Australia: Real Estate

The Supreme Court of NSW has provided useful guidance on when a property owner will be considered a 'developer' under s 3A of the Home Building act 1989 (NSW).

Commercial lease review in Queensland establishes the full cost of occupation, permitted use and approvals, repair and make good obligations, personal guarantees, renewal rights and the consequences of assignment, default or early exit before the tenant becomes bound. This comprehensive guide explains retail and non-retail leasing under the Property Law Act 2023, disclosure requirements, rent reviews, outgoings, fit-out, security, redevelopment, unfair contract terms, registration and mortgagee consent.

A Commercial Lease Review Checklist helps Queensland tenants assess total occupation costs, usage rights, repair obligations, personal guarantees, renewal options, and exit strategies before signing. This comprehensive guide identifies critical issues that can transform an apparently favorable lease into a costly commitment, from expensive equipment replacements to guarantees that survive business sales.

Vanessa Thompson from Cooper Grace Ward's property, planning and environment team sits down with private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem to share her professional journey and insights into the firm. The conversation explores the evolution of planning and environment law while offering a glimpse into balancing a legal career with family life.

When can a commercial landlord in Queensland legally terminate a lease, and what procedural requirements must be followed? Understanding the distinction between a tenant's breach and the landlord's right to re-enter is critical, as non-compliance with the Property Law Act 2023 can invalidate termination attempts and expose landlords to legal risk.

Special counsel Mark Cowan shares his journey to Cooper Grace Ward after nearly two decades in property, planning and environment law, discussing what attracted him to the firm's collaborative culture. The conversation explores how planning and environment law has transformed into a dynamic field spanning urban development, renewables, infrastructure, agriculture and mining, while examining the persistent challenge of delivering infrastructure efficiently amid shifting government policies.

This comprehensive analysis examines the Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026, focusing on its duty of care provisions that draw heavily from the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020. The article explores key changes including the decoupling of construction work definitions, clarification of manufacturer and supplier obligations, and provisions for prefabricated buildings, while noting that many controversial aspects of the duty of care remain uncodified and subject to judicial interpretat

In this June 2026 issue of Council Connect, we explore how NSW councils are responding to growing pressures and evolving expectations, with practical insights into recent legal and regulatory changes, and proudly recognise Special Counsel Mary-Lynne Taylor AM on her inclusion in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

NSW's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms aim to address the state's housing shortage by permitting diverse housing types near transport hubs, but a recent panel discussion revealed a critical question: will removing planning barriers alone actually deliver more housing? The debate highlights tensions between state intervention and local government authority, while examining whether planning reform can overcome feasibility challenges, infrastructure constraints, and affordability concerns that continue to impe