Topics

With various changes in duties legislation and RNSW guidance notes over the last few years, staying ahead of Revenue NSW’s everchanging requirements is a core risk management strategy for any conveyancing practice. This session looks at property related taxes and duties, focusing on the most significant judicial decisions and administrative changes from the past 12 months.

Oliver will also discuss the recent reforms to the Revenue NSW interest regime, and explore the impact of the new legislative guidelines on interest remission and what they mean for practitioners. Oliver will also examine the specific "pain points" identified by Revenue NSW in relation to property transactions, including common errors in land tax clearance and duty assessments including a look at the "red flags" that trigger Revenue investigations.

 Whether you are dealing with the changes to principal place of residence land tax exemptions or foreign person surcharges, this session provides the clarity needed to ensure your practice remains compliant and your clients are protected from unexpected tax penalties.

One of the most fundamental aspects of a conveyancing transaction is the payment of the deposit.  Traditionally this was a simple matter of a payment of a 10% instalment held by the agent until completion.  However over time, the deposit has become one of the more complicated features of a conveyancing transaction.

In this session Tony Cahill will discuss various issues to be navigated by practitioners and the rights of the parties where expectations aren’t met including:

• What is (and isn't) a deposit.

• The role of the deposit (as an earnest).

• How the deposit to be paid and

• What the contract says and requires.

• The problems that can arise around the payment of the deposit.

• The role and responsibilities of the stakeholder

• The problems that can arise if the deposit is held by an unregulated deposit-holder or by a third party instructed by the listing agent... the rise of "deposit flipping" 

• Deposit bonds and what specifically needs to be met.

• Deposit by instalments -  is the second payment part of the deposit or a penalty?" 

• The dangers of releasing the deposit before settlement for both single and double transactions (ie simultaneous sale and purchase).

• Relief against forfeiture.

With significant industry shifts on the horizon, change is the only constant. While some professionals thrive on transition, others find the pressure taxing. The reality is that mental health isn’t a fixed state; it’s a dynamic continuum that moves between healthy, declining, and poor states.

In this session, Nick McEwan-Hall, founder of The Mental Health Coach, moves beyond jargon to provide you with a practical, evidence-based toolkit for the real world. Drawing on his background as a coach and counsellor, Nick will explore the fundamentals of mental wellbeing and how to "ride the waves" of professional change.

You will gain tangible skills to spot the signs of struggle in yourself or your colleagues and learn the best way to respond with confidence. Utilising practical frameworks alongside a strong evidence base, you’ll discover how to build resilience and avoid burnout in high-pressure environments.

Expect a session that is practical, down-to-earth, and relatable. Nick’s engaging style ensures you’ll leave with actionable strategies and a laugh or two along the way. Because ultimately, better mental health outcomes benefit everybody.

Purchasing commercial property often involves navigating complex existing leases. In this session, leasing specialist Warwick La Hood discusses the nuances of commercial and retail leases, highlighting key clauses, common traps, and due diligence imperatives to identify potential pitfalls and protect their clients' interests. This session will provide a roadmap covering essential due diligence steps, important lease provisions under relevant legislation, and the hidden risks that could impact your client's investment.

Gary Newton returns to provide his essential update on the latest judicial developments affecting property law practitioners.

Gary will take a look at recent decisions over the 24 months covering:

• Conveyancing & Sale of Land: Updates on specific performance, the validity of binding contracts, and the latest pitfalls regarding Notices to Complete and contamination issues.

• Property Law & Disputes: A review of recent rulings on caveat disputes, land tax applications, the removal of encroachments, and easement litigation.

• Retail & Commercial Leasing: Practical insights into recent cases involving rent defaults, the exercise of options, frustration of leases, and the validity of relocation notices.