Property Lawyers Melbourne
Trusted property law advice for Melbourne buyers, sellers, investors, and businesses, from conveyancing to leases and disputes.
Your Trusted Lawyers For Property Matters In Melbourne
At CMI Legal, our property lawyers in Melbourne help individuals and businesses navigate the legal complexities of buying, selling, leasing, and managing property in Victoria. Whether you’re purchasing your first home in the eastern suburbs, selling an investment property in Southbank, negotiating a commercial lease in the CBD, or resolving a strata dispute, we provide clear, practical advice focused on protecting your interests and achieving the best outcome.
We understand that property transactions can be stressful and time-sensitive. Melbourne’s auction-driven market moves fast, and you need a property solicitor in Melbourne who can respond quickly, explain your options in plain language, and guide you through every stage. From first home buyers in the outer suburbs to experienced investors managing portfolios across Victoria, we work with clients at every level.
ONLINE CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE FOR ALL MELBOURNE PROPERTY CLIENTS.
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Property Law Services For Melbourne Buyers, Sellers & Investors
Our Melbourne property solicitors provide end-to-end legal support for residential and commercial property matters. Whether you need a contract reviewed before Saturday’s auction or ongoing support for a property portfolio, we tailor our services to your needs and budget.
BUYING & SELLING PROPERTY
Purchasing or selling property in Melbourne is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Our conveyancing lawyers in Melbourne review contracts of sale, conduct due diligence on title and zoning, negotiate terms with the other party, and coordinate settlement through PEXA. Whether it’s an apartment in Docklands, a family home in Hawthorn, or a development site in the western growth corridor, we handle the legal side so you can focus on the move. Bidding at auction this weekend? We offer same-day contract reviews for Melbourne buyers.
COMMERCIAL & RETAIL LEASING
Commercial leases in Melbourne can lock you into terms for years. Rent reviews, outgoings, make-good clauses, and options to renew all need careful attention before you sign. For retail tenants, the Retail Leases Act 2003 (VIC) provides specific protections, but only if your lease qualifies and you understand how to enforce them. Our property lawyers act for both landlords and tenants on lease drafting, negotiation, renewals, assignments, and disputes at VCAT. Signing a new lease? Get it reviewed first.
PROPERTY DISPUTES & LITIGATION
Property disputes arise between buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants, neighbours, co-owners, and developers. We handle contract rescission claims, vendor disclosure failures, boundary disputes, easement issues, caveat disputes, and deposit disputes. Melbourne’s off-the-plan market has seen significant disputes around sunset clauses and delayed completions. Our real estate lawyers in Melbourne resolve matters through negotiation where possible, and represent clients at VCAT and the Victorian courts when litigation is necessary.
STRATA & OWNERS CORPORATION LAW
Melbourne’s apartment market has grown rapidly, and with it, strata disputes. Building defects in towers across Southbank and the CBD, by-law breaches, committee disputes, and special levies for cladding remediation can all create legal headaches. We represent lot owners and owners corporations in disputes under the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (VIC). Whether you’re challenging a special levy or dealing with building defects, we provide practical advice on your options.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS & TITLE CHANGES
Not all property transfers involve a sale. Adding or removing a name from a title, transferring property between family members, or restructuring ownership for asset protection all require careful legal work. We handle transfers between spouses, parents and children, into family trusts, and between related entities. Stamp duty exemptions may apply depending on your circumstances, so we advise on the most cost-effective approach before lodging with Land Use Victoria.
OFF-THE-PLAN PURCHASES
Buying off-the-plan in Melbourne offers potential stamp duty savings but comes with real risks. Sunset clauses that let developers rescind contracts, material changes to finishes, and settlement delays that affect your finance approval all need careful review. Our property lawyers examine off-the-plan contracts in detail, advise on deposit protection, and ensure you understand your rights before committing.
REFINANCING & SETTLEMENT SERVICES
Refinancing your home loan or investment property requires legal work to discharge the existing mortgage and register the new one. With Melbourne property values shifting and interest rates changing, many owners are refinancing to access equity or secure better rates. We coordinate with your old and new lenders, handle the documentation, and ensure settlement proceeds smoothly through PEXA. Our fixed-fee refinancing service makes the process simple and predictable.
Whether you need a contract reviewed before auction, a lease negotiated, help resolving a property dispute, or advice on your conveyancing matter, our property lawyers in Melbourne are here to help.
Book your free 15-minute consultation, available online for all Melbourne clients.
*Online consultations available for all Melbourne clients across Victoria.
Common Property Issues Melbourne Clients Face
First Home Buyers
Navigating stamp duty exemptions, the First Home Owner Grant, contract conditions, and finance clauses. We guide first home buyers through every step from contract review to settlement day.
Auction Buyers
Melbourne's auction market moves fast with no cooling-off period. We provide same-day contract reviews so you can bid with confidence, knowing the risks before you raise your hand.
Property Investors
Portfolio purchases, tax-effective structures, FIRB requirements for foreign buyers, and land tax considerations. We help Melbourne investors buy, hold, and sell strategically.
