Property Lawyers in Melbourne

Buying or selling property in Melbourne involves a contract of sale and a vendor statement, often called a section 32. According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, the seller must give the buyer this statement before the property is sold, and it must be factually accurate and complete. A property lawyer can review both documents before you sign.

House sales are only part of the work. Many property lawyers also act on commercial and retail leases, subdivisions, off the plan purchases and development projects, which is why several firms in this list run property teams alongside commercial work. Choose a firm with experience in the type of property you are dealing with, whether that is an inner city apartment or a block in the growth suburbs.

Rigby Cooke Lawyers
Level 11, 360 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9321 7888

Rigby Cooke Lawyers has a property team that says it has advised on Australian property since the 1840s. Clients include developers, real estate investment trusts, private clients and advisers. The team acts on the purchase and sale of commercial, industrial and residential property, development and subdivisions, leases and management agreements plus off the plan settlements. It also works on joint ventures and on capital raising and debt financing for lenders and borrowers.

Marshalls+Dent+Wilmoth Lawyers
Level 21, 570 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9670 5000

The Property Law division at Marshalls+Dent+Wilmoth advises on commercial and residential property across Melbourne and Victoria. Its work runs from property development, including due diligence and planning approvals, to conveyancing for buyers and sellers, with contract review and settlement. The team also handles retail, office and industrial leasing for landlords and tenants, lease disputes and institutional lending. Besides the CBD office, the firm has offices in Williamstown and Mornington.
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Russell Kennedy Lawyers
Level 18, 500 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9609 1555

Russell Kennedy’s Property and Development team advises institutional clients, developers, landowners and government bodies from site acquisition through to construction and operation. Matters include major projects and joint ventures, leasing and licensing for landlords and tenants, developments and subdivisions plus the sale and purchase of commercial, residential, retail, industrial and Crown land. The team also covers planning and environment, heritage, compulsory acquisition and property disputes.
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Pearce Webster Dugdales
Suite 1, Ground Floor, 99 Queens Bridge Street
Southbank VIC 3006
Tel: (03) 9614 5122

Pearce Webster Dugdales handles conveyancing from start to finish for residential, commercial, industrial and retirement village property across metropolitan and regional Victoria, including company share and stratum title. Transactions are run on electronic conveyancing platforms, and the property team is trained in PEXA and cyber security practices. The Southbank firm also gives leasing advice to landlords and tenants and acts in compulsory acquisition compensation and adverse possession claims.
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Batten Sacks
Level 5, 60 Albert Road
South Melbourne VIC 3205
Tel: (03) 8680 5555

Batten Sacks, a South Melbourne law firm, acts for developers, buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and property managers. Its property services include conveyancing, title transfers, contract drafting plus the preparation and negotiation of retail and commercial leases. The firm also deals with Crown leases, alpine leases, licence agreements and subdivisions, along with property litigation and dispute resolution. Its stated aim is practical advice that helps clients get the most from a property while keeping costs down.
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Madgwicks Lawyers
Level 6, 140 William Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9242 4744

Madgwicks Lawyers has a Property and Finance team that works with developers, builders, engineers, investors and financiers. Support runs through each stage of a project, from structuring finance and drafting agreements to resolving disputes and handling regulatory issues. The team groups its work under headings such as construction and infrastructure as well as planning and development. Its office is on William Street in the Melbourne CBD.
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Cooling off rights in Victoria

Consumer Affairs Victoria says a cooling off period of three clear business days applies to private sales of residential and small rural property. It begins from the date you sign the contract, not from the date the seller signs it. Exceptions apply, and its buyers and sellers guide says you have no cooling off rights if you buy at auction.

If you plan to bid at auction, it often makes sense to have a lawyer review the contract and vendor statement before auction day.

Lawyer or conveyancer

Buyers and sellers should engage their own legal practitioner or conveyancer, according to the Consumer Affairs Victoria guide, which also advises checking that a conveyancer is licensed. A lawyer may be the better choice where the matter involves a lease, a dispute, a subdivision or a business sale. Ask for a written quote that sets out fees and disbursements such as searches and certificates.

Check the timeline too. Settlement dates are set in the contract, so tell your lawyer early if finance or the sale of another property is involved.

Other practice areas in Melbourne

Looking outside Melbourne? Browse property lawyers in other cities.