The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) estimates that around one third of insured homes are underinsured by at least 10%. That’s scary when you consider for most people the family home is their largest asset.  more

To help prevent children falling from high rise windows and balconies the NSW Government will amend Strata and Residential Tenancies legislation. The changes will require owners corporations to install safety devices on windows above the ground floor. These devices will allow windows to open to a maximum of width of 12.5cm when the lock is engaged. more

A common question from people looking for a new home is: should I sell my current home now or buy my new home first? The answer can be difficult.
If you sell before buying your new home, you may find it difficult to find the perfect property and have to settle for something that doesn’t quite meet your needs.
If you buy first, you may have to sell your current home quickly, which may not be as profitable as you anticipated. Worse still, you may need a bridging loan while you wait to sell your current home.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of both options.
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With Australia’s official cash rate hovering around historical lows for some time now, long-term investors are looking for ways to make the most of the low-interest environment. Here are five ways to put the recent cash rate cuts to good use. more

Local Environmental Plans, or LEPs, are plans developed by local councils to impose standards on a region to control development. They help council to prepare for the future, reserving land for open spaces, schools and transport while protecting the natural environment. LEPs can apply to a whole local government area or parts of that area. Once an LEP is put in place, it generally remains in force until it is repealed or amended by another LEP. more

Before making a purchasing or selling decision about a property it’s important to do your research. Zoning regulations could have a big impact on your property and your community. When it comes to your home or your investment, it’s important to know what your neighbourhood might look like in ten years, as well as what you can and can’t do to develop your property. That could mean converting a property into flats, adding an extra bedroom, off-street parking or even sub-divisions. more

From 29th April 2013, all pool owners are required to register their backyard swimming pools in an online register to be provided by the NSW Government. The Register will promote pool safety and pool compliance in response to the challenge of reducing the number of deaths and injuries to children in backyard swimming pools in NSW. The Register will provide pool owners with pool safety checklists to help them to self-assess their pool’s safety. Pool owners are required to register their swimming pool by 29th October, 2013. more