A sharp increase in the number of property raffles over the last few months has prompted the enhancement of the Sale of Land commentary with discussion of the pitfalls and problems surrounding this unusual method of sale. Covering areas such as gambling legislation and advertising standards, practitioners who are approached by clients interested in a seemingly swift sale can now read this practical advice. We invite you to explore this updated publication. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

The Federal Government has further amended the JobKeeper extension. These further changes to our previous post are shown in italics.

Conveyancing practitioners would be aware the By Lawyers Contract of sale of land - VIC 2020 is available

The Purchase of Land commentary has been enhanced to include, in addition to searches of local registers carried out by local authorities, the process for applications for searches of a local authority register which have been migrated to HM Land Registry and are made using the registry’s Search for local land charges service. We invite you to explore this updated publication. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

From 6 August 2020 some provisions of the Family Violence Legislation Reform Act 2020 commence, amending the Criminal Code, Sentencing Act

The Federal Government has confirmed the JobKeeper extension. The employment stimulus package will continue for a further six months

The Powers of Attorney and Advance Decisions publication has been reviewed and updated in accordance with the Office of the Public Guardian’s new digital service, known as Use a Lasting Power of Attorney. Read more...

Discussion of trust of land claims has been added to the Financial Remedy guide, enabling family law practitioners to gain an appreciation of the case law and process in this area. Covering an overview of trust law, a number of key cases and practical points to consider when dealing with disputes and making applications to court, this section of the guide will help practitioners when encountering this complex area. More informaiton is also available in the Freehold Property Disputes guide.

The By Lawyers Practice Management publication has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and practice. Read more...

Legislation coming into force will permit wills to be executed and witnessed using video-link facilities. Whilst the legislation is not yet in force, it is anticipated that it will have retrospective effect, meaning that wills executed using video-conferencing since 21 January 2020 will be valid if the correct process was followed. Read more...

The Powers of Attorney and Advance Decisions guide has been enhanced with a fuller discussion of lasting powers of attorney including the roles and responsibilities of certificate providers and the process involved with objecting to registration. Commentary on enduring powers of attorney has been expanded with discussion of the registration and objection processes.

The Welsh Government has temporarily increased the nil rate band of land transaction tax for residential property transactions in Wales, increasing the nil rate from £180,000 to £250,000 for main residential purchases. The temporary rates apply for main residential purchases between 27 July 2020 and 31 March 2021, but do not apply to purchases of second homes or buy-to-let properties.

The Estates commentary has been enhanced to include discussion of recent case law pertaining to the forfeiture rule and a helpful section on locating a will.

From 4 June 2020, a $25,000 grant is available to certain individuals who build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home.

From 3 August 2020, electronic conveyancing takes a big step forward in South Australia.