Over the weekend we attended a thought-provoking AIC(SA) State conference. Moves to aggregate Land Tax liabilities in SA was a hot topic. The Treasurer Rob Lucas, in his opening address, argued the measure will make SA more competitive with other States. However, the upswell of opposition to the plan was echoed by Business SA’s... Continue Reading →
Buying or selling a property with a pool
Here in SA the summers are HOT and a backyard pool can be an attractive selling point. On the flip side, backyard pools can pose a significant safety risk, especially to young children, and require ongoing vigilance by each new owner of the property. When you are buying or selling a house with a pool,... Continue Reading →
GST at settlement measure – how the ATO is hitting back at phoenix developers
Are you a property developer? Take note, critical changes to how you pay GST on property sales take effect from July 1. As of July 1, 2018, where GST is payable on the supply of real property, it will be withheld at settlement by your purchaser and paid directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).... Continue Reading →
Easements explained
When you own a property you generally have the exclusive right to use that property, and to stop others from entering onto it. Put simply, an easement grants another person (or company) the right to enter onto your land. So if you’re buying a property with an easement on it, it’s important to understand exactly... Continue Reading →
Transferring funds – be alert, but not alarmed
South Australian Police have confirmed the SA real estate industry is currently the target of cybercriminal behaviour, extending to Conveyancers. The transfer of real property naturally means the transfer of large sums of money – for most people the most you’ll ever pay or receive. Cybercriminals are aware of this and have stepped up their... Continue Reading →
Buying a property with a tree? Here’s what you need to know
Remember that 2013 Bank SA commercial where a new homeowner marvels in his new backyard, “I own a tree!”? There is something pretty special about owning a property with a tree (or trees) – they provide cooling shade, fruit, privacy and add significantly to the character of a home, and value of a property. On... Continue Reading →
Who organises the water account?
It's one of the most common questions we get asked when someone is buying or selling a property in South Australia... "Who organises the water account?" In South Australia, we generally think of our utilities as water, electricity (and in some areas, mains gas), telephone and internet. But there is one big difference ... while... Continue Reading →
Get a second opinion before you sign on the dotted line
Very few people engage their conveyancer BEFORE they've signed a contract to buy or sell a property - even though it doesn't cost a cent? (not with us, anyway).