Game-Changer for Retail Leasing: Supreme Court Confirms Rent Caps Are Valid in Victoria A recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Victoria has clarified a long-debated issue in retail leasing: capped rent increases are indeed lawful under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic). The decision in ALDI Foods Pty Ltd v Northcote Shopping Centre Pty…
Purchaser Due Diligence: When Poor Drafting Lets Sellers Off the Hook for Contaminated Land If you’re buying a property, you want to do proper due diligence before you commit—especially on serious issues like land contamination (particularly with commercial property purchases). Whilst the vendor may not have an obligation to disclose all major issues with the…
NSW Duty on Option Deeds: New Guidelines Provide Clarity for Property Purchasers The “change in beneficial ownership” provisions under the Duties Act 1997 (NSW) have been in force since May 2022, significantly expanding the scope of dutiable transactions. However, until now, it was unclear how these provisions applied to land purchase options and related agreements…
Foreign Buyers in 2025: Higher Taxes, Tougher Rules & What It Means for You Foreign investors in Australia already face additional taxes and compliance hurdles—and 2025 isn’t bringing much relief. With rising surcharges, stricter Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) enforcement, and potential new restrictions, buying and holding property as a foreign investor is becoming more…
NSW Short-Term Rental Laws: Snapshot into Current Laws & Proposed Changes for 2025 If you’re renting out a property on Airbnb, Stayz, or similar platforms in NSW, understanding property law is crucial to ensure compliance and protect your investment. As NSW property lawyers, we work with investors navigating short-term rental laws and making strategic decisions…
Legal Tips for Buying Off-the-Plan Residential Properties Buying a property off-the-plan sounds like a modern-day dream—brand new, customisable, and often in sought-after locations. But while the glossy brochures may be tempting, there are plenty of legal considerations to keep in mind before signing up for your new home in the sky (or your freshly built…
Revenue NSW’s Updated Duties Assessment for Land Purchases Over $20 Million If you’re buying land in NSW valued at $20 million or more, take note—Revenue NSW is introducing a new duty assessment process that could have a significant impact on buyers of high-value property in NSW. What Exactly Has Changed? Starting on 19 September 2024…
Lawyers vs. Conveyancers: Who’s best positioned to have your back in Property Deals? Property transactions can be among the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. But when it comes to navigating the legal landscape, one question looms large: Should you go with a lawyer or a conveyancer? We break down the differences to help…
Step-by-Step Guide for First Home Buyers: Legal Insights from the Best Property Lawyer in Sydney for NSW, QLD, and VIC Embarking on the journey to purchase your first home is both thrilling and daunting. Understanding the legal aspects is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Here’s a step-by-step guide from best property lawyer…
Key Practical Differences Between Buying Commercial and Residential Properties Thinking of investing in or developing a commercial property? If you’ve dealt with residential properties before and think the process is more or less the same, think again! There are many key differences when buying a commercial property that you should be aware of from the…