The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Conveyancing

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Home buyers and sellers will now be more informed during the settlement process, thanks to a new online directory that increases accountability and transparency in the conveyancing industry.
Launched by information provider GlobalX, OzConveyancers enables property consumers to locate property settlement professionals, review their experience, compare prices, and access stamp duty information all on one online platform.
GlobalX CEO Peter Maloney said OzConveyancers is Australia’s largest online directory of registered conveyancers, and is completely free.
“OzConveyancers.com.au provides simple, geographically-targeted information to consumers, helping them find the most appropriate, best-priced conveyancer in their local area,” said Mr Maloney.
“It also allows Australia’s 6,000+ conveyancers to list their business online for free, be searchable at any time, and in direct contact with property consumers in their region,” he said.
OzConveyancers Product Manager Nippa Ekanayake said the new website filled a gap for professionals, and buyers and sellers.
“We’ve known for some time that there is a lack of information and accessible technology available for people in the initial stages of buying and selling a home,” Mr Ekanayake said.
“Sure, conveyancers provide valuable information on available searches and help ease the settlement process, but these insights come after someone has engaged a legal professional to represent them.
“The benefit to consumers is <a href="https://ozconveyancers.com.au/" target="_blank">Ozconveyancers.com.au</a> is a one-stop-shop for conveyancing information.
This allows users to easily compare local businesses to find the best deal without any fees, or commissions paid to our organisation.”
OzConveyancers currently profiles more than 2,500 conveyancers who can list their business at no cost for increased market exposure.
“Most Australian conveyancing businesses are very small; they don’t have an online presence nor time for marketing, so, by offering a free listing on the site we’re boosting their accessibility and credibility, as well as delivering more decision-making information to the consumer,” Mr Ekanayake said.
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Property 101: GlobalX launch OzConveyancers

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The acceptance of digital signatures on contracts is the final barrier in offering a streamlined online service for property buyers and sellers according to lawlab.
Lawlab partners with real estate groups, finance aggregators and brokers to deliver their highly-rated conveyancing services through the secure online collaboration platform Rundl.
In February this year Rundl and Docusign announced a partnership to bring the contract signing and exchange process completely online.
The result is that deals can be signed and exchanged online within minutes, no paperwork, no driving contracts between solicitors.
This forms an integral part of lawlab’s user friendly, digitally-driven experience that steps all parties through the time consuming and stressful conveyancing process.
Ian Perkins, managing director of lawlab said more than 25,000 transactions have been delivered over the past four years.
"But what is preventing us from fully streamlining the service was the acceptance of digital signatures," he said.
"We have been waiting for the industry to catch up.
"Now we are starting to see more industry players accept this technology.”
Digital signatures are legally valid and have been used for many years to sign documents in all types of industries.
It is relatively new for real estate contracts to be signed electronically and by introducing this as standard practice lawlab are leading the way in making the contract exchange process easier and more convenient for buyers and sellers.
Tifanie Milton, a recent home seller from Queensland said, signing the contract was so much easier using lawlab.
"I was waiting in the lounge to board a flight when I got a message from lawlab that my sale contract terms had been agreed and the contract was ready to sign," she said.
"Within minutes, I received a link to the contract by email and was able to sign it digitally using DocuSign on my laptop.
"The contract was automatically forwarded to the buyer for them to countersign digitally and on getting off the plane I was informed the contract had been exchanged.
New player to the Australian market Purplebricks chose lawlab as their preferred conveyancing partner.
How it works
1. The seller or real estate agent submits an electronic request to lawlab to contact the seller through the Rundl platform.
2. A lawlab legal adviser contacts the seller within 2 business hours and starts the contract preparation and conveyancing process.
3. The contract of sale and any associated documents are issued within 48 hours (can vary depending on local council) and are uploaded to Rundl which notifies the real estate agent and seller.
4. Once a buyer is ready to sign lawlab will set up the signing sequence and issue a link to the documents for signing by all parties.
5. By following the prompts, the seller is first to sign the contract documents digitally.
6. Signing is easy and secure and can be done using the default stylised font of the signer’s name. Other ways to sign are by using a mouse/stylus pen or by uploading a digital signature.
7. No witnessing is required and lawlab contracts include a special condition acknowledging this.
8. The signed contract documents are then automatically forwarded to the buyer. The buyer’s lawyer also receives a copy of the contract documents so the buyer can contact their lawyer if they have any questions.
9. Once the buyer has countersigned the contract documents, the contract is exchanged and all the parties receive a full copy of the exchanged contract.
DocuSign produces a report for every contract showing who, where and when the contract was signed.
This report can be used as evidence if there is any question about who has signed the contract.
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Property 101: Acceptance of digital signatures – the final piece of the digital conveyancing puzzle

