What’s changed? Sustainability in strata schemes
Reforms are embedding sustainability into strata governance, lowering approval thresholds and changing the management of common property.
By Allison Benson - 7 min read
Real estate agents forced to play fair: an end to underquoting in residential property sales
From 1 January, real estate agents are prohibited from engaging in underquoting when selling residential properties. By HARRY LEHMANN.
By Harry Lehmann - 2 min read
Off-the-plan contracts: the sun has set on vendors’ rescission rights
New provisions have been inserted into the Conveyancing Act 1919 deeming invalid a vendor’s right to unilaterally end an off-the-plan contract by rescission under a…
By Kye Tran-Tsai - 2 min read
The nuts and bolts of the latest strata reforms
The reforms to strata laws are designed to increase transparency, simplify meeting processes and increase the accountability of those involved in managing the scheme. By…
By Allison Benson - 1 min read
Partition allows developer to escape liability for breach of statutory warranties
For the purpose of determining whether or not four or more of the existing or proposed dwellings are or will be owned by the individual,…
By Marcus Andrews - 2 min read
When a covenant is really an easement: lessons from RG v JEA Holdings
In Registrar General v Jea Holdings, the Court of Appeal found an easement was validly created even though it was recorded as a covenant only on…
By Kye Tran-Tsai and Joseph Sampson - 3 min read
The Cape Town Convention and the Personal Property Securities Register
Australia became a party to The Cape Town Convention which came into effect on 1 September 2015. The Convention is designed to facilitate aircraft financing…
By Blake O'Neill - 2 min read
The role of title insurance in a Torrens Title jurisdiction
The Torrens Title system is the cornerstone of the Australian real estate market and land economy. However, the ‘state guarantee’ of title does not extend…
By Paul Watkins - 2 min read
Property settlements and hidden tax stings
Despite time pressures, always be clear on the CGT consequences of a property settlement. By JIM MAIN.
By Jim Main - 2 min read
What can solicitors do to reduce mortgage fraud?
The number of mortgage fraud cases reported in recent years suggests that this problem is actually on the rise despite a heightened awareness among lenders,…
By Matthew Bransgrove - 2 min read
E-conveyancing – the verdict
A Q&A with one of the first solicitors in NSW to embrace the revolution in conveyancing practice. By RICHARD HARVEY and GEORGE PATRINOS.
By Richard Harvey and George Patrinos - 1 min read