UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS IN REAL ESTATE CONTRACTS (INCLUDING LEASES)
From 9 November 2023, consumers and small businesses have had increased protection from unfair contract terms contained in standard form contracts under the Australian Consumer Law and Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). We wrote generally about these protections in our update Constructing a fair contract can save you millions.
Stamp Duty Out, Commercial and Industrial Property Tax In Starting 1 July 2024
From 1 July 2024, a new state taxes regime commences for certain commercial and industrial properties. Upfront land transfer (stamp) duty will be phased out in lieu of a new annualised Commercial and Industrial Property Tax (New Tax).
Government Unveils Hopeful Future with with the Release of Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) and National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF)
In a landmark move aimed at addressing the national housing crisis, the first tender for the federal government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) and National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF) is now open. The core objective of these programs is to finance new, high quality and well located social and affordable housing to address the current national housing crisis.
![Baullo v Commissioner of State Revenue [2023] VCAT 1164: Beneficiary Loans, Land Transfer Duty, and Discretionary Trusts](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62940022bdc06b31c5ba0c30/1703029768199-5GRBFUR1AY23KZ8PO114/pexels-maria-orlova-4940760.jpg)
Baullo v Commissioner of State Revenue [2023] VCAT 1164: Beneficiary Loans, Land Transfer Duty, and Discretionary Trusts
The VCAT ruling of Baullo v Commissioner of State Revenue [2023] VCAT 1164 (Baullo), has reaffirmed the position of the State Revenue Office (SRO) that forgiving beneficiary loans in relation to a distribution of property from a discretionary trust to a beneficiary will prohibit utilisation of the exemption to land transfer (stamp) duty afforded by section 36A of the Duties Act 2000 (Act).
Retail Leases Act 2003 does not apply to premises above third storey
Certain retail premises are excluded from the protection and requirements of the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Act), including premises used for the retail provision of services located above the first three floors in a multi-story building (Third Storey Exclusion). A recent VCAT ruling in Aqua Greenland Pty Ltd v Max Therapy School Pty Ltd (Building and Property) [2023] VCAT 449 has considered the Third Story Exclusion.
LAND PURCHASERS TO BENEFIT FROM LAND TAX AND WINDFALL GAINS TAX EXCLUSIONS ON SALE
Legislation in Victoria has now passed the Legislative Assembly to prohibit a vendor from passing on an existing land tax or windfall gains tax liability to a purchaser on sale of land. Subject to the legislation passing unamended in the Legislative Council and receiving Royal Assent, the changes will take effect 1 January 2024.
Recent VCAT ruling heightens stamp duty risk in capital raisings
A recent VCAT decision has served as an important reminder for those undertaking capital raising for funds investing in real property, including for development.
Family Farm Transfer Exemption – Transferring the Family Farm to related Parties
Farmland is often the single most valuable asset for a farming family. The farm provides a base from which to operate the farming business and the capital value of the farmland typically increases in value over the long term.
Stamp duty exemption - transfer from discretionary trust to beneficiary
Ordinarily, land transfer duty (stamp duty) is paid by the transferee at the time of the transfer of dutiable property, such as real property, unless an exemption to stamp duty is applicable.
Licence lending – protecting your rights in domestic building contracts
Purchasing or building a new home is often said to be the largest financial commitment an individual or a couple will make in their lifetime. People will take on substantial mortgages in order to build their dream homes or investment properties. Therefore, it is extremely important that you ensure the legal goalposts are set from the beginning and understood by all parties, before signing on the dotted line.
Purchasers Beware – Duty is Now Payable on Late Settlement Interest
If settlement is delayed by the purchaser, through no fault of the Vendor, then interest can be payable by the Purchaser in accordance with the terms of the contract of sale of land (Late Settlement Interest). Late Settlement Interest is normally calculated at 12% per annum of the purchase price.
BIG4 Beacon Resort
Harwood Andrews is pleased to have advised the owners of the BIG4 Beacon Resort on the off-market sale of the business to Ingenia Communities group (ASX: INA) for $37m.
Recalcitrant tenants take advantage of jurisdictional blackhole – watch this space.
As confirmed by the High Court’s decision in Burns v Corbett [2018] HCA 15, state tribunals, such as VCAT, do not have the jurisdiction to hear disputes between interstate parties.
New COVID-19 Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme
The Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2021 (Regulations) were introduced by the Victorian Government on 24 August 2021 aimed at providing further rent relief for Commercial Tenants as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A copy of the Regulations can be found HERE.
New Residential Tenancy laws in Victoria and Buyer Beware for Purchasing property subject to Lease
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residential landlords have been riding the wave of rent reduction, rent freezing, mortgage freezing as well as a hiatus on eviction notices (with a few exceptions). On top of this, the Victorian Government has set up a system of new rental rules and requirements.
Changes to Land transfer (Stamp) duty in Victoria from 25 November 2020
The Victorian State Budget for the 2020-21 year has a focus on “people” and economic stimulus in order to assist the economy recover from the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.
The budget focused on promoting investment into housing and planning, rebuilding the state and its economy.
COVID-19 – changes to foreign investment review regime
On 29 March 2020 the Federal Government announced changes to the foreign investment review regime as Australia continues to deal with the economic implications of COVID-19.
Once the legislation is passed, effective from 29 March 2020, all proposed foreign investment into Australia subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 will require approval.
Changes to the Retail Leases Act: how will you be affected as tenant or landlord?
The Retail Leases Amendment Bill (Bill) proposes reforms to the Retail Leases Act (Act) in an effort to make retail leases fairer and easier to understand.
Victorian Farmers, will changes to retail leasing apply to you?
In some circumstances farm leases will be outside the scope of The Retail Leases Act (Act) following a determination by the Minister for Small Business, exempting farm leases from the Act, effective from 29 October 2019.
![Owners Corporation 1 Plan No PS543073S and Ors v Eastrise Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] VCAT 1639](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62940022bdc06b31c5ba0c30/1656478171246-GT50AEJSQPYQSSC7KP4I/Building+Construction.jpg)
Owners Corporation 1 Plan No PS543073S and Ors v Eastrise Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] VCAT 1639
In Owners Corporation 1 Plan No PS543073S & ors v Eastrise Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] VCAT 1639 (Eastrise), the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has handed down an important decision in the context of expiring actions against builders pursuant to the Building Act 1995 (Vic) (Building Act).