A property contract is legally binding once it has been signed by both parties. However, unexpected personal circumstances can arise before settlement, including the death of a buyer or seller. When this occurs, the transaction can become more complex and time sensitive. The death of a party does not automatically

When purchasing an investment property, it is natural to focus on the financial return. Rental yield, purchase price, capital growth and loan structure are all important considerations. However, investors should also look carefully at the legal position of the property before committing. A property may appear to make sense on

When buying property, title searches are an important part of the due diligence process. They reveal who owns the property and whether any registered interests affect the title. One issue that may appear during this process is a caveat. A caveat can be a warning sign that another person or

A property transaction does not end when the contract is signed. Between signing and settlement, both buyers and sellers still have important obligations to manage. One issue that can create stress during this period is damage to the property before settlement takes place. Damage may be caused by storms, fire,

In some property transactions, a buyer may ask to access the property before settlement. This might be to measure rooms, obtain quotes, move in early or begin minor works before ownership has officially transferred. While early access can seem practical, it carries important legal and financial risks for both buyers

When inspecting a property, buyers often focus on layout, presentation and whether the home suits their needs. However, some improvements to a property may not have the required approvals. These are commonly referred to as unapproved works. Unapproved works can create legal, financial and practical issues for buyers. While the