review of the contract of sale before signing. Overlooking this step can be costly, as many standard contracts contain clauses that...
Estate PlanningPropertyTrustGifting Assets to a Family Trust: Legal Pitfalls and Protective Strategies
5 July 2025
Transferring personal assets into a family trust is a popular vehicle for wealth protection and estate planning. The advantages are well-publicised—asset shielding, tax planning, succession control—but the legal mechanics behind the transfer are often overlooked. As accountant Geoff Gartly notes, family trusts can serve as a flexible and central structure for managing investments. This post...
ConveyancingInternationalPropertyUncategorisedA Practical Guide to AML Checks for Lawyers and Conveyancers
4 July 2025
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) obligations are a critical part of the legal and conveyancing landscape in Australia. For legal professionals, these responsibilities are not just about ticking boxes; they are about protecting your practice, upholding the integrity of the financial system, and combating serious crime. This practical guide will walk you through...
ConveyancingPropertyUncategorisedThe Great Australian Dream Under Siege: Why Government Housing Policy is Ignoring You
1 July 2025
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...
ConveyancingPropertyUncategorisedUnlocking Your First Home: A Guide to Victorian First Home Buyer Benefits
30 June 2025
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,...
ConveyancingFamily LawPropertyThe Bank of Mum & Dad: How to Protect Your Family Loan from a Relationship Breakdown
29 June 2025
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...
ConveyancingPropertyUncategorisedThe Hidden Trap That’s Costing Victorian Property Investors Millions
28 June 2025
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...
