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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

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.

02 October 2024 - Knowledge

Do personal guarantees apply after lease termination and the creation of a monthly tenancy?

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

A recent case involving a dispute between a tenant and landlord addresses the issue of whether personal guarantees continue to apply after the termination of a lease and creation of a monthly tenancy.

18 September 2024 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: In from the cold – the draft building reforms resurface

#Property, Planning & Development

Following on from initial consultation in 2022, draft building reforms have resurfaced, encouraging local governments and industry groups to have their say by 18 October 2024.

17 September 2024 - Knowledge

Who is liable for stormwater assets in Victoria?

#Property, Planning & Development

Following growing concerns on the state of stormwater drains in Victoria, we discuss who holds the legal responsibility for managing these infrastructures – local councils or the owners.

11 September 2024 - Knowledge

From ‘The Castle’ to court: A reminder on protected tenancies

#Property, Planning & Development

A recent case involving a tenant protected under the Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Act 1948 serves as a reminder for developers to take precautions before purchasing land.

05 September 2024 - Knowledge

Residential Focus: Engineered stone ban update – attention turning to crystalline silica substances

#Property, Planning & Development

Following the stricter regulations for work done on substances composed of more than one per cent crystalline silica, we discuss the precautions businesses must be aware of to remain lawful.