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New tax rules in place since July 2016 now apply to vendors disposing of certain taxable Australian property under contracts.
Conveyancers may need to register with the Tax Practitioners Board, when assisting clients to meet new requirements under the foreign resident capital gains tax withholding measures. Ian Taylor, chair of the Tax Practitioners Board, said depending on whether a conveyancer’s client is the vendor or purchaser, foreign resident capital gains withholding forms may need to be completed and submitted to the ATO which include clearance certificate, rate variation application and the purchaser payment notification form. 
"The TPB considers there are sections of each of these forms that involve the provision of a tax agent service. 
"It is also recognised that conveyancers, who perform certain services relating to the purchaser payment form, are exempted from being registered with the TPB as a tax agent until 31 December 2017.   "Before assisting clients to meet the requirements of the foreign resident capital gains withholding regime, all conveyancers who are not registered with the TPB as tax agents, need to understand what they can or cannot do under the TASA.   "If conveyancers complete and submit these forms to the ATO on behalf of a client for a fee or reward, they may need to be registered with the TPB, either immediately or in the future"   For further information about whether or not conveyancers need to be registered with the TPB <a href="https://tpb.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1bfb3d6593e3b7312cde4bc0&amp;id=9c07a3e754&amp;e=c8397a77b6" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Conveyancing and the TASA

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The Real Property Amendment (Electronic Conveyancing) Act 2015 introduced a new section 12E into the Real Property Act 1900 which allows the Registrar General to make Conveyancing Rules. 
The Conveyancing Rules will largely parallel provisions in the Participation Rules for electronic conveyancing.
The Rules will align paper conveyancing practices and workflows with those developed for electronic conveyancing and will be implemented in stages.
Conveyancing Rules - Version 1 Version 1 of the Conveyancing Rules was published on the LPI website on 28 March 2016.
The rules in Version 1 standardise formal verification of identity and authority requirements across all conveyancing in New South Wales including:
• requirements for verification of identity
• requirements for verifying authority (right to deal)
• supporting evidence requirements
• provisions for certifications on paper transactions.
Verification of identity This rule applies to Australian legal practitioners, law practices and licensed conveyancers.
They must take reasonable steps to verify the identity of clients or their agents, and persons to whom certificates of title are given. The rule takes effect on 1 May 2016.
However, the Registrar General is allowing a transition period of three months with full compliance required from 1 August 2016 inclusive.
Authority (Right to Deal) This rule requires Australian legal practitioners, law practices and licensed conveyancers to take reasonable steps to verify that any client is a legal person and has the right to enter into a conveyancing transaction.
Similar requirements apply to mortgagees and representatives of a mortgagee. This rule takes effect on 1 May 2016.
However, the Registrar General is allowing a transition period of three months with full compliance required on and from 1 August 2016.
Supporting evidence From 1 August 2016, a party or their representative must retain the evidence supporting a dealing for at least seven years from the date of lodgment of the dealing.
Land and Property Information, a division of the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation, is officially registered in the Australian Business Register and for GST. Its ABN is 84 104 377 806. 
Certifications on paper dealings This rule applies to witnessing and execution of paper dealings.
 It replicates and continues unchanged the certification requirements that were previously set out in section 117 of the Real Property Act 1900 and Clause 22 of the Real Property Regulation 2014. 
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Property 101: National verification in property paper conveyancing

