Choosing a property lawyer in Melbourne
Property law in Victoria covers conveyancing, leases, easements and boundaries, caveats, planning and owners corporation issues through to litigation. For simple transfers, a fixed-fee service may be enough. For bespoke contracts, negotiations, developments or disputes, engage a property lawyer Melbourne based, with Victorian experience and capacity to act quickly.
- Local knowledge matters: inner-Melbourne strata and owners corporation issues differ from outer-suburb titles, easements and planning controls.
- Ask for scope and quote: what is included, excluded and billed as disbursements (searches, PEXA, verification of identity and duty).
- Turnaround and contact: who will do the work, expected response times and escalation if a deadline arises (auction, finance or settlement).
- Risk profile: if there is a dispute risk, unusual special conditions or boundary concerns, choose a lawyer who also handles litigation.
Important: This page provides general information about Victorian property law. It is not legal advice. Always get advice about your specific contract, title and deadlines.
Common property law services in Melbourne
Conveyancing and transactions
- Pre‑purchase contract and Section 32 (Vendor Statement) review
- Residential and commercial purchase or sale (fixed‑fee where suitable)
- Off‑the‑plan and townhouse/strata owners corporation matters
- Related‑party transfers and stamp duty exemptions/concessions
- Caveats, priority notices and PEXA settlements
- Foreign purchaser surcharge and FIRB where relevant
Leases and property disputes
- Retail and commercial lease drafting, review and negotiation
- Make good, rent review and option disputes
- Boundary, fencing, easement and adverse possession issues
- Owners corporation disputes (VCAT), building defects and claims
- Misrepresentation, cooling‑off and special condition disputes
- Planning permits, covenants and council enforcement matters
Documents and information that help your lawyer
Having the right documents ready speeds up scoping and quotation and reduces surprises later.
- Contract of Sale and Section 32 (Vendor Statement)
- Title search and plan of subdivision; any covenants or easements
- Finance pre‑approval and any lender requirements
- Building and pest or strata/OC report (where relevant)
- Lease, disclosure statement and heads of agreement (for leasing)
- Correspondence about the issue (emails, notices, demand letters)
- Any survey, council permit, planning overlay or zoning information
Typical Melbourne property law costs and timeframes
| Service | Typical fee (AUD) | Usual timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Conveyancing – purchase (standard) | $900–$1,800 + disbursements | 4–8 weeks to settlement |
| Conveyancing – sale (standard) | $700–$1,600 + disbursements | 4–8 weeks to settlement |
| Contract & Section 32 review (pre‑auction/private sale) | $250–$660 (fixed) | Same/next business day |
| Off‑the‑plan contract review | $350–$900 (fixed) | 2–5 business days |
| Commercial lease review & negotiation | $1,200–$4,500 (scope‑based) | 1–3 weeks |
| Caveat or priority notice lodgement | $220–$550 + gov fees | 1–3 business days |
| Property dispute advice (e.g. boundary, OC, defects) | $330–$660/hr; initial strategy $660–$1,500 | Varies by complexity |
| Transfer between related parties | $800–$1,800 + disbursements | 2–4 weeks |
Prices vary by property type, complexity, search requirements and turnaround. Ask for an itemised quote showing professional fees and disbursements. Fixed‑fee options are common for straightforward matters; hourly rates are typical where negotiations or disputes are likely.
Request fixed‑fee quotes nowProperty Lawyer Melbourne FAQ
What is the difference between a conveyancer and a property lawyer in Victoria?
A conveyancer handles standard transfers and settlements. A property lawyer can do conveyancing and also advise on complex contracts, easements, planning, disputes, caveats and litigation. If you expect negotiation or risk, choose a lawyer.
How much does conveyancing cost in Melbourne?
Expect around $900–$1,800 for a purchase and $700–$1,600 for a sale, plus disbursements such as title searches, certificates and PEXA. Pre‑auction contract reviews are often $250–$660. Ask for an itemised quote.
When should I get a contract reviewed?
Before you sign or bid. Early review can uncover title burdens, risky special conditions, settlement timing issues and red flags in the Section 32 (Vendor Statement).
Speak with a Melbourne property lawyer
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