NEWS + BLOG
Update on Amendments to Queensland Residential Tenancies Legislation
Queensland's rental laws have been updated, with new rules already in effect and more changes coming through 2025. Learn about the key amendments, including rent increase limits, utility billing transparency, and more, with implementation dates to help you stay ahead.
Off-the-Plan Purchase: Who Is Liable for New Home Defects?
Purchasing a property off the plan is an enticing prospect, but it also comes with potential risks — especially when it comes to construction defects. We take you through the steps you can take to mitigate risks when buying off the plan and outline your options if defects arise after the property is completed.
You have to play fair – a lesson in cooperation | Brightman v Royal Pines Projects Pty Ltd [2024] QSC 149
Brightman v Royal Pines Projects Pty Ltd highlights the duty of cooperation in contracts, particularly in property transactions. Developers must give buyers a fair chance to meet obligations, like getting valuations and financing. This case shows the importance of acting in good faith and not hindering the other party's ability to fulfil their duties.
Significant Changes to Queensland's Community Titles Schemes
In a landmark move, the Queensland Government has recently enacted the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. This comprehensive bill introduces significant amendments to various acts regulating community title schemes in Queensland. These changes cover a wide range of topics, including the termination of community titles schemes, smoking regulations, pet approvals, vehicle towing, and modifications to the Land Sales Act 1984. In this blog post, we will delve into the key alterations brought about by this welcomed change to legislation.
Closing the Sunset Clause 'Loophole'
In a significant development for off-the-plan land buyers in Queensland, recent amendments to the Land Sales Act 1984 have closed a longstanding sunset clause 'loophole.' This blog post explores the implications of these changes, which aims to provide greater protections for buyers involved in off-the-plan land transactions.
Beware the Email Invoicing Scam
We blog about an incident, which targeted a client in the midst of a home purchase, demonstrating the lengths to which cybercriminals will go to perpetrate their deceptions. Their tactics encompass deceptive domain names, modified account details, and the painstaking replication of email content, even replicating warnings about cybercrime!
The Legal Aspect of Incentives for Pensioners to Downsize Homes
Historically for many pensioners in Australia, downsizing their homes after retirement would have had an impact on their pension. The new Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Incentivising Pensioners to Downsize) Bill has changed all that with attractive incentives in an effort to encourage pensioners to downsize their homes.
Understanding Australia's Revamped Help to Buy Scheme: A Legal Perspective
The revamped Help to Buy scheme presents both opportunities and complexities. While it aims to make home ownership more accessible, it comes with its set of criteria and limitations that prospective applicants must closely examine.
How to Navigate Project Development Agreements
We explore the key aspects of navigating project development agreements in Australia to help stakeholders understand the intricacies and help work towards favourable outcomes for all parties involved.
Gift or Sale? Exploring Options for Property Transfer Between Family Members
Today, we’re diving into the legal world of property transfers, uncovering the intricacies of gifting and selling (including stamp duty implications of each option) and exploring how they fit into the larger picture of estate distribution.
Seller’s Disclosure Regime Property Law Bill 2023
A new bill before Queensland Parliament - the Property Law Bill 2023 - is an initiative that will introduce a seller disclosure scheme for property transactions in the region, as is already in place in NSW and Victoria. In this blog, we outline what application of this bill may mean for buyers and sellers.
How Conveyancing Lawyers Help Navigate the Legal Landscape of Buying Off the Plan
At Bradley & Bray, our experienced team of conveyancing lawyers understands the intricacies of off-the-plan purchases in Australia, particularly in Queensland. Today, we’ll share how conveyancing lawyers play a vital role in assisting buyers throughout the process and ensuring a smooth & legally sound transaction.
Essential Considerations When Buying Rural Property in Queensland
Discover the essential considerations when buying rural property in Queensland. From water entitlements to GST exemptions, this blog explores the unique challenges of rural land purchases. Learn how our property lawyers in the Sunshine Coast can guide you through the process effectively.
How Can Conveyancing Lawyers Help You Buy Property Through Your SMSF?
If you are contemplating the purchase of property within your self-managed super fund (SMSF), you may be interested in understanding how the conveyancing process can aid you in securing the ideal property. In the following discussion, we delve into the ways in which conveyancers can benefit your SMSF property investment.
Retirement Villages: Safe as Houses?
We touch on some of the considerations you should take into account before entering into a retirement village contract. Bradley & Bray’s legal team will be happy to peruse your contract and guide you through the terminology and implications of entering into the contract.
Settlements and Extension of Settlement Date in REIQ Contracts
Recent updates to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Contracts include provisions for extending the Settlement Date by up to 5 business days, in certain circumstances.
Settlements in Queensland Conveyancing... How Does it Work?
Conveyancing of property sounds complex. We cover the conveyancing process through to Settlement to help you understand what happens if you have a purchase or sale contract which has now gone unconditional. Your Lawyer/Conveyancer has a bit of work to do before the Property is settled.
Changes are coming to land tax in Queensland
Queensland has introduced land tax amendments that will consider the value of all land owned in Australia when determining land tax liability in Queensland.
REIQ Contract Updates: Key Changes You Need to Know
With such a high volume of sale contracts being completed, it's more important than ever to heed changes to standard residential contract conditions in Queensland.