Property & Conveyancing
Strata and body-corporate issues concern shared property arrangements, governance and obligations associated with a particular scheme. The relevant documents, jurisdiction and role of the person seeking advice shape the enquiry.
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.
An individual lot, common property, a committee decision and a building defect are different starting issues. An owners-corporation rule does not by itself explain all rights or remedies. Ask which entity or person should obtain advice and what records are needed.
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.
Identify the client, disputed decision and relevant scheme documents. Ask the lawyer to distinguish advice to an individual owner from advice to a committee or governing body. A useful first output identifies the actual question, missing records and the appropriate jurisdictional pathway to investigate.
A manager’s correspondence, a committee discussion and a formal resolution can be different records. Preserve their dates and wording rather than treating a summary email as proof that every required decision was made.
Who has responsibility for this issue, and what decision or dispute process applies to the scheme?
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.
Yes, the same event can raise different relationships and questions. Explain who occupies, owns and contracted for the property or work. Ask which issues the firm will assess and which require a separate scope.
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 building & construction. 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 owners-corporation and purchase background.
Victorian property, renting and housing information; check the property’s actual jurisdiction.
Our document lists, questions and examples are original editorial preparation prompts. Follow the relevant authority for current requirements and seek individual advice before acting.
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