Settlement Delays
Lender issues, document problems, and coordination failures can delay settlement and trigger penalties. Our conveyancing solicitors in Melbourne manage the process to keep your transaction on track.
Strata Disputes
Building defects, by-law breaches, committee conflicts, and special levies. We represent owners and owners' corporations in VCAT proceedings and dispute resolution.
Off-The-Plan Risks
Sunset clauses, material changes, delayed completions, and deposit protection. We review off-the-plan contracts and advise on your rights before you sign.
Victorian Courts & Tribunals We Handle Property Matters In Melbourne
When property disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, we represent Melbourne clients in Victorian courts and tribunals. Our lawyers are experienced in the procedures and strategic considerations specific to each jurisdiction.
Court / Tribunal | Matters We Handle |
Supreme Court of Victoria | Complex property disputes, injunctions, caveats, claims over $750,000 |
County Court of Victoria | Property claims $100,000-$750,000, contract disputes, and co-ownership disputes |
Magistrates’ Court of Victoria | Claims up to $100,000, bond disputes, and minor property matters |
VCAT (Civil Division) | Retail lease disputes, owners’ corporation matters, and domestic building disputes |
Federal Court of Australia | FIRB matters, trade practices claims, and cross-border property disputes |
Our Melbourne Commercial Lawyers Reviews
Client Testimonials and Reviews
Joe Shi
David Lin
Her diligence, patience, and attention to detail gave me great peace of mind and took away a lot of the stress of selling a property. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and truly supportive conveyancing solicitor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
They explained every step of the process clearly, responded promptly to any questions I had, and made complicated situations feel a lot more manageable. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time, and their calm, confident approach really helped me stay grounded.
Highly recommend CMI services to anyone needing immigration or legal assistance — couldn’t be more grateful.
Thanks again!
5 stars is insufficient to express their work. We were working Dee and she is an amazing and thorough professional. She goes above and beyond and explains matters that makes you understand things really well. Thank you Dee for your amazing work.
Why Melbourne Clients Choose CMI Legal
Online Consultations
Meet with our property lawyers via secure video call, no need to travel to the CBD. Melbourne clients across the eastern suburbs, western growth corridors, and regional Victoria connect face-to-face through video conferencing, share documents on screen, and receive clear advice. Perfect for busy buyers and sellers who can't take half a day off work. Same quality advice, from anywhere.
Fixed Fee Conveyancing
For most residential conveyancing matters, we offer fixed-fee arrangements. You know exactly what you'll pay before we start, whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing. No hourly billing surprises, no uncertainty at settlement.
Practical, Commercial Advice
We focus on business outcomes, not legal technicalities. Our advice is clear, actionable, and designed to help you make informed decisions. We explain the risks, outline your options, and recommend the most practical path forward.
Responsive Service
We respond to Melbourne property enquiries within 24 hours, often the same business day. When you're competing for a property or facing a settlement deadline, you need answers quickly. We understand the pace of Melbourne's market.
Full-Service Firm
Beyond property law, we handle commercial law, business structuring, migration, and dispute resolution. If your property transaction involves business acquisition, visa considerations, or related legal matters, we handle it all under one roof.
11+ Years Of Property Law Experience
Since 2014, we've guided thousands of clients through conveyancing transactions and property matters across Melbourne and Victoria. Our experience spans first home purchases, investment portfolios, commercial leases, off-the-plan contracts, and complex disputes at VCAT.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Law In Melbourne
Both can handle standard residential conveyancing. However, a property solicitor in Melbourne offers broader legal expertise for complex matters like off-the-plan purchases, strata disputes, or transactions that could lead to litigation. Our team covers all your needs.
Conveyancing fees typically range from $800 to $2,500, depending on complexity. We provide fixed-fee quotes upfront so you know the cost before we start. No hidden charges at settlement.
Stamp duty depends on property value, whether it's your principal residence or investment, and whether you qualify for exemptions. First home buyers may be exempt up to certain thresholds. Foreign buyers pay additional surcharges. We calculate your liability during conveyancing.
Buyers have three business days after signing a residential contract. If you withdraw, you forfeit 0.2% of the purchase price. Properties sold at auction have no cooling-off period, which is why contract review before auction is essential.
Yes. We assist landlords and tenants with rent disputes, outgoings, make-good claims, and lease termination issues. For retail leases, disputes can be taken to VCAT under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (VIC). We represent both parties and focus on cost-effective resolution.
Yes. Off-the-plan contracts require careful review of sunset clauses, material change provisions, deposit protection, and settlement terms. We advise on risks before you sign and protect your position if issues arise during construction.
Yes. While our office is in Sydney, Victorian property law and conveyancing procedures are well within our expertise. We handle PEXA settlements, Land Use Victoria lodgements, and VCAT matters for Melbourne clients daily. Online consultations make distance irrelevant, and Melbourne clients receive the same quality advice as our Sydney-based clients.