News

Kelly v Bega Valley Shire Council [2026] NSWLEC 1588: Tiny Homes, Wheels and the Planning Rules You Still Can’t Escape

A tiny home on wheels may legally be a caravan, but that doesn’t automatically allow…

Pronesti v Napoli (No 2) [2026] NSWSC 856: DNA, a 20-Year-Late Estate Claim and the Reach of Notional Estate

Discovering biological parentage decades later can affect a deceased estate, including property outside the actual…

The Estate of the late Wilma Annette Pusterla [2026] NSWSC 951: When a Signed Will Still Isn’t Enough

A signed will may still be rejected if evidence doesn’t show the deceased understood and…

Haiyong Su v 5 Blackman Cres Macquarie Pty Ltd [2026] NSWSC 875: When Default Interest Goes Too Far

Private property finance can become expensive quickly when default interest and compounding apply. Courts may…

Filippini v Keystone Asset Management Ltd (in liq) [2026] FCAFC 71: Freezing Orders, Trust Control and the Limits of Property Protection

Family trusts can offer useful ownership structures, but trust assets are not automatically protected from…

Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2026] HCA 18: Division 7A, Trust Entitlements and What Property Investors Should Know

Money left unpaid in a trust is not automatically a Division 7A loan, but documentation…

Commissioner of Taxation v Morton [2026] FCAFC 31: Subdividing Land Without Automatically Becoming a Property Developer

A major subdivision does not automatically make sale proceeds ordinary income; ownership history, purpose, involvement…

Brandes v Community Association DP No 270482 (No 2) [2026] NSWCATAP 225: Who Pays the Legal Bill in a Strata Fight?

Losing at NCAT doesn’t automatically mean paying the other side’s legal costs. Brandes confirms costs…

Sydney Gold Bullion Exchange Pty Ltd v The Owners – Strata Plan 34794 [2026] NSWCATAP 75: When Strata Unit Entitlements Don’t Add Up

Strata unit entitlements affect levies and ownership interests, but changing an unfair allocation through NCAT…

Wilson v Kiama Municipal Council [2026] NSWLEC 1423: Rural Land, “Dwelling Entitlements” and the Power of Clause 4.6

“No dwelling entitlement” doesn’t always mean rural NSW land cannot support a home. Planning rules,…

Mayfield Development Corporation Pty Ltd v NSW Port Operations Hold Co Pty Ltd [2026] HCA 12: Crown Immunity, Release Deeds and Why the Fine Print Matters

The High Court’s Mayfield v NSW Ports ruling demonstrates that government involvement does not give…

The Corporate Shell Game: SPVs, Offshore Assets and What Happens When the Company Behind Your Property Deal Collapses

Marketing brands often differ from the actual legal vendor on an off-the-plan contract. Always verify…

Commissioner of Taxation v S.N.A Group Pty Ltd [2026] FCAFC 10: Related-Party Deals, Missing Paperwork and Why Evidence Matters

The ATO v Morton ruling proves long-held farmland subdivisions can remain capital assets rather than…

Commissioner of Taxation v Morton [2026] FCAFC 31: Subdividing Land Without Automatically Becoming a Property Developer

The High Court’s ATO v Bendel decision clarifies that unpaid trust entitlements are not automatically…

Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2026] HCA 18: Division 7A, Trust Entitlements and What Property Investors Should Know

The High Court’s ATO v Bendel decision clarifies that unpaid trust entitlements are not automatically…

Off-the-Plan Loan Fraud: Falsified Pre-Sales, a $150 Million Loan and Why Buyer Deposits Matter

Off-the-plan finance issues highlight why NSW deposit protections under section 66ZT matter. Your deposit must…

The Certification Trap: When an Occupation Certificate Meets a $50 Million Defect Problem

An Occupation Certificate does not guarantee a defect-free building. Strata buyers must inspect strata reports…

The Toplace Implosion: The $2 Billion Collapse, the Fugitive Developer and the Limits of a 20-Year Guarantee

The Toplace collapse highlights the danger of structural defects and developer insolvency in off-the-plan developments.…

The Sydney Market Pivot: Falling Home Values, Rate Stability and a New Window for Buyers

Sydney’s softening property market gives buyers more leverage, but thorough legal due diligence remains essential…

The $100 Billion Tax Mountain: Small Business Debt, ATO Recovery Enforcement and Safeguarding Real Estate Equity

Escalating ATO collection measures and non-deductible interest make resolving business tax debts critical for property…

The ATO Enforcement Wave: Record Complaints, GIC Remissions and What Property Sellers Need to Know

Rising ATO debt recovery makes managing tax liabilities like FRCGW withholding critical for property sales.…

The Rural Land Tax Myth: Why Owning Acres Does Not Automatically Mean a Land Tax Exemption

Under Section 10AA of the Land Tax Management Act 1956 (NSW), rural zoning alone does…

The Discretionary Trust Reset: Treasury’s 30% Minimum Tax and What Property Investors Need to Know

Proposed tax reforms targeting discretionary trusts may impose a 30% minimum tax, impacting property investment…

The Auction Slowdown: Falling Clearance Rates, Tax Reform and Why Pre-Approval Matters

Slower Sydney auction clearance rates give buyers leverage, but auction wins under the Conveyancing Act…

The Unemployment Trap: Interest Rates, Hiring Slowdowns and Keating’s Economic Echoes

While today's economic climate is far from the 1990s recession, cooling job markets and tight…

The High Cost of Non-Compliance: Court-Ordered Interest, Enforcement Costs and Protecting Property Settlements

Ignoring family law property orders leads to severe financial penalties and interest under the Family…

The Capital Misalignment: Australian Super, Overseas Housing and the Slow Road to 40,000 Affordable Homes

AustralianSuper’s UK investments highlight macro housing trends, but individual buyers must focus on their own…

The High Cost of Non-Compliance: Court-Ordered Interest, Enforcement Costs and Protecting Property Settlements

Family law property orders carry strict deadlines, and delays can incur massive interest and enforcement…

The Executive Disconnect: Record Bank Profits, Offshoring and What It Really Means for Australian Home Buyers

CBA’s $11 billion profit highlights institutional priorities, reminding buyers that lenders protect their own interests,…

The Superannuation Illusion: Why Your Will Does Not Control Your Super — and How BDBNs Can Bridge the Gap

Superannuation death benefits pass outside a Will unless directed to a Legal Personal Representative via…