We bring extensive experience across a broad spectrum of property transactions, from straightforward residential conveyancing to complex negotiations and high-value acquisitions. Our holistic approach delivers strategic, results-focused outcomes.
Years of experience
Offices across SEQ
Locally owned firm
McCarthy Durie Lawyers
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What We Do
Deep experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating retail and commercial leases for landlords and tenants.
Practical guidance through every stage of buying or selling a business, from structuring to settlement.
Comprehensive legal support across every stage of property development, from site acquisition to titling.
Dealing with this right now?
We can talk through your situation and explain your options. No obligation, no jargon.
Our Process
Tell us about your property matter. We will explain your legal position and the process ahead.
We review contracts, leases, or other documents and provide clear, practical advice.
We negotiate terms that align with your goals and protect your legal rights.
We manage the legal process through to settlement, keeping you informed at every step.
In Detail
Our leasing team has deep experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating both retail and commercial leases.
We help you manage your rental income effectively, from preparing lease agreements to handling assignments, variations, and rent recovery.
We ensure you understand your rights and obligations before signing, identify hidden conditions, and negotiate terms that align with your goals.
Selling or buying a business involves the transfer of various assets and brings a range of legal obligations. We advise on:
In some cases, government authorities have the legal power to resume privately owned land without consent. We protect your rights and guide you through the process.
We assist developers at every stage of the property development process, from site acquisition to project completion.
Property disputes can be stressful and costly. We help resolve a wide range of property-related disagreements including:
Body corporate and community title matters require specialist knowledge. We advise owners, committees, and developers on:
Rural property transactions have unique considerations. We assist with:
We advise on the legal aspects of financing property transactions including:
Our leasing team has deep experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating both retail and commercial leases.
We help you manage your rental income effectively, from preparing lease agreements to handling assignments, variations, and rent recovery.
We ensure you understand your rights and obligations before signing, identify hidden conditions, and negotiate terms that align with your goals.
In some cases, government authorities have the legal power to resume privately owned land without consent. We protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Property disputes can be stressful and costly. We help resolve a wide range of property-related disagreements including:
Rural property transactions have unique considerations. We assist with:
Selling or buying a business involves the transfer of various assets and brings a range of legal obligations. We advise on:
We assist developers at every stage of the property development process, from site acquisition to project completion.
Body corporate and community title matters require specialist knowledge. We advise owners, committees, and developers on:
We advise on the legal aspects of financing property transactions including:
Our Team
Senior Associate | Property & Commercial
Partner | Property & Commercial
Partner & Redlands Conveyancing Team Leader
Solicitor
Conveyancer
Conveyancer
Conveyancer
Partner | Property & Commercial
Partner | Property & Commercial
Associate | Property & Commercial
Solicitor | Property & Commercial
Associate | Property & Commercial
Special Counsel | Body Corporate and Strata Titles
Partner | Mortgages & Securities
Associate | Mortgages & Securities
Latest Insights
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Read moreFAQ
A retail lease is governed by the Retail Shop Leases Act, which gives tenants extra protections such as disclosure statements, restrictions on outgoings and minimum five year terms in many cases. A commercial lease (such as office or warehouse) is largely governed by the contract between the parties. Whether a lease is retail or commercial depends on the use and location, not just what the parties call it.
Yes, and you should. Almost every term in a commercial or retail lease is negotiable, including rent, incentives, term, options, make-good obligations, and outgoings. The best time to negotiate is before the lease is signed because once it is in place, your bargaining position drops significantly. We review proposed leases and negotiate on your behalf.
Government authorities have legal powers to resume privately owned land for public purposes such as roads or infrastructure. You generally have the right to object to the resumption and to claim compensation. The process is technical and there are strict timeframes for objections and compensation claims, so we recommend getting advice as soon as you receive a Notice of Intention to Resume.
If you own a lot in a community titles scheme such as a unit, townhouse or duplex, you are automatically a member of the body corporate. The body corporate maintains common property, enforces by-laws, and levies contributions to fund those costs. You have voting rights and a share of decision-making, and disputes can be resolved through the BCCM Commissioner.
Make-good clauses require a tenant to return the premises to a particular condition at the end of the lease. This can range from a basic clean and repair to a full strip-out back to base building. These obligations are often more onerous than tenants expect and can cost significantly. We always review make-good clauses carefully during lease negotiation.
Commercial property transactions usually involve more complex contracts, due diligence and tax considerations than residential. Issues such as GST treatment, existing leases, environmental risk, planning compliance and structural ownership all need to be properly assessed before settlement. We recommend involving a lawyer from the very start of negotiations rather than after the contract is signed.
Online Enquiry
Have a question about property law? Fill out the form below and one of our experienced lawyers will get back to you, typically within one business day.
You do not need to have all the answers. Get in touch and we will help you understand where you stand and what to do next.
