Property & Conveyancing
Commercial property matters may involve a purchase, development, occupation agreement or lease. The legal task depends on whether the client is an owner, tenant, purchaser or guarantor and on the proposed use of the premises.
General information only — not legal advice. This Australian overview is not a statement of every state or territory’s law. Check the jurisdiction and current requirements with an appropriately qualified adviser.
A commercial lease and a retail lease may engage different rules. Rent is only one part of the commitment: outgoings, repairs, permitted use, security and exit provisions can matter. Ask whether planning, finance or business-sale work needs separate assessment.
Organise the following material you already lawfully hold. This is a preparation list, not a complete evidentiary requirement. Ask the verified adviser what they need and how to send it securely.
Keep originals and dates intact. Use a short initial enquiry for a conflict and suitability check before sending sensitive documents.
Describe the proposed use of the premises, the parties and whether you are buying, leasing, assigning or renewing. Ask the lawyer to identify dependencies such as consents, related documents and separate professional checks. Compare drafting, negotiation and completion as distinct parts of the engagement.
A rent figure does not describe the whole occupancy cost or risk. Nor does a landlord’s assurance establish that your intended use is approved. Ask which assumptions need independent confirmation before committing.
What ongoing and exit obligations would I take on, and which related approvals need checking?
Ask the adviser to explain the assumptions behind the answer, any missing information and what would change the proposed next step. You can request an initial assessment without assuming that full representation is included.
Only if agreed. Ask whether you receive written comments, a marked-up draft, direct negotiation or all three. Identify who will contact the other side and whether reviewing a later version is included.
Compare the defined work and exclusions, not just the initial price. Ask about GST, third-party expenses, later stages and what happens if the scope changes. Our legal fees guide explains useful questions, and the comparison worksheet helps record proposals.
For a related legal task, read planning & environment. Use both sets of preparation questions if your enquiry spans the two tasks.
Define the work before comparing the fee
A property engagement should identify the transaction or disagreement, the relevant jurisdiction and the practical decision pending. Document review, due diligence, negotiation and completion are different pieces of work.
Mention connected issues when you enquire. One engagement may not cover every part of your situation.
Use these primary resources for background and current pathways. A state-specific resource is an example for that jurisdiction, not a rule for all Australia. Broad regulator and tribunal links do not establish your eligibility or a legal entitlement.
Victorian property, renting and housing information; check the property’s actual jurisdiction.
Australian business-law overview and referral links; industry and state requirements differ.
Our document lists, questions and examples are original editorial preparation prompts. Follow the relevant authority for current requirements and seek individual advice before acting.
See all areas of law → · Lawyer selection and consultation guides → · Legal glossary →
book a lawyer