News Centre
August 27, 2026 · Q
Do Australian PR Holders Pay Foreign Buyer Tax When Buying a Home? FIRB and NSW’s 9% Surcharge Purchaser Duty Explained
Australian PR holders generally do not need FIRB approval to buy a home but may still pay NSW’s 9% surcharge purchaser duty. Before signing, check residence days, the home exemption and ownership share separately. Buying jointly with an Australian citizen spouse does not mean an automatic exemption.
August 21, 2026 · yulia
Suddenly Charged Property and Insurance Fees for an Australian Shop? The Problem Lies in the Disclosure Statement
If extra property or insurance fees are demanded for your NSW shop, check the Disclosure Statement: listed charges must be paid after signing; unlisted charges can be refused. For new and renewed retail leases, landlords must provide a complete, truthful written statement at least 7 days before signing.
August 21, 2026 · Q
Foreign Buyers Purchasing Property in Australia: What Counts as a New Dwelling? A Full Guide to Off-the-Plan Property, Renovated Homes and Knockdown Rebuilds
Foreign buyers choosing newly built, fully renovated or knockdown rebuild homes in Australia cannot judge new dwelling status by appearance alone. Check sales and occupancy history, whether development adds dwellings, and approval or exemption certificate coverage. Confirm your eligibility to buy before making an offer or signing.
August 19, 2026 · Q
Essential Reading Before Buying an Australian Apartment: Strata Reports, Special Levies and Hidden Property Risks Explained
When buying an Australian apartment, consider the building’s maintenance plans and fund balances alongside the price and regular strata levies. If a special levy is formally approved after you become an owner, you may have to pay it even if the problem already existed.
August 15, 2026 · yulia
What Is the Difference Between Consent Orders and a BFA in Australia? A Guide to Choosing the Right One
If you have separated and agreed on a property settlement, Consent Orders may be preferable for court review and clear enforcement procedures. To keep personal assets separate before or during marriage and protect privacy, consider a BFA. They differ in signing stages, legal advice requirements and their scope for parenting arrangements.
August 13, 2026 · Q
What Should You Do If You Experience Family Violence on an Australian Partner Visa? Can You Remain in Australia After Leaving Your Sponsor?
Leaving your sponsor after family violence does not mean your Partner visa application will necessarily fail. Withdrawing sponsorship does not automatically end the application. Eligible applicants can still seek permanent residency, subject to assessment of the relationship, family violence evidence and other visa requirements.
August 13, 2026 · Q
Who Gets the Pet After a Break-up? How Australian Family Law Determines Pet Ownership
After separation, the pet does not necessarily belong to its buyer or microchip registrant. Courts also consider daily care, costs, the parties’ and children’s bonds with the pet, future care capacity, and family violence or abuse risks. Whether family law applies also depends on the relationship type.
August 7, 2026 · yulia
How Is a Will Administered in Australia? A Complete Guide to the Probate Process
As an executor in Australia, first check whether the estate needs probate, then prepare documents and apply. In NSW, file within 6 months of death. After the grant, pay debts, taxes and funeral expenses first, then distribute the remaining estate once the creditor claim period ends.
August 5, 2026 · Q
After Separation, the Other Parent Won’t Let Me See My Child—What Should I Do Under Australian Family Law?
If the other parent refuses contact after separation, check whether the arrangements are a private agreement, a parenting plan or court Parenting Orders. Keep communication and refused handover records, then consider negotiation, Family Dispute Resolution or a court application as appropriate.
August 5, 2026 · Q
When Parents Help Their Children Buy a Home, What Should They Sign Besides a Loan Agreement?
When parents fund a child’s home purchase, a Loan Agreement primarily identifies a loan rather than a gift; a Binding Financial Agreement addresses the couple’s property arrangements. The documents cover different relationships and are not mandatory for every family. A Loan Agreement’s effectiveness also depends on its terms, performance and legal context.