Property transactions can involve far more than the transfer of ownership. Development projects, off-the-plan sales and leasing arrangements often require careful consideration of contractual obligations, funding arrangements, access rights and future use of the land.

We can assist purchasers, vendors, developers and other parties with matters including:

• off-the-plan sales for development and strata projects;

• off-the-plan leasing;

• development site acquisitions;

• options to purchase;

• consultant agreements;

• deeds of partition;

• funding arrangements and tripartite deeds;

• personal property security matters; and

• other agreements connected with property development and acquisition.

Our role is to help ensure that the transaction is appropriately documented, potential risks are identified and the legal arrangements support the intended outcome.

Development and land use are subject to a range of planning, environmental and local government requirements. These issues can arise before a development begins, throughout the approval process or where a dispute arises concerning the proposed use of land.

We can assist clients in navigating planning and local government matters, including:

• development applications;

• planning policies and planning schemes;

• planning appeals;

• environmental risk management;

• contaminated land issues;

• water restrictions;

• sewage and stormwater drainage matters;

• roads, infrastructure and public transport issues;

• classification of public land;

• use of community land; and

• matters involving Crown land or Crown activities.

We can provide advice on the legal and regulatory issues affecting a proposed development or land use and assist clients in dealing with councils, authorities and other relevant bodies.

Building and construction projects can involve numerous parties, contracts and competing obligations. Clear contractual arrangements and early identification of risk can help reduce the likelihood of disputes and provide greater certainty throughout the project.

We assist property owners, developers, builders, contractors and other participants in relation to a range of building and construction matters, including:

• building contracts and subcontracts;

• construction-related agreements;

• development site acquisitions and options;

• building defects;

• defect claims;

• delay claims;

• construction disputes;

• risk management; and

• other contractual issues arising during building and development projects.

We can assist with drafting and reviewing agreements before works commence, as well as advising where issues arise during or after construction.

Where a building or development dispute cannot be resolved commercially, formal legal action may become necessary.

We assist clients with disputes arising from construction projects, including claims concerning payment, defects, delays, contractual obligations and performance of building works.

Our experience includes:

• Security of Payment claims;

• construction-related injunctions;

• defect disputes;

• delay claims;

• contractual disputes;

• building and construction litigation; and

• other enforcement proceedings arising from construction projects.

We can assess the circumstances of the dispute, advise on the available options and assist in determining the most appropriate strategy for resolving the matter.