Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Property Law

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TressCox Property Partner Gary Newton, as the Chairman of the Australian Property Law Group of the Law Council of Australia, was part of a recent dedication ceremony for a plaque in memory of Sir Robert Torrens at a church in Leusdon, England, where he is buried.
Sir Robert Torrens, the third Premier of South Australia, invented the worldwide Torrens title system in Adelaide in 1858 - a simplified system of transferring land.
The plaque was erected by the Law Council of Australia and the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.
The ceremony was attended by a group of pre-eminent Australian property lawyers as well as the President of the Institute of Conveyancers Santina Taranto, the Secretary General of the International Property Registries Association Dr Nicholas Nogueroles, and Professor Peter Butt, as well as a large local church congregation.
The article first appeared in TressCox Lawyer's <a href="https://www.tresscox.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Plaque in honour of Sir Robert Torrens unveiled

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Some 54 percent of pet owners polled for a recent survey considered landlords and property managers should be compelled to allow tenants with pets.
The PETstock Pet Parent Survey interviewed more than 905 pet owners from around Australia and found more than half of all pet owners believe laws must be changed to force landlords to allow pets in rental properties, with most saying it took a long time to find somewhere they could live with their animals.
PETstock chief executive of cer Shane Young said only 1.5 percent strongly disagreed with the need to change the law.
“In Victoria, there are no laws that directly cover pets in tenancies or residencies, but landlords often include a clause in the lease banning them,” he said.
"However this may soon change with the Victorian Government currently reviewing tenancy laws, including the law around pets. Any change to the law in Victoria may set a precedent for other states to follow.
"For many people, pets were part of the family and it was heartbreaking to have to give them up if they couldn’t find suitable rental accommodation.
“Given that an incredible 83 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they treated their pets as their children, these figures are not surprising.
“When they are looking for a place to live it can be really hard for pet parents to  find a place where the owners will allow them to keep their pet.”
"The Pet Parent Survey found that 70 percent of owners took a lot of time and effort to  find pet-friendly rental accommodation. Of those who were renting homes with their pets, 84 percent said the landlord allowed it, while 4 percent said their landlord didn’t know. Just over 10 per cent said the landlord wouldn’t usually allow pets but had made an exception in this case."
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Pro-pet rental problem for landlords, property managers 

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The NSW government will amend underquoting laws to cover not only employees of real estate agencies but their representatives, independent contractors, subsidiaries or any related entities who act for them.
The amendments will widen the net to prevent illegal underquoting after Sydney agency BresicWhitney escaped allegations after a loophole deemed that two of its agents were not "employees" as required under the current act.
The changes were introduced in the NSW Parliament today.
In 2015, the NSW Fair Trading took BresicWhitney to court alleging it "falsely understated the likely selling price of residential property to consumers" through its two agents Nic Krasnostein and Walter Burfitt-Williams.
BresicWhitney's defence that they were not employed by BresicWhitney but by a subsidiary company, BWEA Employees Pty Ltd, was accepted by the courts.
The Magistrate accepted this defence and all charges were dismissed due to a legal technicality based on a statutory interpretation of ‘employee’ in the Act and the fact that there is no deeming provision in the Act for vicarious criminal liability.
"These changes will close a corporate loophole that has allowed agents to escape liability under the Act, and will provide consumers with additional protection," Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello said.
"Underquoting is illegal, misleads prospective buyers and undermines the property market."
“These changes will close a corporate loophole that has allowed agents to escape liability under the Act, and will provide consumers with additional protection.”
Since the new underquoting laws came into effect in January, the practice of price baiting including the use of inducements such as "offers above" and "offers over" had declined, the government suggested.
But illegal off-market open for inspections without contracts have been on the rise. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Property 101: BresicWhitney underquoting law to come to NSW Parliament this week

