PLL Partners

🚗 Buying or selling property with car parks in Melbourne?

There’s a tax many people don’t see coming.

From 1 January 2026, the congestion levy has expanded and increased — meaning more Melbourne properties with parking spaces may now attract a significant annual charge.

If you’re dealing with commercial or mixed-use property, it’s something that needs careful attention during conveyancing.

Here are a few key things property owners and buyers should understand:

1️⃣ The levy can be substantial
For 2026, the congestion levy can be:
• $3,030 per parking space in Category 1 areas
• $2,150 per parking space in Category 2 areas
That means a property with 10 parking spaces could face over $30,000 per year in levy liability.

2️⃣ “Parking spaces” include more than marked bays
Even unmarked areas used for parking can count as parking spaces under the law. If the spaces cannot be easily counted, the legislation allows them to be deemed based on area size.

3️⃣ Residential parking is usually excluded
Spaces used exclusively for residential purposes are generally not subject to the levy.
However, if a residential owner rents a parking space to a third party, the levy may apply.

4️⃣ Disclosure in a Section 32 is critical
If the levy applies and it is not disclosed correctly in the Section 32 Statement, a purchaser may have the right to terminate the contract before settlement.

5️⃣ New owners must register with the SRO
Purchasers of land with levy-affected parking spaces must register with the State Revenue Office within one month of settlement, or penalties can apply.

💡 The key takeaway:
Parking spaces can carry significant tax and disclosure consequences in property transactions. Identifying them early can avoid disputes, penalties, and failed settlements.

If you're buying, selling, or developing property with off-street parking in Melbourne, it’s worth getting the legal details right from the start.

📩 If you have questions about congestion levy obligations or property transactions, feel free to reach out to our team.

✨ Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ✨

As the year draws to a close, we would like to sincerely thank all our clients and business partners for your trust, support, and collaboration throughout the year.

We wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a safe, relaxing festive break.

May the New Year bring you even greater success and prosperity.

Our office will be closed during the festive season and will reopen at 9:00am on Monday, 5 January 2026.

We look forward to continuing our work together and achieving even greater success in 2026.

Warmest wishes,
The team at PLL Partners🎄✨

📜 Agreement vs. Deed: Know the Difference!
Are you entering into agreements with family, partners, or clients? Understanding the nuances between agreements and deeds is crucial! Here's a quick breakdown:

🤝 Agreement: Think of it as a contract. It requires offer, acceptance, consideration, and intention. Whether it's a sale contract, loan agreement, or service agreement, it's vital to ensure all elements are in place for validity.

📝 Deed: This goes beyond a simple agreement. It confirms promises and obligations, often without the need for consideration (money exchange). Deeds come into play in settlements, litigation resolutions, or when certain actions must be performed by specified dates.

⏰ Limitation Periods: One of the differences is in the limitation period. The timeframe to enforce an agreement differs from that of a deed. While agreements typically have a 6-year limitation period from the cause of action, deeds extend that to 15 years! Remember, these timelines vary by state.

🔍 Case Example: Let's say you've lent money under a loan executed as a deed. If the borrower fails to repay by the agreed date, you have 15 years from that point to take action.

Don't let legal complexities or legal jargon overwhelm you! Whether you're drafting agreements or deeds, ensuring they're valid and binding is key. Need assistance? Our experienced legal team is here to help! Contact us today for expert guidance tailored to your needs.

https://pllpartners.com.au/about/

THE ART OF THE APPEAL

Navigating Australia’s migration system is not so straightforward, and sometimes even a simple misunderstanding or a missing document you just genuinely forgot to include could end up derailing your visa application and leading to a refusal. Thankfully, a refusal does not automatically mean the end of your stay in Australia, as you may have the option to appeal the refusal at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. An appeal at the Tribunal is essentially a second chance for you to have your visa application assessed from the very beginning, so it makes sense to put your best foot forward and do everything in your power to make sure you meet all the requirements and can get a positive outcome.

Here at PLL Partners, we have successfully navigated many clients through the appeals process and get them back on track in their migration journey here in Australia. Our knowledge of Australia’s visa requirements, and the typical grounds that lead to refusals helps us to prepare the strongest appeal case possible to make sure that you have the best possible chance of achieving a successful outcome at your appeal.

Time is often of the essence if you have had a refusal for your visa. Contact PLL Partners today if you have had a refusal to schedule a consultation to make the most of your right of appeal. https://pllpartners.com.au/about/