Property Development Law
Sunshine Coast
Getting into property development demands sharp legal insights. At Bradley & Bray, our team provides the strategic legal partnership you need on the Sunshine Coast.
We're Your Legal Partner in Property Development on the Sunshine Coast
Stepping into property development here on the Sunshine Coast is a big move. It's a field with huge potential, but it also comes with a lot of moving parts and legal complexities inherent in the development process. At Bradley & Bray, we understand the ins and outs of development projects from every angle. We're your local legal team that ensures your project runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Our property development lawyers help developers of all sizes with commercial and residential projects. We take care of the legal side of things, from setting up deals and getting approvals to securing funding and managing contracts. We handle the paperwork with Surveyors and the Titles Office, draft Off-the-Plan Contracts & Disclosure Statements, and prepare Easement & Covenant documents. With our seasoned team dealing with the complexities of property development law, you and your company can focus on the vision and construction of your development.
Our Property Development Law Services
Count on our team to provide legal support across every stage of the property development process, ensuring your project progresses efficiently and compliantly.
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We provide sharp, tailored advice on the best legal structures for your project, whether you're looking at joint venture agreements or using trusts. We also help with property development agreement drafting and securing essential property development loan arrangements for your project to start on solid legal ground.
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Before you commit to a site, it needs careful checking. Our team conducts thorough due diligence, including detailed searches of titles, understanding any existing restrictions, and reviewing planning regulations. We handle the drafting and negotiation of acquisition contracts and manage the settlement process for your land purchase. Our property development solicitors ensure every detail is scrutinised.
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Dealing with local councils can be time-intensive. We work closely with local government authorities on zoning, permits, and development applications. We can help you understand planning schemes, manage variations, and address any environmental or heritage issues, aiming for quick and efficient approvals.
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We're experts in preparing Off-the-Plan Contracts & Disclosure Statements for future sales. We draft robust construction contracts, project management agreements, and consultancy agreements. Plus, we prepare and register Easement & Covenant documents to secure access and services or set important restrictions that protect your development's long-term value.
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The legal services often involved in the final stages of development involve creating new titles for your developed properties. We work hand-in-hand with your Surveyors to ensure subdivision plans are accurate. Then, we manage the entire process with the Queensland Titles Office for the smooth registration of new titles, strata plans, and easements. We also handle strata titling and setting up body corporate structures.
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Once your development is complete, we can help manage the crucial stage of selling your developed lots, units, or commercial spaces. Our team will meticulously handle all settlement processes, ensuring each property transfer is legally sound, accurate and efficient. We also deal with any post-settlement issues that might come up, ensuring a tidy wrap-up for your project.
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Throughout your project, we continuously ensure everything adheres to relevant property development law, including the Property Law Act, the Body Corporate and Community Management Act, and the Planning Act. Our proactive approach means we always identify potential legal risks at every stage, helping you implement strategies to minimise exposure and safeguard your investment.
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Even with the best planning, disputes can happen. If conflicts arise during your property development process—whether it's contract disagreements, neighbour issues, or body corporate problems—Bradley & Bray provides strategic advice and strong representation. We focus on finding efficient and commercially sensible solutions through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, litigation.
Why Choose Us for Your Property Development Project on the Sunshine Coast?
Extensive Experience and Local Insight
We've been working with property developers on the Sunshine Coast for a long time. Our deep roots mean our property development lawyers don't just know the law; they know the local landscape like the back of their hands—from council regulations and planning schemes to market trends and key local contacts. This extensive experience helps us anticipate challenges, spot opportunities, and give you practical advice tailored to this region. When you work with us, you tap into years of local know-how that can make a real impact on your development project.
Tailored Solutions for Every Project
No two property development projects are exactly alike. Whether you're building a few units, a large subdivision, or a commercial complex, your project has unique goals and challenges. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all legal solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand your specific vision and commercial objectives. We work hand-in-hand with your entire project team—including your surveyors, financiers, and even your property development consultant—to create a legal strategy aligned with your project's needs, from the first conversation to the final settlement.
Proactive Risk Management
In property development, small oversights can lead to big problems. That's why we focus heavily on proactive risk management. Our legal team meticulously reviews every stage, from checking your site before you buy it to drafting iron-clad contracts and ensuring full compliance with all relevant laws. We're here to identify potential issues early, give you clear advice to avoid pitfalls, and keep your project on track. With this careful, forward-thinking approach, we help protect your investment.
Types of Property Development Projects We Assist With
Our extensive experience means our property development lawyers can support developers across a wide variety of projects, including but not limited to:
- Residential Subdivisions (from smaller projects to large estates)
- Townhouse Developments
- Unit and Apartment Complexes (low-rise to multi-storey)
- Commercial Property Developments (including retail centres, office spaces, and industrial parks)
- Mixed-Use Developments (combining homes, businesses, and shops)
- Rural and Acreage Subdivisions
- Community Title Schemes and Master Planned CommunitiesFAQs About Property Development Law
We know you’ll have questions! Here are some common ones we encounter.