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GUEST OBSERVER
After you separate from your spouse, you will likely need to make arrangements to divide your property and separate your finances.
You can begin working out a property settlement any time after you separate from your spouse. You do not need to wait until your divorce comes through.
Even if all the property is in the other person’s name, or you did not make direct financial contributions to property (such as paying the mortgage), you will usually still be entitled to a property settlement according to the four-step process used by the Family Court. 
How do we go about dividing property?
You should first try to reach an agreement with your former partner about financial issues. You could attempt property settlement through Family dispute resolution or other non-court based dispute resolution methods. Often this will resolve the matter without the need to go to court. For more information, see Other ways to resolve a family law dispute. Sometimes it will not be safe for you to negotiate directly with the other person (for example, where there has been family violence). For more information, see Family violence and family law.
If you are unable to come to an agreement with your former partner, you may need to ask the Family Court to make a decision for you. There are certain steps you must take before you commence proceedings for property settlement in the Family Court.
How do we know what our property is worth?
If you want to find out about how much your property is worth, you can try the following:
<ul>
<li>For houses – ask three or more real estate agents to give you a valuation of your house. They will provide these free of charge. Ask that they put down what they think the house would actually sell for, as some agents will give the best possible price rather than the more likely price to try to secure your business. You can then take an average of the estimates to use in working out your property settlement. If this method does not produce a result you can agree on, you can consider having a certified valuer visit the property. They will give a sworn valuation of your house for a fee. You can find the name of a certified valuer by asking a real estate agent or looking in the Yellow Pages.</li>
<li>For cars/boats/bikes you can use a website such as RedBook as a starting point and look at local advertisements for similar items (as RedBook is based in Victoria values may differ slightly in Western Australia). If these values cannot be agreed, you can obtain a sworn valuation from an expert.</li>
<li>Get printouts from your bank and superannuation fund of your current balances.</li>
<li>For other items such as tools, trailers and so on you can try looking at local advertisements for similar items, and if the values cannot be agreed you can seek a sworn valuation from an expert with the knowledge, skills and experience to value the particular item.</li>
<li>If there is a business involved, you may know and be able to agree upon its value. If not, you can seek a sworn valuation from an expert licensed to value businesses. </li>
</ul>
Expert valuers for different types of property can be found in the Yellow Pages.
There are no set rules about how things must be valued. When working out a property settlement with your former partner you can agree to value property as you both see fit. For example, while your household contents may only be “worth” a certain amount if you were to sell it, you might choose to think of its value as the cost it would take one person to set up a new residence with furniture and whitegoods. 
You may decide not to have your property valued at all during the process and choose to take a more practical approach. For example, you may decide that regardless of the exact value of your home, you would prefer your children be able to stay in the family home and that it not have to be sold to give you what you think you might be entitled to in a property settlement. Another example might be if you purchased most of your furniture together, you might each take turns picking an item of furniture to keep – that way you can take into account sentimental value as well as monetary value.
How can we formalise an agreement about property?
Consent orders
While it is not compulsory to formalise your agreement about property, it is recommended that you formalise your agreement about property by obtaining consent orders from the Family Court. Having court orders can assist you in dealing with organisations such as banks and can help prevent the people involved from making claims against each other’s property in the future. For more information on consent orders and how to obtain consent orders through the Family Court, see the Family Court of WA Consent Orders Kit, available from the Family Court of WA website or by calling the court registry on (08) 9224 8222 or 1800 199 228 (country areas free call) and requesting that a copy of the Kit be sent to you.
You should get legal advice about your particular circumstances prior to signing any final agreement. 
Binding financial agreements
A binding financial agreement is like a contract between the parties that can deal with how property will be divided if a relationship breaks down. Binding financial agreements may also allow for spousal maintenance to be paid if a relationship ends. The agreement can be made before, during or after a marriage or de facto relationship. Binding financial agreements can only be set aside in very limited circumstances. If you are thinking about making a binding financial agreement you should get legal advice.
How does the Family Court decide who should get what?
For information about how the Family Court decides, see How does the Family Court deal with a property case. You do not necessarily need to follow the approach taken by the Family Court to determine your own private property settlement, but as the process was designed to try to come up with a fair outcome, you may wish to use it as a guide.
Are there any time limits?
Yes. If you were married you have 12 months from the date your divorce becomes final to commence property settlement proceedings in the Family Court. You can get a property settlement before you are divorced.
Although you can work out a property settlement almost any time after separation (as the time limitation period does not start until your divorce is finalised), it is recommended to sort out arrangements as soon as possible. This is because asset values can change over time and valuations are best done close to when the parties separate.
Is superannuation included in property?
Superannuation may be included in a property settlement for people who were married. It is possible for superannuation to be:
<ul>
<li>split and transferred from one person to the other (called a "splitting order") </li>
<li>given to the one person when the other person retires and receives their superannuation payment (called a "flagging order") </li>
<li>used as an "offset" meaning if one person keeps their superannuation the other person will receive more out of the other available property </li>
<li>included in a financial agreement </li>
<li>valued as property</li>
</ul>
I am worried my former partner will get rid of assets, what can I do?
If you are worried your former partner may get rid of assets before you can finalise a property settlement you can ask the court for an injunction to stop the other person from selling or dealing with the property.
An injunction is an order from the court preventing anyone from selling or transferring assets that may be property of a marriage. 
Seek legal advice if you have concerns about the other person disposing of property. 
Can I get spousal maintenance?
Spousal maintenance is only given if one person can financially maintain the other person and the other person cannot maintain themselves because of age, mental or physical incapacity, because they have a child under 18 in their care or any other adequate reason. The court will consider a range of things when deciding on whether to grant spousal maintenance. You should get legal advice if you want to apply for spousal maintenance.
For more information from Legal Aid WA, <a href="https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/Pages/Default.aspx" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Property 101: WA's property dividing laws for married couples

