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How New Building & Pest Legislation Affects Purchasers in NSW & QLD
Building and pest inspections are not just recommended they are essential. Changes in consumer protection and building regulation mean buyers must be more proactive than ever. NSW Building Oversight In NSW, oversight sits with NSW Fair Trading. Stronger defect reporting and developer accountability measures have increased transparency, particularly in strata buildings. However, responsibility for inspection still rests with the buyer. Queensland Building Regulation In QLD, bu
Tanya Spencer
4 days ago1 min read


Top 5 Legal Pitfalls in NSW & QLD Property Purchases And How to Avoid Them
Property purchases can go wrong quickly when legal details are overlooked. Here are five common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 1. Not Reviewing the Contract Before Signing In NSW, contracts fall under the Conveyancing Act 1919. In QLD, they operate under the Property Law Act 1974. Once signed, you are legally bound. Solution: Always seek legal review before signing. 2. Missing Finance Deadlines Finance clauses are time-sensitive. Failure to notify within the deadline may voi
Tanya Spencer
Apr 281 min read


What Property Buyers Need to Know About AML Verification Checks
Buying property now involves more than signing contracts and arranging finance. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is a critical part of the process. These checks are not optional they are required under Australian law. The Legal Basis for AML Checks AML requirements are governed by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 and monitored by AUSTRAC. These laws aim to prevent: Criminal funds entering the property market Identity fraud Terrorism fin
Tanya Spencer
Apr 231 min read


Contract Conditions Every NSW & QLD Property Buyer Should Understand
When buying property in NSW or Queensland, the contract is everything. Once you sign, you are legally bound and many buyers don’t realise how strict those obligations are. Understanding contract conditions before signing can save you thousands of dollars and significant stress. The Legal Framework Behind Property Contracts In NSW, property contracts operate under the Conveyancing Act 1919. In Queensland, they fall under the Property Law Act 1974. Although both states regulate
Tanya Spencer
Apr 222 min read


10 Things First Time Buyers in NSW & QLD Must Check Before Signing Contracts
Buying your first home is exciting but it’s also legally binding. Understanding the Legal Framework In NSW, contracts fall under the Conveyancing Act 1919. In Queensland, they are governed by the Property Law Act 1974. Cooling-off rights differ significantly between states. Extended First-Time Buyer Checklist Written finance approval Clear understanding of cooling-off period Review of fixtures and inclusions Building & pest inspection completion Zoning & planning review Ease
Tanya Spencer
Apr 81 min read


The Ultimate Easter Vacation Checklist: What to Do Before You Leave Home
Easter is the perfect time to pause, recharge and enjoy a well earned break with family and friends. Whether you’re heading interstate, visiting loved ones, or escaping for a long weekend getaway, the last thing you want is to spend your holiday worrying about what’s happening back home. Creating a simple Easter vacation checklist before you leave can give you peace of mind and help prevent unnecessary stress, damage, or unexpected surprises. A little preparation goes a long
Tanya Spencer
Apr 13 min read


Understanding the Latest Land Tax Changes in NSW and QLD
Land tax is an annual cost that primarily affects investors , developers, and multi property owners. NSW Land Tax Framework Under the Land Tax Act 1956 , administered by Revenue NSW, land tax is payable once taxable land value exceeds the annual threshold. Land tax is calculated on unimproved land value not purchase price which can surprise new investors. Queensland Land Tax Rules Queensland land tax operates under the Land Tax Act 2010 , managed by the Queensland Revenue Off
Tanya Spencer
Mar 301 min read


Stamp Duty Reforms in NSW & QLD What’s Changing and Who Benefits
Stamp duty (transfer duty in Queensland) is one of the largest upfront costs in property transactions. Planning for it correctly can prevent financial strain at settlement. NSW Stamp Duty Concessions In NSW, stamp duty is administered by Revenue NSW under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme. Eligible first home buyers may receive exemptions or reduced rates depending on property value thresholds. However, strict conditions apply: The buyer must move into the property wi
Tanya Spencer
Mar 181 min read


Key Changes to NSW Property Law You Need to Know
If you’re buying or selling property in New South Wales in 2026, staying informed about legal changes isn’t just helpful it’s essential. Property transactions involve significant financial commitments, and even small updates to legislation can impact contracts, disclosure obligations, and settlement timelines. Stronger Contract Disclosure Requirements Under the Conveyancing Act 1919 , sellers are legally required to attach prescribed documents to the Contract for Sale befor
Tanya Spencer
Mar 122 min read


What is PEXA and How Does It Help with Property Settlements?
Buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make. Traditionally, property settlements involved piles of paperwork, bank cheques , and long waits at settlement tables. Thankfully, technology has changed the process. This is where PEXA comes in. What is PEXA? PEXA stands for Property Exchange Australia. It’s a secure, online platform that enables property settlements and lodgements to happen digitally. Instead of relying on pap
Tanya Spencer
Feb 252 min read


What Questions Should a Vendor Ask Their Conveyancer Before Selling a Property?
Selling a property is a major decision, and having the right conveyancer by your side can make the process smooth, stress-free, and legally sound. Before you sign any agreements or list your property on the market, it’s important to ask your conveyancer the right questions. Doing so ensures you fully understand the process, your responsibilities, and any costs involved. Below, we’ve put together the key questions every property vendor should ask their conveyancer prior to se
Tanya Spencer
Feb 183 min read


