Invest Smarter Grow Faster

Contracts, Conflicts and Property Law with Kaveer Soni

Episode Summary

In this episode of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, 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.

Episode Notes

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.