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REINSW and the Law Society of NSW have created a new edition of the Contract for Sale and Purchase of Land 2016 to comply with new legislation.
The new version highlights a law which was brought in on 1 July 2016, affecting foreign residents purchasing a property over $2 million.
Under the new law, vendors selling a property for over $2 million will need to apply for a clearance certificate to avoid the purchaser withholding 10 percent tax from the purchase price.  
It also affects companies buying a property, if any of the owners are a foreign resident. Find out more <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_prod/Web/Posts/Latest_News/201603/New_withholding_tax_regime.aspx?WebsiteKey=fc035f62-aa1d-4485-9a5d-f9989cc37ba9" target="_blank">here</a>.
As a result, to deal with this new law the REINSW and Law Society of NSW have updated the Contract for Sale of Land and Purchase of Land. This new edition is not available as a paper copy but can be purchased in digital form by visiting the <a href="https://www.lawsociety.com.au/ECOS/index.htm" target="_blank">ECOS </a>website.
The new 2016 edition of the contract has prompts and clauses to deal with the new withholding tax law, and also includes a warning about the new <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_prod/Web/Hot_topics/Swimming_Pools/Web/Posts/Topics/Swimming_Pools.aspx?hkey=0ca667d3-d548-451b-a6a0-64a0e782a0ce" target="_blank">swimming pool compliance</a>. Find out about the main changes <a href="https://www.lawsociety.com.au/cs/groups/public/documents/internetcontent/907643.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.  
Barry Johnston, Principal of Balmoral Partners said: “REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin has spent a lot of time time lobbying the government to make sure the legislation is workable.
“The new contract reflects this - so it is best practice to make sure you are using the latest contract because it is there to protect us.”
To find out more about the Contract for Sale and Purchase of Land 2016, watch the webinar with Barry and Gary Newton, Partner in TressCox Lawyers, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hxgbBC4M5Q" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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Property 101: The new NSW contract for sale

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GUEST OBSERVER
Where the land, or the interest in the land, is worth $2 million or more, the new law requires the purchaser to withhold 10 percent of the purchase price and send it to the ATO unless the vendor has obtained a ‘clearance certificate’ from the ATO and provided it to the purchaser prior to settlement.
This obligation arises regardless of whether the vendor is a foreign resident or not.
Parliament recently passed legislation amending the taxation law to impose withholding obligations on the purchasers of certain Australian assets – generally property purchased from a non-resident.  However, the changes will affect most purchases of property in Australia!
The amendments impose a 10 percent withholding obligation on purchasers of ‘Taxable Australian Real Property’ (generally, this means an interest in Australian land) from certain foreign residents, as well as certain ‘indirect Australian real property interests’ (such as shares in companies that own a lot of land) and options to acquire such assets.
The amendments will generally apply where the contract to purchase an applicable asset is signed on or after 1 July 2016.
Example
On 1 August 2016, Harvey enters into a contract to purchase a residential property in an affluent Sydney suburb for $2.5 million, with settlement proposed to occur on 1 October 2016.  He does not know whether the vendor is a foreign resident.
Despite many requests from Harvey’s lawyer, the vendor refuses to obtain a clearance certificate from the ATO to give to Harvey.
As Harvey is acquiring Australian land with a market value greater than $2 million and he has not received a clearance certificate from the vendor by the time settlement occurs, Harvey will be required to withhold and pay to the ATO $250,000, whether or not the vendor is an Australian resident.
The vendor will be able to apply for the certificate online BUT it is the purchaser’s responsibility to request it from the vendor. Ultimately, the purchaser is relying on their agent or solicitor to organise everything for them. Makes us wonder how many will forget so make sure you have a good one.
For more information, click <a href="https://xperion.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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Property 101: Seller and buyer obligations with $2 million plus clearance certificates

