Property Development

Property development involves multiple stages, stakeholders, and regulatory requirements that can affect timing, cost, and delivery. Clear legal advice helps identify and manage issues early so projects can progress with greater certainty and fewer delays.

We help:

  • Identify legal issues that may affect project timing or feasibility
  • Align documentation with approvals, funding, and delivery milestones
  • Support development progress by reducing avoidable legal roadblocks
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4.9
85 Google Reviews
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

First class advice, service, and communication. I have had the pleasure of working with Velocity Legal for many years across a range of challenging matters and they never fail to impress.

Grant F

Their meticulous attention to detail, unwavering professionalism and strategic approach have delivered an outstanding result. Their level of service is nothing short of impressive.

Jack C

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they provided exceptional
service and achieved an outstanding result for our case.

Wan Li

We are an accounting firm that works closely with Velocity Legal on all our client's legal matters… Every client who works with their team is delighted and impressed by the clear advice, efficient communication, and seamless process.

Selina L

I highly recommend the team at Velocity Legal. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, have an eye for detail and their work ethic is second to none.

Mark P

They provided so much support and guidance through the process and I felt like they genuinely cared about getting the right outcome for me. They obviously know their stuff but were able to explain things in a simple and clear way.

Natalie F

Approachable, honest, professional and transparent. An absolute pleasure to work with.

Bob W

4.9
85 Google Reviews
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We Understand What You Are Going Through

Property development projects often require careful coordination of planning approvals, title matters, contracts, and stakeholder expectations. Even relatively small legal issues can have a disproportionate impact on sequencing, financing, or completion.

You may be dealing with zoning controls, easements, infrastructure contributions, or contractual arrangements with builders, consultants, or joint venture partners. It is not always clear which issues are critical to address immediately and which can be managed as the project evolves.

We understand how disruptive uncertainty and delay can be in a development context. We help you work through development-related legal issues in a practical and structured way, so projects maintain momentum and move forward with clarity.

Our Services Include

  • Advising on planning, zoning, and approval issues affecting development projects
  • Reviewing and negotiating development agreements and project documentation
  • Clarifying title matters, including easements, covenants, and restrictions
  • Advising on compliance with approval conditions and regulatory requirements
  • Supporting documentation tied to project staging, funding, and delivery milestones
  • Assisting with disputes or issues involving developers, builders, consultants, or financiers

Our Difference

Accountability & Expertise

Every matter we handle comes with full accountability. You’ll deal directly with an expert – every time, no exceptions.

In Your Shoes

Understanding your unique circumstances and goals - so our advice is practical, personal, and never given in a vacuum.

Transparency & Communication

We speak your language. That means plain, clear advice - what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.

50+
Australian Based Team
4,000+
Matters Expertly Handled
10+
Awards & Industry Recognition

Our Process

  1. Book Meeting
    Fill in the contact form below or call our office to book an initial consult. You can choose between in-person or video conference.
  2. Get Advice

    You’ll discuss your situation in depth with a senior lawyer. This includes exploring your requirements, goals, and desired outcomes. You’ll walk away from this meeting with a clear understanding of the next steps.
  3. Achieve Outcomes

    Our legal team will work tirelessly to achieve your desired objectives. We work hard, communicate regularly, and pride ourselves on delivering results.
Book a Consult

Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

  • Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
  • Rapid response
  • Award winning team
Andrew Henshaw
Managing Director
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

Our Directors

Managing Director

Andrew Henshaw

Director

Greg Thomas

Director

Jess Hill

Director

Rajan Verma

Director

Seamus Ryan

Property Development Lawyers in Melbourne

Property development involves legal complexity at every stage, from the initial acquisition of land through to construction, compliance, and eventual sale or leasing of the completed project. The decisions made at each stage, and the quality of the legal documentation underpinning them, can have significant financial consequences.

Having experienced property development lawyers involved early, rather than when problems have already arisen, helps manage legal risk, keep projects on track, and protect your position if disputes emerge.

Our property development solicitors in Melbourne can offer legal assistance at any of these stages:

Land acquisition

The legal work involved in acquiring development land goes beyond reviewing a standard contract. We advise on sale agreements, title searches, due diligence, and any encumbrances, easements, or planning overlays that could affect the project. Identifying issues before settlement gives you the opportunity to address them or reconsider the acquisition.

Financing and investor arrangements

Where development funding involves lender requirements or investor contributions, our property solicitors draft and review financing agreements and investor documentation to ensure the arrangements are clearly documented and your interests are protected.

Planning and approvals

Navigating the planning permit process requires an understanding of both the legal framework and the practical realities of dealing with councils and other authorities. Our property development lawyers assist with planning applications, permit conditions, objections, and appeals, as well as advice on environmental and regulatory requirements relevant to the project.

Construction contracts

A well-drafted construction contract sets out the rights and obligations of each party clearly, including timelines, payment terms, variations, and dispute resolution processes. Getting these terms right before work begins significantly reduces the risk of costly disputes during the project.

Regulatory compliance

Property development projects are subject to a range of planning, building, environmental, and safety obligations. We advise developers on applicable regulatory requirements at each stage of the project and help ensure compliance obligations are identified and managed appropriately.

Development disputes

Disputes can arise at any stage of a development project, whether with neighbouring landowners, contractors, joint venture partners, or councils. Common issues include disputes over planning permit compliance, alleged breaches of contract, access and boundary conflicts, and disagreements between development partners. Our property dispute lawyers advise on rights and obligations and represent clients in negotiations, mediation, and litigation where required.

Working With Our Tax Team

Property development transactions frequently involve significant stamp duty, GST, and capital gains tax considerations. At Velocity Legal, our property lawyers work closely with our in-house tax team, which means these issues are identified and addressed as part of the legal advice rather than as an afterthought.

How Velocity Legal Can Help

We work with property developers, investors, and landowners across a range of project types and scales. Our Melbourne lawyers take a practical, commercially focused approach — aiming to keep projects moving, identify risks early, and give you clear advice at each stage so you can make informed decisions.

We are transparent about costs and provide a clear fee estimate following your initial consultation.

If you are looking for experienced property development lawyers in Melbourne, contact Velocity Legal to discuss your project. Read Less

Frequently Asked Questions
What legal issues commonly cause delays in property development?
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Delays often arise from planning conditions, title restrictions, documentation gaps, or misalignment between approvals and contractual arrangements. Identifying these issues early can help reduce disruption later in the project.
How do planning approvals affect development timelines?
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Planning approvals may include conditions, sequencing requirements, and timeframes that influence how and when a project can proceed. Understanding how these conditions interact with construction and funding is important for maintaining progress.
Why is documentation important in development projects?
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Development documentation sets out responsibilities, risk allocation, and timing between parties. Where documents are unclear or inconsistent, disputes and delays can arise as projects move through different stages.
When should legal issues be considered during a development?
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Legal issues can arise at any stage, from site acquisition through to completion. Addressing them as part of project planning and delivery can help reduce the risk of last-minute issues affecting timing or cost.

Take the First
Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

  • Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
  • Rapid response
  • Award winning team
Book Consult
4.9
85 Google Reviews
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)