Buying a property is an exciting journey, but many buyers don’t realise that the process isn’t over until settlement day. In Victoria, settlement is when you officially become the owner of the property. It usually happens 30 to 90 days after signing the contract. [consumer.vic.gov.au] Unfortunately, settlement doesn’t always go smoothly. Delays are more common than people think — and…
Buying your first home is a huge milestone—but it can also feel confusing and stressful. With so many steps, decisions, and contracts involved, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? A few smart tips can make the whole process much smoother. 1. Know Your Budget (Not Just Your Borrowing Power) Just because a bank says you can borrow a…
Buying a property in Victoria can be exciting—but one cost that often surprises people is stamp duty (also called land transfer duty). It’s a government tax you usually pay when property ownership changes hands, and it can add tens of thousands of dollars to your purchase price. The good news? There are concessions and exemptions that can significantly reduce this…
Buying your first home in NSW is exciting—but it can also be expensive. One of the biggest upfront costs is stamp duty (also called transfer duty). The good news is that the NSW Government offers help through the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS). 💡 What is FHBAS? The FHBAS is a government scheme that reduces or removes stamp duty…
A common strategy we hear is: “My partner and I will each buy a property separately, claim the NSW first home buyer stamp duty exemption twice, and then rent them out.” It sounds smart on the surface—but once you understand how the scheme actually works, this strategy usually falls apart. The rule most people miss The NSW First Home Buyers…
Buying your first home is exciting. You finally find “the one”, the agent is calling, and suddenly you’re told, “Don’t worry — you’ve got a cooling-off period.” Sounds safe, right? Not always. For many first home buyers in NSW, misunderstanding the cooling-off period is one of the most expensive mistakes they can make. What is the cooling-off period? In simple…
Buying your first home in New South Wales is exciting—but it’s no secret that it can also feel overwhelming. Many first home buyers are stepping into a market that’s more competitive and expensive than ever before. Let’s break down some of the biggest challenges you’re likely to face—and how to navigate them. 1. Saving a Deposit Takes Time One of…
Australia’s property market in 2026 is defined by one word: affordability. Across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, rising costs, tight supply and changing buyer behaviour are reshaping how people approach property transactions—and placing new importance on getting the legal process right from the outset. A Market Under Pressure Recent data shows that housing affordability has reached some of its…
When buying or selling property, the contract often takes centre stage in the transaction. While it is undoubtedly crucial to review the contract thoroughly, a diligent lawyer or conveyancer knows that the strata report can reveal critical issues that may significantly impact the buyer’s decision. In a recent matter involving a property built in 2019, less than seven years old,…
Terminating a lease is a serious step that requires strict adherence to legal procedures to avoid disputes or penalties. Here’s a guide for landlords on how to do it correctly. Grounds for Termination Landlords can terminate a lease for various reasons, including: Step 1: Issue a Notice to Remedy Breach Before terminating, landlords must issue a notice to remedy breach, giving…
