Articles: Property Law & First Home Buyers

Trees and Neighbours

Trees are a common backyard feature. They are home to wildlife, improve the quality of air and add to the beauty of our landscapes. BUT they also cause problems and occasionally fall down.

If a neighbouring tree is causing problems and interfering with the use and enjoyment of your land, what are your rights and how far do they extend?

Read more...

Selling? Transferring Property? The Bright-line test could affect you

What is the Bright-line test?

The Bright-line test determines whether the profit gained from the sale of a residential property is taxable. Profits will be taxable if a house is bought and sold within a specified period called the Bright-line period.

Read more...

You and Your Fence

Planning to build a new boundary fence or need to maintain a current fence? The Fencing Act 1978 provides clear guidance for building or maintaining a fence on your boundary.

If you can, you should talk to your neighbour direct. Oftentimes, arrangements can be made between parties in an relaxed and straightforward way. However, even if you are on good terms with your neighbour, it is helpful to understand your rights and obligations under the Act.

Read more...

Property Management Orders

Where someone is unable to fully manage their property or financial affairs because they are not mentally capable, a property manager can be appointed by the Family Court to look after these things for the person.

Read more...

'Clean & Tidy' - Leaving a Residential Tenancy

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, when a person’s tenancy ends, they are required to, among other things;

“….leave the premises in a reasonably clean and reasonably tidy condition, and remove or arrange for the removal from the premises of all rubbish.”

Read more...