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Your home may be the biggest investment you'll ever make. But if it was built before the 1980s, it could be affected by hazardous loose-fill asbestos insulation. Loose-fill asbestos is raw crushed asbestos, which in the 1960s and 70s, was installed as insulation.
Over time hazardous airborne fibres can move from the ceiling into your living space.
If your home contains loose-fill asbestos insulation, its value in the market will be affected.
The NSW Government is proposing new laws to protect the community from unknowingly purchasing a property that contains loose-fill asbestos. Under these laws, when selling your property, you must confirm in the contract of sale if your property:
<ul>
<li>contains loose-fill asbestos; or</li>
<li>is free of loose-fill asbestos.</li>
</ul>
If you do not comply with these laws you risk significant financial loss and potential legal action. The Government's assistance program is your chance to protect yourself from the financial consequences of loose-fill asbestos.
NSW Fair Trading will provide financial assistance and support to affected homeowners and tenants, but you must register by 1 August 2016.
The NSW Government is providing free sample testing to owners of pre-1980s residential premises in 28 identified NSW local government areas.
For more information <a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Tenants_and_home_owners/Loose_fill_asbestos_insulation/Register_for_free_testing/Additional_free_sample_testing.page" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Loose-fill asbestos in NSW homes

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Consumer Affairs Victoria is undertaking a review of the following consumer property legislation:
<ul>
<li>Estate Agents Act 1980</li>
<li>Owners Corporations Act 2006</li>
<li>Conveyancers Act 2006</li>
<li>Sale of Land Act 1962</li>
</ul>
The review will:
<ul>
<li>identify opportunities to modernise and improve the legislation, taking into account stakeholders’ experiences and industry developments since each Act came into operation</li>
<li>examine whether the legislation efficiently and effectively regulates the conduct of licensed practitioners involved in the sale of land, real estate transactions and management of owners corporations</li>
<li>recommend changes to improve the way the legislation operates. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Consultation process</h2>
As part of this review, the Minister for Consumer Affairs approved the release of three issues papers for public consultation. The purpose of these papers was to raise issues for consideration and comment, and draw out evidence and commentary from stakeholders about the nature of the issues and the extent of any problems. 
Submissions will be made available on our website after the closing date for each paper. 
An options paper will be released in July/August 2016.
For more information, <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-education/legislation/public-consultations-and-reviews/consumer-property-law-review" target="_blank">click here</a>.
 
 
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Property 101: Victoria's property law review

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Consumer Affairs Victoria is undertaking a review of the following consumer property legislation:
<ul>
<li>Estate Agents Act 1980</li>
<li>Owners Corporations Act 2006</li>
<li>Conveyancers Act 2006</li>
<li>Sale of Land Act 1962</li>
</ul>
The review will:
<ul>
<li>identify opportunities to modernise and improve the legislation, taking into account stakeholders’ experiences and industry developments since each Act came into operation</li>
<li>examine whether the legislation efficiently and effectively regulates the conduct of licensed practitioners involved in the sale of land, real estate transactions and management of owners corporations</li>
<li>recommend changes to improve the way the legislation operates. </li>
</ul>
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<h2>Consultation process</h2>
As part of this review, the Minister for Consumer Affairs has approved the release of three issues papers for public consultation. The purpose of these papers is to raise issues for consideration and comment, and draw out evidence and commentary from stakeholders about the nature of the issues and the extent of any problems.
Anyone may make a submission for consideration in response to the issues papers.
Each issues paper includes a series of questions as a guide to writing your submission. We also welcome your suggestions for other issues you believe should be considered in the lead-up to the release of an options paper in mid-2016.
<h3>Making a submission</h3>
You can make a submission until 11 March 2016:
By mail: Consumer Property Law Review Policy and Legislation Branch Consumer Affairs Victoria GPO Box 123 Melbourne VIC 3001 By email: <a href="mailto:consumerpropertylawreview@justice.vic.gov.au" target="_blank">consumerpropertylawreview@justice.vic.gov.au</a>
Unless you label your submission as confidential, your submission or its contents will be made publicly available in this and any subsequent review process. Submissions may be subject to Freedom of Information and other laws. Consumer Affairs Victoria reserves the right to not publish information that could be seen to be defamatory or discriminatory.
Please ensure any documents sent via email do not exceed 5 MB in size. Word documents are preferred, for accessibility reasons.
Your submission must include:
<ul>
<li>your name</li>
<li>organisation name (if applicable)</li>
<li>your email address.</li>
</ul>
Submissions will be made available on our website after 11 March.
If you have any queries, please email <a href="mailto:consumerpropertylawreview@justice.vic.gov.au" target="_blank">consumerpropertylawreview@justice.vic.gov.au</a>
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