Bangalow Conveyancing

28/08/2026

🏠 Buying a home in Queensland? Important transfer duty changes started this month.

From 1 August 2026, Queensland changed the eligibility rules for certain home, first home and vacant land transfer duty concessions.

The changes may particularly affect temporary residents purchasing property in Queensland.

If you’re planning to buy in Queensland, check your eligibility and potential transfer duty liability before signing a contract.

Our team at Bangalow Conveyancing can assist with conveyancing across both New South Wales and Queensland, helping you navigate the legal requirements wherever you’re buying!

Watch our webinar where we explain the changes to the home concession eligibility changes that take effect from 1 August 2026.

28/08/2026

🚨 Mortgage fraud uncovered: what does this mean for property purchasers?

A recent AUSTRAC investigation has uncovered suspected mortgage fraud involving hundreds of millions of dollars across Australia’s banking sector.

When purchasing property, it is important to:

🏠 Make sure your loan and financial information is accurate
🔍 Understand the property contract before signing
📄 Complete appropriate searches and due diligence
🔐 Be cautious with emails containing payment or bank details
☎️ Independently verify any changes to settlement payment instructions

Property transactions involve significant amounts of money, so taking precautions can help reduce the risk of fraud.

If you’re buying or selling property in New South Wales or Queensland, Bangalow Conveyancing can assist with the conveyancing and legal aspects of your transaction.

Read the full ABC News report down below.

Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of property, largely in Sydney, has been bought by people who have submitted fake incomes statements and other fraudulent documents to support their borrowing.

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

🏠 Asbestos in your home: what should property owners know?

Many older Australian homes contain asbestos materials, particularly properties built before the late 1980s.

It can be found in areas such as roofing, walls, eaves, fencing and flooring. However, asbestos can become dangerous when materials are damaged or disturbed.

Therefore, if you are buying, selling, renovating or demolishing an older property, it is important to consider whether asbestos may be present.

⚠️ Never assume an unknown building material is safe to disturb. Specialist advice may be needed if you suspect asbestos is present.

Find out more down below.

Information on asbestos safety at work and home, how to dispose of it safely and key facts on asbestos.

26/08/2026

🏠 NEW NSW SCHEME: Smart Rental Bonds

Moving from one rental property to another can be expensive, particularly when you need to pay a new bond before your existing bond is returned.

The NSW Government has introduced Smart Rental Bonds, allowing eligible renters to transfer their existing rental bond to a new rental property. This could help reduce the upfront financial pressure of paying two rental bonds at once.

To be eligible, renters must meet certain requirements, including:
🔹 Moving between two rental properties in NSW
🔹 Having an existing bond linked to a Rental Bonds Online account
🔹 Moving to the new property with the same tenants
🔹 Vacating the current property within four weeks of entering the new property
🔹 Being over 18
🔹 Paying a $25 Smart Rental Bonds fee, plus any additional amount if the new bond is higher

📍 The scheme is currently available in Parramatta, Penrith and the Central Coast, with eligibility based on specific postcodes.

Find out more about Smart Rental Bonds down below!

Smart Rental Bonds will allow renters to transfer a rental bond from an existing rental property to a new rental property. There is no change for landlords.

21/08/2026

14/08/2026

🏡 Could the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme help you purchase a home?

Saving for a home deposit can be one of the biggest hurdles for buyers. The Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme is designed to support eligible Australians who may be able to afford mortgage repayments but need assistance getting into the property market.

Under the scheme, eligible buyers may be able to purchase a home with a minimum 2% deposit, with the Australian Government contributing up to 30% towards an existing home or up to 40% towards a new home through a shared equity arrangement.

If you are considering buying a property, it is important to understand:
✅ how the scheme works
✅ whether you meet the eligibility requirements
✅ what obligations apply throughout the process

Our team at Bangalow Conveyancing can assist with the legal side of your property purchase, from reviewing contracts through to settlement in both QLD and NSW.

Find out more about the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme down below!

Australian Government Help to Buy SchemeMaking home ownership more achievable with shared equity BreadcrumbHomeAustralian Government Help To Buy SchemeTools and resourcesCheck eligibility About the Australian Government Help to Buy SchemeThe Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme is a new initiat...

07/08/2026

🏡 Buying Property in Queensland? Don’t Forget About Insurance Before Settlement 🏡

Many buyers are surprised to learn that in Queensland, the risk of damage to a property can pass to the buyer before settlement.

Under the standard residential contract, this generally occurs from 5:00 pm on the first business day after the contract date. If the property is damaged after this time, the buyer may be responsible.

That's why it's important to arrange building insurance soon after signing the contract - not just on settlement day.

Whether you're buying your first home, an investment property or your next home, understanding your responsibilities early can help avoid unexpected surprises.

Need advice about buying property in Queensland or New South Wales? Our team at Bangalow Conveyancing is here to help.

For more information, see the Queensland Government's guide to home and contents insurance below.

In most cases, you should take out home insurance from the contract date. Find out how insurance works with your mortgage and body corporate fees.

06/08/2026

🏡 Thinking about buying property? 🏡

Recent reports suggest Australia's property market is cooling, with fewer buyers, lower auction activity and changing market conditions in some areas. While every market is different, it's a timely reminder that careful due diligence is more important than ever before signing a contract.

Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading or investing, having an experienced conveyancer on your side can help you navigate the process with confidence.

📰 Read more down below!

Australia's housing market is suffering its worst slowdown since the pandemic as rising borrowing costs and a sharp reversal in tax breaks shake confidence in ​a normally reliable source of economic growth.

31/07/2026

🏡 What is an auction clearance rate, and why does it matter? 🏡

An auction clearance rate is the percentage of properties that successfully sell at auction over a given period. It provides a useful snapshot of current market conditions and can help purchasers and vendors better understand the level of competition.

While clearance rates are only one indicator, they can be a valuable tool if you're thinking about buying or selling property.

Every transaction is different, and having the right legal advice throughout the conveyancing process can make all the difference.

View the latest auction clearance rates and market insights from Cotality below, and if you're preparing for your next property transaction, our experienced conveyancing team is here to help on 66870548.

Welcome to the Cotality Weekly Auction Result Summary. Stay abreast of the very latest property market conditions with the most comprehensive auction clearance rates available. Every week we endeavour to capture the results of every known auction and make them available by Sunday morning, with progr...