Australia: Real Estate and Construction

Although the Opposition’s proposals reflect political positioning rather than formal policy, these debates—and the broader public conversation on immigration—offer early signals of potential shifts to workforce planning and access to skilled talent.

A builder can stop work for non-payment in Queensland, but only if they have a clear legal right to do so under either the construction contract or the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld). Simply not being paid is not enough.

A recent NSW Supreme Court decision examines whether the 10-year statutory limitation period on building defect claims can be extended for contribution claims, and whether parties can amend pleadings on the final day before the limitation period expires.

On 30 June 2026 the Supreme Court of New South Wales handed down its judgment in Forever Grateful Holdings Pty Ltd v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2026] NSWSC 761, which clarified the point in time at which the relevant facts are to be considered when determining a duty liability arising under the Duties Act 1997 (NSW) (Duties Act).

Yes, you must have a Contract for the sale and purchase of land (“Contract”) which can be prepared for you by a lawyer or licensed conveyancer and must, in the case of residential land, be prepared before your property...

A property lawyer or licensed conveyancer (collectively “Property Law Specialist”) assists with buying and transferring property in NSW.

Bankruptcy trustees play a crucial statutory role in managing insolvency cases, but their function extends beyond enforcement to collaborative assistance. Through a detailed case study, this article examines how an individual's reluctance to cooperate with trustees transformed a manageable $44,800 debt into a protracted three-year bankruptcy that ultimately cost him everything, including opportunities for annulment.

A New South Wales Court of Appeal decision examines whether an unpainted speed hump in a carpark constitutes an obvious risk when all other tripping hazards were marked with yellow paint. The case explores the duty to warn under section 5H of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) and establishes important principles for occupiers regarding consistency in hazard marking.

The strata reform is broadly intended to give owners in strata schemes across NSW greater trust and confidence in how strata is regulated.

Although the Opposition’s proposals reflect political positioning rather than formal policy, these debates—and the broader public conversation on immigration—offer early signals of potential shifts to workforce planning and access to skilled talent.

When a bank sells mortgaged property for less than expected, property owners may wonder whether they have grounds to take legal action. Queensland law imposes specific duties on mortgagees conducting property sales, requiring them to act in good faith and take reasonable care regarding market value.

Victoria's Vacant Residential Land Tax has expanded statewide from 2025, introducing progressive tax rates of up to 3% on properties left unoccupied for more than six months annually. Property owners across Victoria now face strict notification requirements and substantial penalties, with rates escalating based on consecutive years of vacancy.