Practice area
Articles on Victorian property and conveyancing — including residential tenancies, leasing, caveats and the legal issues that arise when buying, selling or holding real estate.
A plain-English Victorian guide to owners corporation disputes — levies and special levies, repairs, common property versus lot property, water leaks, building defects, short-stay, noise and pets, committee decision-making, managers, internal dispute resolution, Consumer Affairs Victoria, VCAT and the costs and practical risks of escalation.
A plain-English Victorian guide to restrictive covenants — how they appear on title, common examples, due diligence, section 32 disclosure, planning permit issues, breach risks, Supreme Court modification and practical steps if a covenant is discovered late.
A plain-English Victorian guide to property boundaries and fencing disputes — how legal title boundaries are determined, why fences are often in the wrong place, licensed surveyors, encroachments, retaining walls, trees, access, the Fences Act 1968 (Vic), mediation and Supreme Court proceedings.
A plain-English Victorian guide to adverse possession — the 15-year limitation period under the Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (Vic), continuous and exclusive possession, intention to possess, fencing and boundary encroachments, Crown land exclusions, applications through Land Use Victoria and Supreme Court proceedings.
A plain-English Victorian guide to easements — drainage, sewerage, carriageway and utility easements, building over an easement, neighbour disputes, removal and variation under section 36 of the Subdivision Act 1988 (Vic) and section 23 of the Property Law Act 1958 (Vic), and pre-purchase due diligence.
A plain-English Victorian guide to caveats on land — caveatable interests, voluntary withdrawal, section 89A lapsing notices, urgent Supreme Court applications under section 90(3), and compensation for wrongful caveats under section 118.
A plain-English guide to the four-step property settlement process in Australian family law — identifying the pool, contributions, future needs, just and equitable, disclosure, super, businesses, trusts and inheritances, consent orders and court proceedings.
A plain-English guide to superannuation splitting in Australian family law — how super is treated in property settlements, accumulation vs defined benefit funds, splitting orders, agreements, tax and practical examples.
A practical legal guide for purchasers considering commercial property in Victoria — contract review, due diligence, leases, GST, planning, settlement and the legal issues to address before signing.
The absentee owner surcharge is an additional Victorian land tax charge for certain absentee owners. Learn when it may apply, notification issues and when to seek advice.
A practical guide to when the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) applies to a lease, the common exclusions, landlord disclosure obligations and the risks of getting classification wrong.
A practical guide to buying residential property in Victoria — section 32 statements, contract review, finance, auctions, private sales, settlement and the most common mistakes purchasers make.
A practical guide to selling residential property in Victoria — preparing for sale, section 32 obligations, agent appointments, auctions versus private sales, contract issues, settlement and common seller mistakes.
A plain-English guide to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal — its jurisdiction and powers, starting and responding to proceedings, hearings, evidence, costs and practical tips for applicants and respondents.
A practical guide for Victorian renters — condition reports, rental agreements, quiet enjoyment, fixed-term and periodic tenancies, subletting and when to seek legal advice.
When a caveat can be used to protect an interest in real estate after separation — what a caveat is, the risks of lodging one, and the alternatives available.
