Many people aren't aware that you can purchase an investment property using funds from your self-managed superannuation fund ("SMSF"). There are of course a lot of conditions and restrictions in doing this, but with the property marketing often having a faster growth rates than traditional shares it can be a wise investment.

In Queensland the conveyancing process begins once the Contract of Sale is signed by both parties. The execution of the Contract sets off a series of obligations that each party must meet on certain dates. It is crucial that as a buyer or a seller you meet your obligations by their respective deadlines in order to avoid facing any penalties or the possible termination of the Contract by the other party.

Co-ownership has many benefits, but also some pitfalls, in particular when it comes to the ending of a co-ownership arrangement. There are several ways in which co-ownership can cease, and it very much depends on the form in which the co-ownership takes.

Many people don’t realise that when it comes to purchasing a property with another person you can do so in two distinct ways; as joint tenants or as tenants in common. This is a legal distinction that completely changes your rights in relation to the property depending on which method you choose. 

Whilst you can self-represent yourself and do your own conveyance, there are a lot of consequences to consider.  Not only that, Queensland conveyancing is legislated by 11 different pieces of legislation in Queensland.  Could you recognize if a contract is legally binding?  Could you determine if any alterations to the property are legal? Your lawyer will not only streamline the process for you, but will also make you aware of all your rights and obligations under the contract, and are there to protect your interests.

Brisbane’s lower lying suburbs, including the city centre itself. This obviously had serious and far reaching consequences for the city’s property market, with many buyers electing not to dip their toe (pardon the pun) into the market and choosing to avoid properties located anywhere near the Brisbane river.

If you’re buying or selling a property which is located on a canal in the Gold Coast City Council area then it is important to consider the impact of a recent decision by the Council that imposes a new legal obligation on property owners with a pontoon or jetty.

Since changes to superannuation legislation in 2007, which allowed for self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to borrow money for property assets, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people setting up a SMSF in order to purchase an investment property.  Whilst there are many benefits to this, there are strict rules which must be followed.

The standard contract of sale includes terms that specify that a property must be delivered to the buyer on the day of settlement in the same condition it was in on the day the contract was signed (save for ordinary wear and tear).  As a buyer this means you should do your due diligence to ensure that this is the case for the property you purchase.

The old saying of ‘buyer beware’ still rings true when purchasing a house in Queensland.  This is especially important when it comes to unapproved alterations or extensions to a property.