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GUEST OBSERVER
The land registries in NSW, Victoria and Queensland have developed and adopted Verification of Identity Standards (VOI Standards) for verifying the identity of parties to land transactions for the purposes of the National Electronic Conveyancing laws in Australia. 
The current VOI Standards are set out in Schedule 8 of version 3 of the Model Participation Rules (Rules) developed for the purposes of electronic conveyancing. 
To ensure consistency between paper transactions and electronic transactions, the VOI Standards for paper transactions have been introduced in Victoria.  NSW and Queensland have also introduced the VOI Standards for the verification of paper mortgages. 
Queensland
Under sections 11A and 11B of the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld) and sections 288A and 288B of the Land Act 1994 (Qld), mortgagees (lenders) are required to take reasonable steps to confirm the identity of mortgagors (borrowers). 
Revised practices for lenders confirming the identity of borrowers, to be incorporated into the Queensland Land Titles Practice Manual in the form of the VOI Standards, will take effect from 1 March 2016.  Under these practices a lender will be considered to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.
Victoria 
The Victorian Registrar of Titles has adopted new verification of identity requirements for parties who wish to lodge dealings in paper form at Land Victoria pursuant to section 106A of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic).  
The Registrar’s requirements for all dealings, which came into effect on 9 November 2015, have adopted the VOI Standards and under these requirements a solicitor, conveyancer or lender will be deemed to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.
New South Wales
Under section 56C of the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) lenders are required to take reasonable steps to confirm the identity of borrowers, and regulation 16 of the Real Property Regulation 2014 (NSW) provides that from 1 January 2015 lenders are considered to have taken reasonable steps if they have complied with the VOI Standards.  
From 9 November 2015, an amended table of minimum document requirements for verification of identity took effect under the VOI Standards and now applies to verifying borrowers in NSW. 
PURPOSE OF VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY 
The purpose of carrying out a verification of identity for land transactions is to:
<ul>
<li>ensure a person is who they claim to be;</li>
<li>reduce the risk of identity fraud; and</li>
<li>prevent the registration of fraudulent land transactions. </li>
</ul>
WHEN VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY IS REQUIRED 
The Rules require solicitors, conveyancers and lenders (Verifiers) to take reasonable steps to verify the identity of:
<ul>
<li>their clients;</li>
<li>borrowers; and</li>
<li>persons to whom certificates of title are to be provided.</li>
</ul>
CARRYING OUT VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY 
When verifying the identity of a party, reasonable steps to verify their identity must be taken.  
Reasonable Steps
‘Reasonable steps’ means the taking of such steps as an ordinarily prudent Verifier would take in the circumstances and in the ordinary course of their business.  Whether reasonable steps have been taken is a question of fact depending on the circumstances of each case. 
Previous Verification of Identity
Where a verification of identity has occurred within the previous 2 years, the party’s identity is not required to be verified again provided the Verifier takes reasonable steps to ensure they are dealing with the party previously identified. 
Supporting Evidence 
In order to demonstrate reasonable steps were taken, Verifiers must retain evidence supporting a verification of identity for at least 7 years. 
Verification of Identity Overseas 
The Rules have established arrangements with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for verifying the identity of people overseas.  The arrangements standardise services provided by Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates to persons overseas.  
AGENTS 
A Verifier may use an agent to undertake verification of identity on the Verifier’s behalf.  The Verifier must direct the agent how to conduct the verification of identity, and this could be by using the VOI Standard or some other method that constitutes taking reasonable steps.  A Verifier must reasonably believe an agent to be reputable, competent and insured in accordance with the Rules. 
Australia Post currently provides a verification of identity service in each of NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
Tress Cox Lawyers can assist with verification of your identity.
We use InfoTrack’s ‘IDfy’ iOS app-based system for face to face VOI interviews in our offices.  We have worked with InfoTrack to fine tune the app.  We can also attend our clients’ offices to carry out VOI interviews using the app.  The relevant identity information is encrypted before it is stored.
We have also registered with Australia Post for clients who prefer to attend their local post office to carry out the VOI interview.  Certified VOI documents are forwarded to us electronically by Australia Post.
 
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Martyn Tier, Lynette Reynolds and Dan Flynn, are partners forTress Cox Lawyers and can be contacted <a href="https://www.tresscox.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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