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
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
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
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
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,
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
When purchasing property, buyers often focus on what they can see, including the house, the land size and the surrounding features. However, the legal boundaries of a property are not always as straightforward as they appear on the ground. Fences,
When buying property, one of the key details that is sometimes overlooked is whether the property will be provided with vacant possession or subject to an existing tenancy. While this may seem like a simple distinction, it has important legal
Solar panels are increasingly common on residential properties and can be an attractive feature for buyers. They may reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and add value to the home. However, solar systems can also raise legal and practical questions that
From 1 July 2026, significant changes to Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws have come into effect, introducing new requirements across the legal and property industries. While much of the discussion has focused on lawyers, conveyancers and real
