Legal Matters

In this episode of Legal Matters on 4CRB, Andrew Bell and Colin Balewski continue their property law series with a deep dive into the legal risks of buying off the plan on the Gold Coast, one of Australia’s most active off-the-plan markets. They also address a listener email about a vague QCAT disclosure on a property going to auction, and take a live call from Cheryl about how to ensure her Will gives her Executor the power to act immediately after her death.

In this episode of Legal Matters on 4CRB, Andrew Bell and Colin Balewski dive into the turbulent Gold Coast property market. With housing prices breaking historical records, Andrew explains the massive, critical changes to Queensland property law that abolish the “Buyer Beware” model through the mandatory Form 2 Seller Disclosure Statement. The duo also tackles live listener phone calls covering Body Corporate responsibilities for broken plumbing, whether long-term boarders can claim your property, and how to protect yourself during the vulnerable period between signing a contract and settlement day.

In this episode of Legal Matters on 4CRB, Andrew Bell and Colin Balewski dive deep into Queensland’s civil dispute and estate planning laws. The duo field calls from local Gold Coast residents on a range of contentious topics, from neighbor disputes involving giant screen bamboo to the realities of enforcing QCAT decisions when the losing party ignores the order. Key Topics Understanding QCAT: What the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal does, and why it is primarily designed as a “DIY” legal system. Neighbor Tree and Fence Disputes: The actual legal standing behind shaded solar panels, blocked views, and storm-damaged fences. Estate Planning Traps: The critical risks of keeping a 50-year-old Will, and why holding only a photocopy is heavily problematic. Guardianship and Nursing Homes: Clarifying the misinformation around what happens to an estate when a loved one is placed in a care facility and the state takes over guardianship. Enforcing QCAT Judgments: What happens after you win at QCAT, and the sobering reality of Magistrates Court enforcement processes. Listener FAQ Highlighted In This Episode Can I force my neighbor to trim trees that block my view or shade my solar panels in Queensland? Can I trim a neighbour’s overhanging branches myself in Queensland? Who is liable when a neighbour’s tree damages my fence or property? How do I enforce a QCAT decision if the losing party ignores it? Is an old Will still valid if I only have a photocopy? Listen to the full discussion above.