Category Property Law

This article was written by Nancy Wang Principal Solicitor at W & G Lawyers.

You have bought a block with room for a second dwelling or a small subdivision. The engineer’s report arrives, and it says the stormwater from the new lots has to drain downhill through the property behind you. The neighbour is not interested in selling a strip of land, and is not interested in an easement either. Or you are that neighbour, and a letter has arrived with a deed to sign and a compensation figure already worked out.

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This article was written by Nancy Wang Principal Solicitor at W & G Lawyers.

Each month the Commonwealth Bank publishes its Household Spending Insights report, built from the de-identified transactions of around seven million of its customers, roughly 30 per cent of all consumer transactions in Australia. The August 2026 edition, released on 22 September 2026, paints a picture that many Queensland families will recognise. Spending is still growing, but only just, and the growth that remains is going on the things you cannot avoid rather than the things you enjoy.

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Planting trees in the backyard is a way of life in Brisbane. But the moment a branch reaches over the fence or a root cracks your neighbour’s pipes, things can get tense. Queensland has a law made for exactly these situations: the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 (the “Act”). Here’s how it works, in plain English.

This is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. For an actual dispute, talk to a lawyer or the relevant government body.

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This article was written by Grace Blake Solicitor at W & G Lawyers.

A failing retaining wall is rarely a small problem. Replacing one can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and the most expensive question is usually the most contested one: who has to pay?

Many Queensland property owners assume they will simply split the cost with their neighbour, the way they would for a dividing fence. That assumption is often wrong, and acting on it can leave you badly out of pocket. Retaining walls are treated very differently under Queensland law. Who pays usually comes down to who benefits from the wall, where it sits, and who was at fault when it failed.

This article explains where the financial risk really lies. It is general information only and is not legal advice. Every retaining wall matter turns on its own facts, so please speak to us about your situation.

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This article was written by Grace Blake Solicitor at W & G Lawyers. 

At W and G Lawyers, we are seeing a growing trend across Queensland, particularly on the Gold Coast, where local councils are increasingly targeting unapproved works and boundary issues during property transactions. Following discussions with Stewart Title, title insurance is worth considering as a risk management tool for buyers navigating this evolving landscape.

We have previously written about the general benefits of title insurance. This article focuses on a more recent and specific trend. Council enforcement activity across Queensland has increased sharply, and this has real consequences for buyers who may not have previously considered title insurance a priority.

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This article was written by Simone Garcia Solicitor at W & G Lawyers.

Buying your first home is a major milestone, and off‑the‑plan properties can be an appealing pathway into the market. They often offer lower upfront costs, more time to save before settlement, and the excitement of moving into a brand‑new home. But these benefits come with risks—particularly for first‑time buyers who may be unfamiliar with complex property contracts.

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This article was written by Grace Blake Solicitor at W & G Lawyers. For further information about Grace Blake’s professional background, legal experience, and areas of practice, please click on her name to view her full profile.

When you buy a property in Queensland, the focus is almost entirely on the finish line: Settlement. You navigate contracts, searches, and disclosure statements, ticking every box to ensure the keys finally end up in your hand.

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A Buyer’s Guide

One of the most commonly misunderstood areas is insurance, particularly the point at which the risk of the property passes to the buyer. As solicitors, our role is to warn clients about these risks and help them take proactive steps to protect themselves.

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Introduction

In September–October 2025, the Queensland Department of Justice ran a public consultation asking buyers, developers, and industry groups for feedback on the 2023 “sunset clause” reforms for off-the-plan land contracts. The government wants to know: are these laws protecting buyers as intended, and do they need to go further? Justice Qld Consultation

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When purchasing or developing property in Queensland, it is essential to consider flood risk as part of your legal due diligence. Flood exposure can affect a property’s development potential, insurance costs, future resale value, and importantly, compliance with planning law and building codes.

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