Property Lawyers Sydney – Legal Support for Property Transactions, Disputes & Compliance
Property transactions — whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or developing — involve a complex mix of legal, financial, and regulatory considerations. The laws differ between states and territories, which can make an already stressful process even more overwhelming.
At Owen Hodge Lawyers, our experienced property lawyers in Sydney are here to guide you through the entire process with precision and peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with a residential property purchase, a commercial lease, or a development project, we provide tailored legal support from start to finish.
Selling A House
The process of selling a house can be time consuming and emotional, especially if this is your first time. To ensure your home gets the best sale price, you must take the time to consider all your options and work alongside an experienced conveyancer.
Buying A House
Whether you’re a first home buyer or getting into property investment, finding the perfect house and making the right deal can be daunting. It involves proper planning, research, and careful budgeting. That’s why we’ve broken down the process of buying a house so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
Conveyancing
With over 70 years of experience in conveyancing, the team of property lawyers and conveyancers at Owen Hodge can guide you in your property transaction. From purchases and sales, to property settlements and other transfers, we’ll advise you of your rights and obligations and be with you every step of the way.
Caveats On Property
A caveat on a house or title operates as a warning on a land title to others by noting a person or organisation’s interest in land or property. Only those with an eligible interest in the land can record a caveat on the title.
Property Settlement Process
Approaching settlement day can be a stressful time for most homeowners and buyers – but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is the right preparation and a trusted conveyancer and you’ll be stress-free and ready in no time.
Strata Management
Whether you’re the first home buyer of a unit or manage a strata group, it’s crucial that you understand what strata management is and what it means for you. Strata laws can be complicated, but experienced strata title lawyers can guide you. At Owen Hodge, our property lawyers are here to answer any questions relating to strata. Read on to learn more or get in touch with our team today.
Frequently asked questions
Property law refers to the legal rules and obligations surrounding the ownership, transfer, use, and development of real estate and land. It covers a wide range of legal issues, including:
- Conveyancing and transfer of property
- Contracts of sale
- Caveats and encumbrances
- Swimming pool compliance
- Flood damage and property claims
- Boarding house regulations
Zoning, council and building restrictions.
A property lawyer can assist with both residential and commercial property matters. Depending on the nature of your issue, they may:
- Review and draft contracts of sale and lease agreements
- Conduct due diligence and title searches
- Manage the conveyancing process
- Advise on property disputes and litigation
- Navigate council restrictions and zoning regulations
- Provide advice on property tax implications
- Assist with property development and building approvals
- Represent you in matters involving ownership disputes or contract breaches
For complex property matters, having a qualified solicitor can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure legal compliance at every step.
A conveyancer is licensed to handle standard conveyancing transactions such as the legal transfer of property. However, a property lawyer can advise on more complex legal matters including:
- Disputes and litigation
- Commercial and retail leasing
- Tax, trust, or superannuation-related property issues
- Development applications and building regulations
Engaging a property lawyer ensures you’re covered for both simple and complicated scenarios.
In NSW the standard cooling off period is five business days, starting from the date of exchange of contracts and ending at 5pm on the fifth business day. However, the cooling off period can be waived, reduced or extended if both the vendor and the purchaser agree to it.
During this time, you as the purchaser can obtain building and pest reports (highly recommended), arrange your finance approval and negotiate special terms and amendments to the contract if required.
The costs vary depending on the work performed, type of property, complexity of the transaction and where you’re based.
Yes, Owen Hodge Lawyers is experienced in handling both residential and commercial property matters.
Before considering buying a property, it is a good idea to apply for pre-approval from a home loan provider or financial institution so you have an idea of how much you can spend. Your borrowing capacity will depend on many factors, including income, financial circumstances and the amount you have saved for a deposit.
In NSW, you must pay stamp duty based on the sale price of the property or the current market value of the property, whichever is higher. Revenue NSW charges a standard stamp duty rate, with a premium rate charged on high net worth properties.
Each year the threshold amounts for standard stamp duty and premium stamp duty are adjusted with CPI. In certain cases you may receive a concession or be exempt from paying stamp duty – such as if you are a first home buyer. To learn more about how much stamp duty you could be expected to pay, you can visit the Revenue NSW Website – https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/taxes-duties-levies-royalties/transfer-duty
While it’s legally possible to conduct your own conveyancing, it’s not recommended unless you have legal training. The property transfer process involves strict legal and procedural requirements, and errors can result in significant financial and legal risks.
A property lawyer provides peace of mind, especially when:
- The transaction involves unusual or complex clauses
- You’re purchasing off-the-plan or developing land
- You’re dealing with property disputes
- There are joint ownership issues or family law implications
- Your property is affected by zoning or planning restrictions