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Property Explained

What Does a Property Valuer Do Compared With a Real-Estate Agent?

Buyers sometimes assume an agent's estimate and a formal valuation are roughly the same thing. They are not, and the difference matters if you are relying on a number for a lending, legal or tax purpose. A real estate agent's appraisal is generally an informal opinion of likely sale price, based on their market knowledge and comparable recent sales. It is useful for getting a general sense of price, but it...

Understanding Flood, Bushfire and Other Property Overlays

A planning overlay is a layer of extra rules that applies to a property in addition to its normal zoning, usually because of a specific risk or feature associated with the land, such as flooding, bushfire risk, heritage significance, or proximity to infrastructure. Overlays do not necessarily mean a property is unsafe or a poor choice. Large parts of South East Queensland sit within some form of flood or...

House vs Townhouse vs Apartment: What Changes for the Buyer?

The property type you choose changes more than the layout. It affects ownership structure, ongoing costs, what you can change about the property, and how much land, if any, comes with it. A standalone house is generally freehold, meaning you own the building and the land it sits on outright, subject to any easements or covenants on the title. You are usually responsible for the full cost and...

What Is a Property Easement and Why Can It Matter?

An easement is a legal right for someone, often a utility provider, a council, or a neighbouring property owner, to use part of your land for a specific purpose, even though you own it. Common examples include a drainage easement that lets stormwater or sewer infrastructure run under part of your yard, a right of way that lets a neighbour access their property across a corner of yours, or an easement for...