Which Real Estate Legal Service Fits Your Situation?
Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you to the right legal pathway — whether you're buying, selling, developing, leasing, or resolving a property dispute in Victoria.
Service Pathways — Not a One-Size Menu
Every property matter follows a different legal route. Instead of a generic list, we map your situation to a pathway built around your actual outcome.
Residential Purchase & Sale
Section 32 review, contract negotiation, settlement coordination, and post-settlement compliance. We handle the full conveyancing cycle with a focus on risk prevention.
Development & Subdivision
Planning permit support, VCAT representation, owners corporation setup, and off-the-plan contract drafting. Designed for developers navigating council and regulatory frameworks.
Lease & Tenancy Disputes
Commercial lease drafting, retail lease compliance, rent review disputes, and VCAT tenancy matters. We protect both landlord and tenant positions with equal rigour.
Property Litigation & Boundary
Easement disputes, adverse possession claims, caveats, and co-ownership disagreements. Litigation strategy grounded in property-specific case law across Victorian courts.
Capability Matrix
A transparent view of what we handle in-house versus what requires specialist referral.
| Legal Area | In-House | Depth | Typical Timeline | Referral Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Conveyancing | ✓ | Full service | 6–10 weeks | No |
| Commercial Conveyancing | ✓ | Full service | 8–14 weeks | No |
| Off-the-Plan Contracts | ✓ | Drafting & review | 2–4 weeks | No |
| Planning & VCAT | ✓ | Representation | 3–9 months | Surveyor may be needed |
| Retail Lease Compliance | ✓ | Advisory & drafting | 1–3 weeks | No |
| Boundary & Easement Disputes | ✓ | Litigation | 4–12 months | Licensed surveyor |
| Strata / OC Disputes | ✓ | Advisory & VCAT | 2–6 months | No |
| Stamp Duty Objections | Partial | Advisory only | Varies | Tax specialist |
| Foreign Investment (FIRB) | No | — | — | Yes — migration/tax law |
Last updated: May 2025. Timelines are indicative and depend on matter complexity.
How a Matter Moves Through Our Office
Not a generic workflow — this is how we actually operate, step by step.
Initial Triage Call (15 min, no charge)
We listen, classify your matter type, and determine whether we're the right fit. If not, we refer you to a more suitable practitioner within 24 hours.
Risk Profile & Document Gathering
We build a risk map specific to your transaction. You'll receive a secure document request list — no generic checklists.
Strategy Note Delivery
Before any legal action, you receive a written strategy note outlining our recommended approach, estimated costs, and key decision points.
Active Legal Work
Contract drafting, negotiation, court filings, or settlement coordination. You receive fortnightly status updates by email.
Resolution & Close-Out
Final documentation, registration confirmation, and a post-matter summary. We archive your file securely for seven years as required by the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
Common Situations We See Every Month
Real patterns from our caseload — not hypotheticals.
The Missed Sunset Clause
A buyer signs an off-the-plan contract without independent review. Eighteen months later, the developer invokes a sunset clause and resells the unit at a higher price. We now see two to three of these matters per quarter.
The Undisclosed Easement
A vendor's Section 32 omits a drainage easement that cuts through the rear third of the block. The buyer only discovers it when they apply for a building permit. This is preventable with a proper title search.
The Retail Lease Holdover Trap
A commercial tenant's lease expires but they remain in occupation. The landlord assumes the original terms continue. In reality, holdover provisions under the Retail Leases Act 2003 change the power balance significantly.
Are You Ready to Engage a Property Lawyer?
Use this checklist before your first call. If you can tick at least three, you're ready.
For Buyers
- You have finance pre-approval or proof of funds
- You've identified a property or shortlist
- You have a copy of the Section 32 or can request one
- You know your settlement preference (30, 60, or 90 days)
- You've considered building/pest inspection timing
For Sellers
- You have your Certificate of Title or can order one
- You know your property's current planning zone
- You've disclosed all known defects and encumbrances
- You have an agent appointed (or plan to sell privately)
- You've reviewed any existing mortgage discharge process
For Disputes
- You have written correspondence showing the dispute
- You've attempted informal resolution (or it's not possible)
- You can describe the financial impact of the dispute
- You have relevant contracts, leases, or plans available
A Note From the Principal
When I established this practice in Alexandrashire, the goal was straightforward: give property clients the same quality of legal analysis that corporate clients receive at top-tier firms, but at a price point and communication style that works for individuals and small developers.
We don't take every matter that walks through the door. If your situation falls outside our capability matrix, we'll tell you on the first call and point you to someone better suited. That honesty is why most of our work comes from referrals.
— Principal Solicitor, Prime Estate Law Services
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