Brochures & Services
As from 11 October 2021 there is a new Public Health Order in NSW that affects everyone. It provides for new laws concerning access to all public areas throughout NSW for any person, including access to a person's place of residence. These laws are in force as of 11 October 2021 and the onus of ensuring compliance is on a household member over 18 years of age and the occupier of businesses in public places. This Public Health Order segregates fully vaccinated and unvaccinated adults from being able to access public areas. Everyone in NSW should read this article to understand their obligations and why they may be refused access to public areas as of 11 October 2021.

"Buying off the Plan"
Buying off the plan has become quite popular in recent years, both for investors and owner occupiers. There are advantages both for the developer and the purchaser. From a purchaser's point of view a property can be purchased early in the development with the purchase price locked in for when settlement is to occur (which sometimes can be up to 2 or 3 years from when a contract is signed).

"Buying Real Estate for Foreign Buyers (August 2011)"
Pursuant to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) "foreign persons" are required to obtain approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board when wanting to acquire real estate in Australia.

"Child Care : A Legal Services Guide (January 2010)"
Whether you are a small child care operator or a large corporation, buying a child care centre requires the right legal expertise. In today's market there are unique opportunities for those who may be interested in increasing their current portfolio with the purchase of viable or potentially viable child care centres.
Latest News & Announcements
Team Harvey Newsletter Runaway Bay Featuring Priala Legal

"Women in Law Awards 2016"
Very pleased to announce that Despina Priala of Priala Legal has been selected as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards for 2016 in the Sole Practitioner of the Year Category.
Media & Press Articles

"Agents liability for misrepresentations"
Agents beware - tried and tested Gold Coast case

"Residential Annual Vacancy Fee - Foreign Buyers getting hit with extra taxes"
This article discusses the new laws that came into force in May 2018 that apply to residential property purchased by foreign buyers that are left vacant. Foreign buyers will no longer be allowed to keep their properties vacant without paying a penalty. A must read for foreign buyers and agents who sell to foreign buyers.

"Foreign Buyers Beware - extra 7% duty you must pay in Qld "
This article explores the laws that came into force on 1 October 2016 that affect all foreign buyers of residential property in Queensland and Australia.

"Can landlords be taken to court if forgetful?"
This article explores the possibility of when a landlord can be taken to court by their tenant for lack of maintaining and repairing a property.

"Can Landlords increase rent?"
This article explores when and how landlords can increase rent to their tenants.

"NEW property laws in Queensland"
This article explores the recent changes to property and contract law introduced in Queensland by the Property Occupations Act 2014.

"The Property Occupations Bill was recently passed by Parliament"
The Bill will have dramatic changes to property law in Qld. The Bill replaces the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (Qld) ("PAMDA") and is designed to introduce a more simplified regime for residential property sales.

"Quesion and Answers, what happens when a seller dies before closing"
Despina Priala explains what options are available to a buyer if the seller dies prior to closing. 3rd May 2012.

"Queensland stamp duty changes favour investors"
Changes to Queensland's stamp duty regime will favour investors over homebuyers, especially when buying new properties, published 29 June 2011.

"What happens when a seller dies during a transaction?"
Where two parties enter into a contract of sale, each party must perform under that contract and carry out certain obligations placed upon them.

"Buyer's Rights When a Seller Changes Their Mind"
What do you do if you enter into a contract of sale as a buyer, and the seller changes their mind in wanting to sell the property to you?

"Tenancy Agreements - Who is Responsible for Damage"
In Queensland, the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) governs the relationship between lessor and tenant. Similar legislation would exist in other states.

"Flooding Neighbours Property"
A report by Report by Despina Priala on the 24th March 2012 about flood water damage and responsibility.

"Legal Questions and Answers"
With its latest stamp duty changes, has the Queensland government given with one hand and taken away with the other?

"Buyers need all the facts"
Feature within Gold Coast Bulletin Property section 25th June 2011

"Common Traps Real Estate Agents Employ Through Clauses and Conditions About Inspections"
Article on Your Investment Property by Despina Priala about the common traps real estate agents employ through clauses and conditions about inspections.

"Cut Builds Confidence"
Feature within Gold Coast Bulletin Property section on 7th July 2012

"Build boost spurs action"
Feature within Gold Coast Bulletin Property section 21st January 2012

"Australian Property Investor (October 2011)"
Despina Priala comments on how the removal of the stamp duty concession will affect the market.

"Legal Q&A (April 2012)"
Despina Priala explains how to handle a dispute with neighbours caused by a defective stormwater drain.