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Transferring a mortgage to another property, also known as mortgage portability, allows homeowners to move their existing home loan from one property to another without refinancing. This can be a convenient option for those looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate while keeping their current loan terms, interest rates, and repayment structure. However, not all mortgages […]

Australians, saving for a deposit is one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership. However, programs, guarantor loans, and other financial solutions make it possible for first home buyers to enter the property market without the traditional upfront payment. No deposit options provide alternatives for those who may not have significant savings but are financially ready

Rent-to-buy apartments offer a practical pathway for Australians to transition from renting to owning their own home. This arrangement allows tenants to lease a property with the option to purchase it in the future. For individuals who may not qualify for a traditional home loan or are struggling to save for a deposit, rent-to-buy agreements

The idea of renting to buy a house has gained popularity in Australia as an alternative path to homeownership. Yes, you can rent to buy a house in Australia, but the process involves more than renting and eventually owning. Rent-to-buy agreements, also known as lease options, are an alternative way to purchase a property, allowing

Investing in property is a popular way to grow wealth, but the need for a large deposit often discourages many Australians. Is there a way to buy an investment property without a deposit? The good news is, yes, it’s possible. However, it’s important to understand how it works, what risks are involved, and why having

Selling property can be complex, and understanding when GST is payable on the sale of property is crucial for anyone involved in property transactions in Australia. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 10% tax applied to certain types of property sales. Whether GST applies depends on the nature of the property being sold

In Australian property transactions, buyers often pay a deposit as a show of good faith after signing a contract of sale. This deposit, typically held in a trust account managed by the real estate agent or a conveyancer, acts as a financial commitment to the agreement. “Releasing the deposit” means transferring the deposit funds to

Understanding the rules around Goods and Services Tax (GST) and residential property transactions is crucial for buyers, sellers, and developers in Australia. While GST generally applies to the sale of goods and services, residential property transactions are treated differently under Australian tax laws. In most cases, GST is not payable on existing residential properties, as

If you’re starting or growing a business in Brisbane, leasing a commercial space is often a big step. Whether you’re opening a café, retail store, or office, the lease you sign can affect your day-to-day operations and your future plans. That’s why it’s important to understand how Commercial Leases in Brisbane work before you commit.

Selling a business is a major decision. Whether you’re stepping away after years of hard work or preparing for a new venture, there’s more to selling than simply finding a buyer. You’ll need to prepare your financial records, review legal agreements, and ensure the contract protects your interests before and after settlement. This guide breaks

If you’re looking to sell your business in Brisbane, it’s important to do it properly. A business sale is more than just handing over the keys. There are legal steps, financial records, contracts, and responsibilities that need to be sorted before, during, and after the sale. Whether you’ve run your business for five years or

Buying a business in Brisbane can be a great way to skip the start-up phase and jump straight into owning something that already runs. Whether it’s a small café, retail shop, or service-based business, there are important steps to take before saying yes. Understanding what you’re getting, knowing the legal risks, and checking the paperwork

When a company sells residential property in Australia, Goods and Services Tax (GST) often plays a significant role. Whether GST applies depends on several factors, such as the type of property being sold and the company’s activities. For example, the sale of new residential premises typically attracts GST, whereas existing residential premises are generally input-taxed,

In Australia, property titles determine the legal ownership of land and buildings, affecting an owner’s rights, responsibilities, and ability to sell or transfer the property. The main types of property titles include Torrens Title, Strata Title, Leasehold Title, Community Title, Company Title, and Crown Land Title. Each title type comes with specific rules governing ownership,

Transferring property from a family trust to an individual involves a legal process that ensures ownership is correctly recorded and complies with Australian property and tax laws. A family trust is a legal structure that holds assets, including real estate, for the benefit of its beneficiaries. While trusts provide asset protection and tax advantages, there

Transferring property before death is an essential part of estate planning that helps ensure a smooth transition of assets while minimising legal and financial complications for beneficiaries. In Australia, property can be transferred through various methods, including gifting, selling to a family member, joint ownership, trusts, and life interest arrangements. Each method comes with its

What’s Changing? Are you planning to buy your first home in Queensland? Good news! The government has introduced a new law that removes stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing new builds. This change, which takes effect on May 1, 2025, aims to make homeownership more affordable. Stamp duty, also called transfer duty, is a

In Australian property transactions, the terms transferor and transferee refer to the two key parties involved in transferring ownership of a property. The transferor is the current owner who sells, gifts, or otherwise transfers the property, while the transferee is the new owner who receives it. These roles are crucial in ensuring a legal and

The transfer of title from developer to buyer is a crucial legal process that finalises property ownership in Australia. When purchasing a newly built home or apartment from a developer, the title transfer ensures that the buyer’s name is officially recorded as the legal owner in the Land Titles Office. Without this step, the buyer

Leasing a commercial property is one of the biggest steps a Brisbane business can take. Whether you’re opening a new shop, relocating your office, or expanding your operations, a commercial lease agreement is more than just a piece of paper. It sets the rules for your time in the property, including how much rent you’ll

