Contracts, Conflicts and Property Law with Kaveer Soni

In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian is joined by Kaveer Soni, commercial lawyer and founder of Soni Legal. With legal experience spanning South Africa and Australia, Kaveer breaks down how investors can protect themselves in an increasingly complex property market.From risky house-and-land packages and joint ventures with family or friends, to trust structures, asset protection, and commercial property traps—this episode is a legal reality check for every investor.Kaveer shares his personal investment journey, the pros and cons of buying property with others, and the one thing you must do before signing a contract. If you're buying property, especially off-the-plan or with others, this is essential listening. Legal protection isn't just for worst-case scenarios—it's how smart investors plan for success. (00:00) Buyers caught out in shady contracts(01:00) Meet Kaveer Soni: dual-qualified lawyer and investor(02:00) South Africa, the US, and settling in Australia(04:00) How property built the Soni family foundation(06:00) From Johannesburg to Sydney: starting Soni Legal(07:00) The danger of buying property with friends and family(08:30) JV deals: love isn’t always enough(09:00) Legal documents that protect partnerships from breakdown(10:00) Trusts, structures, and asset protection(11:30) Risk profiles: business owners vs PAYG employees(13:00) Why six properties puts you in the 0.2%(14:00) House-and-land packages: contracts you must review(15:30) Developers reselling land and the legal loopholes(16:30) Independent legal advice: the $2,000 mistake that costs $200k(17:30) Social media marketing vs real due diligence(18:30) Why Kaveer uses buyer’s agents for independent guidance(19:00) Commercial property: leases, risks, and red flags(20:30) Final advice: talk to your lawyer before things go wrong About Kaveer:Kaveer Soni is an experienced commercial lawyer with a strong background in insolvency, litigation, and business advisory. Admitted in both South Africa and Australia, he brings over a decade of legal expertise to the table helping businesses navigate growth, manage risk, and resolve complex legal challenges.As the founder of Soni Legal, Kaveer is known for delivering frank, non-judgmental advice and realistic strategies that support his clients’ best interests. His experience spans negotiation, strategic planning, and supporting directors and insolvency practitioners through high-stakes decisions.With active memberships across local and international legal associations, Kaveer’s insights are both globally informed and grounded in practical outcomes.Connect with Kaveer:Visit the website: https://www.soni.legal/Follow Kaveer on LinkedInFollow Soni Legal on LinkedIn Business PageFollow Soni Legal on InstagramFollow Soni Legal on Facebook   About Julian:Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.  Connect with Julian:Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ Follow Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ Follow Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ Follow Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ Follow Julian on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min DisclaimerInvest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.