Can I cut down a tree in my backyard?
We have acted both for and against many people who have cut down trees and regretted it. As a matter of caution, contact your local council before you fire up the chainsaw. Legislative reforms introduced...
Publications
Characterisation – The value of getting it right
Characterisation is the process of defining a land use (‘or development’). This is critical to determining whether that use is permitted in any particular zone. In this article we demonstrate the importance of correctly characterising...
To our property owners / developers / purchasers / vendors: changes to LRS Fees and Transfer Duty that may affect you!
NSW Land Registry Services – Fee increases from 1 July 2019 NSW Land Registry Services (LRS) is responsible for the recording of all dealings relevant to real property in NSW. If you have ever purchased...
Medium Density Fast Track Approval Code delayed again
The commencement of the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code in local council areas has been pushed back from July to 31 October 2019. Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven council areas have all been granted...
Contract tenders, sharing resources and easing red tape on Council processes
Councils, developers and the community should welcome changes that have now been assented to in the Local Government Amendment Bill 2019 (NSW). The amendments will enable councils to conduct meaningful consultation with their communities, remove...
Changes to NSW Residential Tenancy Law that will affect landlords and tenants
As the number of renters continues to rise in New South Wales, the NSW Government is pushing through changes to the residential tenancy laws aimed to strengthen the rights of tenants, and encourage long term...
Notice to Builders, Developers & Contractors: Changes to the National Construction Code on 1 May 2019
Builders, developers, and contractors in the construction industry should be aware that several proposed changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) will come into force on 1 May 2019. We have prepared a brief overview...
NSW Planning Overhaul and Local Planning Panels
Over the last few years, the NSW Government has introduced major reforms to the NSW planning system, which included an overhaul of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW). In December 2018, the Kaldas...
Laws change for off-the-plan sales
In 2019 there were almost 30,000 off-the-plan sales which account for about 12 per cent of all residential property sales in NSW. Off-the-plan buyers get in early to secure their property purchase by entering into...
Landowner with short-lived win over NSW government in compulsory acquisition of property
The Illawarra and South Coast have seen significant road works with the Gerringong upgrade, the Foxground and Berry Bypass and work soon to commence on the Albion Park Rail bypass and the Nowra Bridge project. What...
