Our services in detail
Every property transaction and dispute is unique. Below you will find a thorough overview of each area we cover, including what is involved and how we can help.
Residential conveyancing
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. Our conveyancing service covers every legal step between signing the contract and receiving the keys. We act for both purchasers and vendors across Victoria, handling properties of all types — from apartments and townhouses to rural acreage.
Our solicitors conduct thorough due diligence before you commit, including title searches, planning certificate reviews, and identification of any encumbrances, caveats or restrictive covenants that could affect your use of the property.
- Contract of sale review and negotiation
- Title and planning certificate searches
- Settlement preparation and attendance
- Stamp duty calculations and advice
- Off-the-plan purchase guidance
Commercial property transactions
Commercial property deals carry additional complexity — from GST implications and environmental due diligence to tenant assignments and existing lease obligations. Our team has extensive experience acting for business owners, investors and self-managed superannuation fund trustees acquiring commercial, industrial and retail premises.
We coordinate with your accountant, financier and real-estate agent to ensure all moving parts align for a smooth settlement. Where a property is sold as a going concern, we verify that all conditions are met to qualify for the GST exemption, saving you significant costs.
- Due diligence on zoning, contamination and compliance
- GST and going-concern analysis
- SMSF property acquisition compliance
- Assignment and novation of existing leases
Lease and tenancy agreements
A well-drafted lease protects both landlord and tenant by setting clear expectations around rent, maintenance, permitted use and termination. We prepare and review leases under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) and general commercial tenancy law, ensuring compliance with disclosure requirements and fair-dealing obligations.
For residential tenancies, we advise landlords on their rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), including bond lodgement, notice periods and the process for seeking possession through VCAT when necessary.
- Retail and commercial lease drafting
- Lease renewal and option negotiations
- Landlord disclosure statements
- VCAT applications and representation
Property disputes and boundary matters
Disputes between neighbours, co-owners or landlords and tenants can be emotionally charged and financially draining. We take a pragmatic approach, always exploring negotiation and mediation before recommending litigation. When court or tribunal proceedings are unavoidable, we represent clients at VCAT, the Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Boundary disputes often arise from unclear fencing responsibilities, encroachments or adverse possession claims. We work with licensed surveyors to establish accurate boundary positions and pursue resolution under the Fences Act 1968 (Vic) or through common-law remedies as appropriate.
- Boundary and fencing disputes
- Easement and right-of-way conflicts
- Co-ownership and partition disputes
- Adverse possession claims
Subdivisions, development and planning
Subdividing land or developing a multi-dwelling site requires careful navigation of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic), local planning schemes and council requirements. We advise developers, builders and landowners on the legal steps needed to obtain planning permits, satisfy conditions and register new titles.
Our involvement typically begins at the feasibility stage, where we review the planning scheme overlays, check for heritage or environmental restrictions and advise on the likelihood of permit approval. Post-permit, we prepare section 173 agreements, owners corporation rules and all documentation required by Land Use Victoria for plan registration.
- Planning permit applications and objections
- Section 173 agreements
- Owners corporation setup and rules
- Plan of subdivision registration
How we work
Our streamlined process ensures you receive clear, timely advice from initial enquiry through to completion.
Initial consultation
We begin with a detailed discussion of your property law matter — whether by phone, video call or in person at our Cummingschester office. This allows us to understand the facts, identify the key legal issues and provide an honest assessment of your options and likely costs.
Strategy and engagement
Based on the consultation, we prepare a clear scope of work and fee estimate. Once you are comfortable with the approach, we issue a costs agreement and begin work immediately. For conveyancing matters, this means ordering searches and reviewing contracts without delay.
Execution and updates
Throughout the matter we keep you informed with regular updates. You will have direct access to your solicitor by phone and email. We coordinate with all parties — agents, financiers, surveyors and opposing solicitors — to keep everything on track.
Completion and follow-up
Once settlement occurs, the lease is signed or the dispute is resolved, we provide you with a complete file of documents for your records. We also follow up to ensure any post-completion steps — such as title registration or council notifications — are attended to promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common queries about our property law services and how we can assist you.
Our residential conveyancing fees are fixed and typically range from $880 to $1,650 (plus GST and disbursements) depending on the complexity of the transaction. We provide a detailed quote after reviewing the contract of sale so there are no hidden costs. Disbursements such as title searches and registration fees are passed on at cost.
In Victoria, the standard settlement period is 30 to 90 days from the date the contract becomes unconditional, though parties can negotiate a different timeframe. Electronic settlements through PEXA have significantly streamlined the process, and our team is fully accredited on the platform.
Absolutely. In fact, early intervention is often the most cost-effective approach. We can send a formal letter of demand, negotiate directly with the other party or their solicitor, and arrange mediation. Many property disputes — including boundary, fencing and co-ownership matters — are resolved without the need for a hearing.
Yes. While our office is located in Cummingschester, we act for clients across all of Victoria. Most conveyancing and lease work can be handled remotely via email, phone and video conferencing. For court and tribunal appearances, we attend venues throughout the state.
Please bring any documents related to your matter — such as the contract of sale, lease agreement, correspondence from the other party, council notices or survey plans. If you have a finance pre-approval letter, that is also helpful. The more information we have upfront, the more accurate our advice will be from the outset.