The Essential Questions Every Property Purchaser Should Ask Their Conveyancer
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether it’s your first home, an investment property, or your dream upgrade, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s where your conveyancer comes in guiding you through the legalities, paperwork, and potential pitfalls. But here’s the thing: not all buyers know what to ask their conveyancer before signing on the dotted line. Asking the right questions can save you time, money, and stress. Below,
Tanya Spencer
Feb 112 min read


Land Value vs Property Value: What’s the Difference?
When buying or selling real estate, two terms often come up that can cause confusion: land value and property value. While they’re closely related, they are not the same. What is Land Value? Land value refers to the worth of the land itself without any buildings, houses, or improvements on it. Think of it as the “raw” value of the land in its natural state. Several factors influence land value, including: Location – Proximity to schools, shops, public transport, and desirab
Tanya Spencer
Jan 292 min read


Brick by Brick: The Remarkable Evolution of Australian Homes
Australia’s homes tell the story of our nation’s history; from humble colonial cottages to the modern, sustainable smart homes we see today. Each era of Australian housing reflects the country’s growth, climate, lifestyle, and cultural influences. Let’s take a journey through time to see how Australian homes have evolved over the decades. 🇦🇺 1800s: The Colonial Cottage and Early Settler Homes When European settlers arrived in Australia in the late 1700s, housing was basic
Tanya Spencer
Jan 213 min read


How to Prepare Your Home for the Perfect New Year Reset
The New Year is the perfect opportunity to refresh your mindset and your home. As we leave the past year behind, setting up your home for a fresh start can bring clarity, energy, and motivation for the months ahead. Whether you’re planning to sell, renovate, or simply want a calmer, more organized space, here’s how to prepare your home for the perfect New Year reset. 1. Declutter Room by Room The best way to start your home reset is by decluttering. A tidy space instantly red
Tanya Spencer
Jan 133 min read


A Christmas Blog
Well 2025 coming to an end and again, you, like us is probably shaking your head and thinking “where did this year go ?” This year saw us welcome Grace to the team in January. We saw Sam go on maternity leave and welcome her little boy Jaxon in March. Kieran left us in July due to work commitments in Bali. Sammy joined the team in August. Each year we close down to reset for another exciting year. This year we are closing our office from the 22 nd dcember, 2025 to 6 th
Tanya Spencer
Dec 18, 20252 min read


What to Look for When Inspecting a House Before Purchase
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Before you fall in love with a property, it’s essential to inspect it carefully to avoid costly surprises later. A thorough house inspection gives you peace of mind and ensures your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare. In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for when inspecting a house for purchase, step by step. Structural Integrity - Is the House Built to Last? The structure is the backbo
Tanya Spencer
Dec 3, 20252 min read


Getting Ready for the Christmas Season: 2025 Decorating, Food & Gift Trends
The Christmas season in Australia is unlike anywhere else in the world. While many countries celebrate with snow, fireplaces and winter coats, here in Australia, Christmas falls in the middle of summer. That means sunshine, BBQs, beach days and fresh, festive celebrations. As the season approaches, Aussies everywhere are beginning to prepare for decorations, food, and presents. Let’s explore the biggest Christmas trends in Australia for 2025 and how you can get ready. Christm
Tanya Spencer
Nov 29, 20252 min read


Roof Safety Tips When Putting Up Christmas Lights
Every holiday season, thousands of homeowners climb onto their roofs to hang Christmas lights, transforming their homes into dazzling displays of festive cheer. While the end result is magical, the process of installing lights on a roof can be dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions. Roof safety should always be your top priority to avoid accidents and injuries. In this guide, we’ll walk you through roof safety tips, tricks, and best practices to keep you safe whil
Tanya Spencer
Nov 19, 20252 min read


QLD Seller Disclosure Statements: What Every Seller Needs to Know
When selling property in Queensland , it’s not just about putting up a “For Sale” sign and waiting for buyers. One of the most important legal requirements you’ll face is the Seller Disclosure Statement. This document ensures buyers know exactly what they’re purchasing, and failing to provide the right information can put your sale at risk. In this blog, we’ll break down what a QLD seller disclosure statement is, why it matters, and what every seller needs to know before list
Tanya Spencer
Nov 12, 20252 min read


How New Building & Pest Legislation Affects Purchasers in NSW & QLD
Building and pest inspections are not just recommended they are essential. Changes in consumer protection and building regulation mean buyers must be more proactive than ever. NSW Building Oversight In NSW, oversight sits with NSW Fair Trading. Stronger defect reporting and developer accountability measures have increased transparency, particularly in strata buildings. However, responsibility for inspection still rests with the buyer. Queensland Building Regulation In QLD, bu


Top 5 Legal Pitfalls in NSW & QLD Property Purchases And How to Avoid Them
Property purchases can go wrong quickly when legal details are overlooked. Here are five common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 1. Not Reviewing the Contract Before Signing In NSW, contracts fall under the Conveyancing Act 1919. In QLD, they operate under the Property Law Act 1974. Once signed, you are legally bound. Solution: Always seek legal review before signing. 2. Missing Finance Deadlines Finance clauses are time-sensitive. Failure to notify within the deadline may voi


What Property Buyers Need to Know About AML Verification Checks
Buying property now involves more than signing contracts and arranging finance. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is a critical part of the process. These checks are not optional they are required under Australian law. The Legal Basis for AML Checks AML requirements are governed by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 and monitored by AUSTRAC. These laws aim to prevent: Criminal funds entering the property market Identity fraud Terrorism fin
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