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Property, Planning & Development

We understand the business objectives of our clients and work with them to achieve those objectives. We provide commercial advice based on our specialist knowledge of the property industry.

Property, Planning & Development

Unlike other firms, our Property, Planning & Development Group did not evolve as an add-on to other practice areas. Instead, it is one of our core practice groups. Our commercial savvy means we ‘see the deal’. We can pick the issues in the context of our client’s objectives to know when, and how best to compromise and make the right call.

Expertise

Our expertise includes:

  • ownership and development structuring and finance
  • due diligence and acquisition
  • development and construction including sustainability
  • major projects and infrastructure
  • planning and environment issues, bio-diversity
  • land titling, subdivision and governance
  • leasing, liquor licensing, asset and building management
  • off-the-plan sales and development leasing
  • compulsory acquisition
  • retirement living
  • agribusiness and rural industries including water law
  • we have a thorough understanding of direct and indirect taxation issues and other government regulatory requirements relating to the acquisition, development and ownership of property.

Experience

We act for developers and landowners, acquiring authorities, superannuation funds, managed investment schemes, listed and unlisted corporations, banks and non-bank financiers, government departments and statutory authorities and local and overseas investors.

Recent Posts

16 March 2025 - Knowledge

Australia's new FIRB portal: What foreign investors need to know

#Property, Planning & Development

Introduced in February 2025, the new FIRB portal modernises foreign investment processes with digital identity verification, centralised compliance reporting, and direct communication with FIRB. Investors must register, set up accounts, and prepare for upcoming changes.

13 March 2025 - Knowledge

Australia tightens foreign investment rules for residential property from 1 April

#Property, Planning & Development

From 1 April 2025, the Australian Government is placing a 2-year ban on foreign purchases of established homes, increasing fees, and tightening compliance enforcement to redirect foreign capital towards new developments that expand the Australian housing supply.

12 March 2025 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: Changes to strata laws – extension of section 106 claims to 6 years

#Property, Planning & Development

The Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 expands committee and manager responsibilities, improves levy recovery, and extends the time for owners to make claims under section 106 from 2 to 6 years.

10 March 2025 - Knowledge

From cradle to grave: NSW’s strata reforms explained

#Property, Planning & Development

NSW has recently passed its third wave of strata reforms. We outline the key changes in the 3-pronged regime and discuss how they impact stakeholders in the strata industry.

25 February 2025 - Knowledge

What qualifies as a retail lease under the Retail Leases Act (Vic)?

#Dispute Resolution & Litigation, #Property, Planning & Development

We analyse a recent case involving an equestrian centre operating both on and off a leased premises, which raises the question of what defines a lease of retail premises under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic).

20 December 2024 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: Another pass at reforming the Strata Schemes Legislation

#Property, Planning & Development

Last month, the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced to Parliament proposing several changes affecting property owners and managers.

12 December 2024 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: Proportionate liability defence off the table

#Property, Planning & Development

The dismissal of appeal from The Owners – Strata Plan No 84674 v Pafburn Pty Ltd clarifies that claims for breaches of the statutory duty under the DBP Act are not apportionable in certain circumstances.

18 November 2024 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: Return to section 54 and home warranty insurance

#Property, Planning & Development

A recent case in the NSW Court of Appeal has revisits the interplay between the Home Building Act and the Insurance Contracts Act.

07 November 2024 - Knowledge

NSW Government Bulletin: The importance of final title searches in property transactions

#Government, #Property, Planning & Development

Final title searches and title activity checks are a crucial part of the electronic settlement process. We discuss how they assist government and non-government entities in successfully completing property transactions.

30 October 2024 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: Building bond increase delayed

#Property, Planning & Development, #Construction, Infrastructure & Projects

The Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 (NSW) has been amended to further postpone the building bond increase for strata scheme developers, from two per cent to three per cent, to commence on 1 July 2025.

21 October 2024 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: A fork in the road for dual occupancy owner builder permits?

#Property, Planning & Development, #Construction, Infrastructure & Projects

A recent decision highlights the limitations on owner builder permits for dual occupancy projects, reinforcing the distinction between personal use and commercial development.

03 October 2024 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: NSW tenancy law update

#Property, Planning & Development

This month, NSW renters are being given a reprieve as the NSW Government intends to introduce several legislative amendments designed to build a fairer rental market.