Sydney’s Property Law & Conveyancing Specialists
We have one of the most experienced and knowledgeable property law teams in Australia. Our team includes several Law Society Accredited Specialists in property law and our lawyers are experts in all types of property law transactions and disputes.
Whether you are buying your first home, or selling a large mixed-use development project off the plan, our team of specialist property lawyers can help you with any property-related matter. Some of the work we do includes:
Conveyancing – buying or selling property including residential, commercial, and industrial property.
General property law advice – we are often asked to provide advice on issues relating to general property law, stamp duty, FIRB requirements, or advice on the implication of easements or other title affectations.
Property development work - including site acquisitions and off the plan sales
Negotiation and registration of easements and covenants – often due to development work carried out by you or a nearby property.
Preparation of strata scheme by-laws – many renovations in a strata unit will require the registration of a strata scheme by-law that authorises the work to take place. Our team can assist in preparing and registering this.
Retail and commercial leasing – Preparing or reviewing retail and commercial lease agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a property lawyer and conveyancer?
A conveyancer is authorised under the Conveyancers Licensing Act 2003 (NSW) to conduct property transactions, however they are not legal practitioners and so there are limitations on what they can provide advice on. For example, licensed conveyancers are not recognised in all states, are restricted on the size of certain transactions, and are unable to act for you if a dispute arises on your transaction. A property lawyer can handle all aspects of your property transaction or dispute, and is often also trained on many areas of law which overlap with property and conveyancing transactions, such as contract law, tax, deceased estates, divorce, and insolvency.
Do I need a lawyer or a conveyancing when buying or selling property in NSW?
While both can often assist on these transactions, a specialist property lawyer can provide detailed advice on your transaction, and can continue to act for you if something goes wrong (for example the other party fails to perform their contractual obligations).
What are the costs involved in buying or selling property?
In addition to the sale price, costs associated with buying or selling property can include agent commissions, legal costs and disbursements, due diligence costs such as building and pest inspections, or strata report fees, land titles registration costs, stamp duty or other taxes, and mortgage establishment or discharge fees.
How long does the conveyancing process take in NSW?
A typical conveyance takes 6 weeks (42 days) from the time contracts are signed, however this is often negotiated between the parties to suit their individual circumstances.
What are the main steps in the conveyancing process?
The main steps in the conveyancing process include reviewing and negotiating the contract of sale, conducting due diligence enquiries (building and pest inspections, strata reports), exchanging contracts, arranging finance, calculating settlement adjustments, assessing duty, and arranging transfer of ownership.
What is property development?
Property development involves acquiring land assets and changing it into new or improved land assets. This could be done via subdivision or through redeveloping residential, commercial, or mixed-use buildings with a view to increasing value and realising a profit.
What are the main risks in property development?
Many things can go wrong in property development, including market fluctuations, construction delays, regulatory changes, and increases in the cost of debt, labour, or materials.
How can a lawyer assist with property development?
A property lawyer can help with site acquisition, contract negotiation, option agreements, risk management, and dispute resolution. They can also help with selling or leasing the property on completion of the project, which may include off the plan sales.
What is a survey report, and do I need one?
A survey report shows the boundaries of the property, the position of any improvements such as buildings and fences, and the location of any encroachments. It is often recommended to obtain a survey report to confirm the location of these items, which can be very important both in the context of property development, or in relation to the sale of a property.
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