Head to our Property Law FAQs page for more insights.
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Due diligence is critical because it involves thoroughly investigating a potential development site before you commit to purchasing it. It uncovers any hidden legal issues, restrictions, environmental concerns, or encumbrances that could significantly impact your project's viability, cost, or timeline. Skipping this step can lead to costly surprises down the line.
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Off-the-plan contracts are property development agreements to buy a property (like a unit or a lot in a subdivision) that hasn't been built or registered yet. A disclosure statement, which accompanies this contract, provides key information about the proposed property, the development, and associated details like a proposed plan of subdivision or body corporate budgets. These are essential legal documents that protect both the buyer and the seller.
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A frequent challenge is dealing with the often complex and evolving local council planning schemes and obtaining timely approvals. This can involve lengthy processes, numerous conditions, and potential objections from the public. Engaging experienced property development lawyers who understand local council requirements can significantly streamline or expedite this stage.
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When disputes arise, our focus is always on finding the most efficient and commercially sensible resolution for our clients. We begin by thoroughly assessing the situation and exploring negotiation or mediation as primary options. If a resolution isn't reached, we're prepared to provide strong representation in formal dispute resolution processes or, if necessary, litigation, always aiming to protect your project's timeline and profitability.
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An easement grants a party the right to use another person's land for a specific purpose (e.g., a utility company having access to pipes). A covenant, on the other hand, is a legally binding promise or restriction on how land can be used (e.g., limiting the height of buildings or materials used). Both can significantly impact a development's design and use.
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It's highly recommended to involve a lawyer from the earliest stages of a development project, ideally even before you acquire the site. Early legal advice is critical for site acquisition due diligence, structuring your deal, navigating planning approvals, and drafting all contracts. Proactive legal involvement can save significant time, money, and stress down the track by identifying and mitigating risks early.
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From a legal perspective, typical stages of the property development process include initial feasibility and deal structuring; site acquisition and comprehensive due diligence; obtaining necessary planning and development approvals; preparing all sales and construction contracts; managing titling and registration processes (e.g., subdivision, strata title); overseeing the sale and settlement of the developed properties; and ensuring ongoing compliance throughout.
Meet our Property Development Lawyers
Jacob Corbett
Jacob is a Director of Bradley & Bray Lawyers, specialising in Business, Commercial and Real Estate Law.
Jacob provides strategic advice to his vast range of clients, and has been called upon to assist his clients with complex matters such as Business Sales and Acquisitions, Corporations Law advices, Commercial and Industrial Leasing, Commercial Property Sales and Acquisitions, Real Estate transactions, Development advices and Subdivisions, Security and Loan Agreements, Body Corporate advice and establishment, acquisitions utilising SMSF and Bare Trust entities, Put & Call Agreements, Transfers pursuant to Family Law Orders and Agreements and General commercial agreements.
He is also trusted by his clients to assist in acquisition and sale negotiations, and acquisition due diligence for Business, Commercial, Residential and Leasing matters.
Legal Practitioner Director
Bridie Edwards
Partner | Lawyer
Bridie Edwards is a Lawyer in the Commercial Law team at Bradley & Bray. Joining the firm in 2019 as a law clerk; she was admitted as a Lawyer in 2020 and in July of 2023, was promoted to Associate Director.
As an integral member of our leadership team, Bridie assists Director Jacob Corbett, Partner Peter Griffin, and Practice Manager Debbie Davis in managing the firm. Her role involves overseeing project management and internal processes to ensure our clients receive the highest possible quality of service. She also plays an active role as a mentor to her younger colleagues.
Melissa Harris
Senior Paralegal
Melissa is a well known and experienced industry professional, working exclusively in residential and commercial conveyancing.
With over 30 years’ in the Legal industry, Melissa’s experience and people-skills make her an invaluable asset to any Property team. Melissa is known for her ability to remain calm and rational amidst the high-stress world of conveyancing.
Her driven and technical approach to the ever-changing landscape of conveyancing has gained her the respect of her colleagues and peers throughout both the legal community, and within the walls of our firm.
Recent Awards.
Speak to Our Property Development Lawyers
Planning a new property development on the Sunshine Coast? You don't need to deal with the complex legal landscape alone. Contact Bradley & Bray today for a confidential discussion about how our expert legal guidance in property development law can ensure your project's success. We are dedicated to providing the clarity and support you need to achieve your development goals.
We’re here to help.
Level 1, 15 Ann Street, Nambour Qld 4560
PO Box 243, Nambour Qld 4560
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