Signing a commercial lease is one of the biggest steps you can take for your business. Whether you’re opening a café, a small office, or a warehouse, the lease you sign will affect your cash flow, responsibilities, and future growth. If you are thinking about Commercial Leasing in Brisbane, it’s important to understand what you’re

Selling a business is a big step. Whether you’re ready to retire or looking to start something new, it’s important to make sure the process is smooth, legal, and fair. If you’re looking to sell your business in Brisbane, this guide will walk you through the important steps from a conveyancer’s point of view. We’ll

In Australia, council rates are a standard expense for property owners, covering essential services such as waste management, public infrastructure, and local community facilities. A common question many property owners ask is: “Does council rate have GST?” The short answer is no—council rates are generally GST-free because they are considered a tax rather than a

Buying a house with termite damage in Australia is a decision that requires careful consideration. Termites are a common issue in many parts of the country, and their impact on a property can range from minor cosmetic damage to severe structural problems. If you’re considering purchasing a termite-affected home, it’s essential to understand the risks,

Buying a home is one of the biggest steps you’ll ever take. It’s exciting, but it’s also a big decision—and a big investment. Before you sign on the dotted line, you’ll want to know everything you can about the property. That’s where property inspection reports come in. These reports help you find out if the

Refinancing investment property means replacing your existing investment loan with a new one—usually to take advantage of lower interest rates, better loan features, or to access the equity you’ve built up in the property. Many Australian property investors are exploring refinancing as a way to boost their cash flow, grow their portfolio, or adjust their

In Australia, transferring property as a gift is a legal process that involves changing property ownership without a sale transaction. While this may seem straightforward, the transfer of property by way of gift stamp duty is a key consideration that cannot be overlooked. This article provides a detailed breakdown of how stamp duty applies to

In competitive Australian real estate markets, auctions have become one of the most popular ways to buy and sell property. However, auctions differ significantly from private treaty sales, particularly when it comes to the legal obligations buyers face if successful. When a property is sold at auction, the contract is typically unconditional. But what does

Under current Queensland laws, every property sold or leased must meet specific smoke alarm compliance standards outlined in the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990. These laws ensure that all homes are equipped with modern, photoelectric smoke alarms that are interconnected and strategically placed for maximum safety. Failing to meet these requirements can delay the

Owning your first home is a significant step, but the financial challenges can be daunting. Thankfully, the Australian Government offers a variety of schemes for first home buyers to make home ownership more affordable and achievable. First home buys can benefit from a number of initiatives including the First Home Owner Grant, the First Home

Buying your first home is a significant milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Fortunately, Australia offers a range of first home buyers benefits designed to make the process easier and more affordable. These benefits include grants, schemes, and tax concessions that help reduce upfront costs, minimise ongoing expenses, and bring

Are you buying or selling a property in Queensland? If so, you might have already heard about the simultaneous settlement clause. This important feature of the conveyancing process is often a key element in transactions involving two or more properties.  A simultaneous settlement clause is a condition in a contract that allows two or more

Have you ever wondered what would happen if someone slipped, fell, or got injured on your rental property and held you responsible? As a landlord in Australia, protecting yourself and your investment property is essential. One crucial way to do this is through landlord public liability insurance. This type of insurance safeguards landlords against financial

Understanding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is essential when buying or selling commercial property in Australia. GST often applies to these transactions, but it’s not always straightforward. Whether GST is payable, who is responsible for it, and how it is handled depends on several factors, including the type of property, the parties involved, and

A draft transfer of land is a preliminary legal document that outlines the transfer of property ownership from a seller to a buyer, before it is officially lodged with the state land registry. This draft serves as a critical step in the conveyancing process, ensuring that all property details, ownership information, and legal requirements are

Buying or owning a home is one of the biggest steps many Australians take. But sometimes, when you’re dealing with property, there are hidden details that can surprise you if you’re not careful. One of these important details is something called a property easement. While the term might sound technical, understanding what it means is

Buying and selling your home is an exciting milsetone. However, it is full of steps that need to be done correctly. One of the most complex steps people face is a simultaneous settlement. Simultaneous settlement happens when you sell your current home and buy a new one on the same day. Although convenient for buyers,

A contract of sale is a legally binding agreement between a buyer and seller that sets out the terms of a property transaction. But how long is a contract of sale valid for? In Australia, the validity of this contract depends on several factors; the conditions outlined within it, key dates such as settlement and

Flipping properties has become a practical strategy for those looking to generate profit through real estate. While it can offer strong returns, success depends on the ability to plan, research, and execute each step carefully—especially when it comes to legal requirements like conveyancing for buyers. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to flipping, this

Have you ever wondered if selling two properties together is a smart move? Whether you own neighbouring blocks, a house with a separate granny flat, or two investment properties, selling them as a package deal could be beneficial. However, this process comes with legal, financial, and logistical considerations. This guide will answer the most common