The complexities of granny flat interests
Granny flat arrangements can address socio-economic issues but complex legal and financial issues can arise when parties fail to document their arrangement.
The Land Sales Act: beware of instalment contracts
If an instalment contract does not comply with the relevant provisions of the Act, the purchaser may rescind the contract and the vendor may be…
Family law: June 2016
Reporting and analysis of recent family law decisions. By ROBERT GLADE-WRIGHT.
Changes to swimming pool compliance: passing the buck with certificates of non-compliance
Contracts for sale of land with pools must include a certificate of compliance, occupation certificate (with registration certificate) or a certificate of non-compliance. By MAGED…
The latest from the High Court: May 2016
Reporting and analysis of the latest key judgments from the High Court of Australia. By ANDREW YUILE.
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.
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…
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…
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…
The Home Building Act: recent amendments explained (part two)
This is a second article in a two-part series looking at the Home Building Amendment Act 2014. This article examines changes to licensing; the Home Building…
Are all subdivisions created equal? A look at community versus strata subdivision
Community subdivision comprises principles of both conventional subdivision and strata subdivision and gives developers greater flexibility for staged development. By KYE TRAN-TSAI.