Rural Property Law
Sunshine Coast
The Bradley & Bray team provides the clarity and expert guidance you need for a secure rural property transaction on the Sunshine Coast. We handle all the complexities of rural conveyancing so you can focus on your new life on the land.
The Legal Expertise You Need for Rural Property
Buying or selling rural property is different from a standard residential transaction. The complexities of rural conveyancing demand a specialised understanding of the land, its use, and the specific legal frameworks that apply. You’re not just buying a home; you’re acquiring a piece of rural land with its set of rules and considerations.
Before signing a contract to secure a rural property for sale in QLD, it is advisable to consult with seasoned conveyancing solicitors like us first. During our initial meeting, we’ll advise you on all the finer contract details, covering key legal aspects such as:
Your intended use of the property and any included assets
Your ability to pay the deposit and the proposed payment schedule
How you plan to finance the purchase, including pre-approval status
The types of searches needed and essential building and pest inspections
Insurance requirements
Our tailored advice on the most suitable purchasing entity for you (in consultation with your other professional advisers)
Additional conditions or any unique requirements you may have
We’re up to the challenge. Our dedicated property law team is here to provide the specialised legal guidance you need for a smooth and secure transaction.
Our Rural Property Law Services
Legal support is essential at every stage of your rural property transaction. That’s where we step in; our team provides end-to-end services to guide you thoroughly.
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Before you sign on the dotted line, we thoroughly review the contract, advising on all key terms and conditions and helping you structure the purchase in a way that aligns with your goals.
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You can count on our meticulous team for due diligence. We conduct exhaustive searches for unique rural considerations, including water licenses, vegetation and biosecurity regulations, livestock and pest control history, and formal road access.
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We expertly draft and negotiate special conditions to protect you, ensuring key details are included like farm equipment and existing lease agreements. Water entitlements can often be overlooked but hold significant importance when purchasing rural land. We’ll ensure specific water rights are legally sound and included in the contract.
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We ensure a seamless settlement process and provide a clear overview of your ongoing legal obligations as a rural land owner, including biosecurity and land use requirements.
Why Choose Bradley & Bray for Rural Conveyancing on the Sunshine Coast?
Specialised Knowledge & Local Insight
Our legal team doesn’t just dabble in rural property; we have extensive experience in rural conveyancing. Our local insight into the Sunshine Coast’s diverse agricultural and rural landscape also means we understand the specific nuances of your transaction.
A Client-Centred Approach for Rural Property
A one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t work with rural conveyancing. Our approach is centred on a genuine commitment to understanding your needs as you acquire a working farm or a block of rural residential properties. We take the time to explain complex rural legal concepts, such as easements and water rights, in plain language, keeping you in the loop at every stage so you can proceed confidently.
Proactive & Thorough Due Diligence
Due diligence is a must for any property transaction. For rural property, we go beyond standard searches to investigate critical factors that can significantly impact your purchase, such as boundary issues, road access, fencing obligations, and the transferability of essential assets like machinery or water licences. We’re here to identify potential issues early and help protect your real estate investment.
Types of Rural Property We Handle
Our rural property law expertise extends to a wide range of properties on the Sunshine Coast, from large working farms to lifestyle blocks. We assist with:● Working Farms & Agricultural Land
● Hobby Farms & Lifestyle Acreage
● Rural Residential Properties
● Large Landholdings & Estates
● Land under Community Title Schemes
● Waterfront Rural Property for SaleFAQs About Rural Property Law
We know you’ll have questions! Here are some common ones we encounter.
Head to our Property Law FAQs page for more insights.
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Common legal issues can include insufficient legal access to the property, unclear or disputed boundaries, unapproved structures, unresolved biosecurity or weed issues, and the transferability of water rights or other licences. We’ll help pinpoint all the potential issues so you can avoid costly pitfalls before signing the contract.
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In Queensland, a water right is a general authority to access and use water without a specific licence, often for basic domestic or stock use by riparian landowners. A water licence is a specific entitlement to take a regulated volume of water from a source for commercial purposes, and it is a legally separate asset that may or may not be transferred with the sale of a rural property.
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The title for rural land is typically a freehold title, similar to a residential lot, but it often has more complex encumbrances and interests attached. Also, critically, rural land in Queensland is valued based on its ‘unimproved’ value (in its natural state), which is different from how non-rural land (like a residential lot) is valued.
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GST is a complex consideration for rural property purchases. While the sale of a residential home is generally GST-free, the sale of farmland or vacant land may be subject to GST, especially if it’s a taxable supply or part of a business. In some cases, a sale may be GST-free as a ‘going concern,’ but specific conditions must be met. Legal guidance on these tax implications is necessary to ensure you’re compliant.
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As a rural property owner in Queensland, you have ongoing legal obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2014 to manage biosecurity risks. This includes taking reasonable and practical steps to prevent and minimise the spread of noxious weeds and pests under your control on your property. Let us walk you through your other potential obligations as a rural property owner during our initial consultation.
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Using a lawyer with expertise in rural conveyancing can save you time and money by proactively identifying potential legal and financial risks before they become costly problems. Our specialised due diligence uncovers hidden issues, ensuring you don’t inherit unexpected liabilities. We also efficiently manage all the complex paperwork and legal requirements, ensuring a smooth and timely settlement without expensive delays or errors.
Meet our Property Development Lawyers
Jacob Corbett
Jacob is a Director of Bradley & Bray Lawyers, specialising in Business, Commercial and Real Estate Law.
Jacob provides strategic advice to his vast range of clients, and has been called upon to assist his clients with complex matters such as Business Sales and Acquisitions, Corporations Law advices, Commercial and Industrial Leasing, Commercial Property Sales and Acquisitions, Real Estate transactions, Development advices and Subdivisions, Security and Loan Agreements, Body Corporate advice and establishment, acquisitions utilising SMSF and Bare Trust entities, Put & Call Agreements, Transfers pursuant to Family Law Orders and Agreements and General commercial agreements.
He is also trusted by his clients to assist in acquisition and sale negotiations, and acquisition due diligence for Business, Commercial, Residential and Leasing matters.
Legal Practitioner Director
Bridie Edwards
Partner | Lawyer
Bridie Edwards is a Lawyer in the Commercial Law team at Bradley & Bray. Joining the firm in 2019 as a law clerk; she was admitted as a Lawyer in 2020 and in July of 2023, was promoted to Associate Director.
As an integral member of our leadership team, Bridie assists Director Jacob Corbett, Partner Peter Griffin, and Practice Manager Debbie Davis in managing the firm. Her role involves overseeing project management and internal processes to ensure our clients receive the highest possible quality of service. She also plays an active role as a mentor to her younger colleagues.
Melissa Harris
Senior Paralegal
Melissa is a well known and experienced industry professional, working exclusively in residential and commercial conveyancing.
With over 30 years’ in the Legal industry, Melissa’s experience and people-skills make her an invaluable asset to any Property team. Melissa is known for her ability to remain calm and rational amidst the high-stress world of conveyancing.
Her driven and technical approach to the ever-changing landscape of conveyancing has gained her the respect of her colleagues and peers throughout both the legal community, and within the walls of our firm.
Recent Awards.
Contact Our Rural Conveyancing Team
Whether you’re looking for a working farm or a peaceful acreage, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of rural conveyancing alone. Contact our team at Bradley & Bray for a confidential discussion about your rural property purchase on the Sunshine Coast. We’re here to ensure your transaction is handled with both expert care and local insight.
We’re here to help.
Level 1, 15 Ann Street, Nambour Qld 4560
PO Box 243, Nambour Qld 4560
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