Rated 4.6 Excellent on Google Reviews

Property Lawyer Melbourne

Trusted Legal Support for Buying, Selling, Leasing and Disputing Property in Melbourne’s Southeast

Clear, Experienced Property Law Advice Since 1966

Property law affects some of the most significant decisions of your life — whether you’re buying your first home, subdividing land, managing a commercial lease or resolving a dispute. At Kelly & Chapman Lawyers, we provide straightforward, reliable property law advice to individuals, investors, developers, landlords and tenants across Melbourne’s southeast.

Since 1966,

our firm has helped clients navigate property law with confidence. We ensure that contracts are watertight, risks are minimised, and your rights are protected. We work closely with clients during residential and commercial transactions, developments, disputes and planning matters — always acting promptly, efficiently and with your best outcome in mind.

Property Law Services

• Involves contract reviews, due diligence, settlement processes and compliance with state regulations.

• Is the area of law that governs buying, selling, leasing, transferring and subdividing land and buildings in Victoria.

• Requires careful drafting of contracts, lease terms and subdivision agreements to avoid litigation.

• Covers residential and commercial property, including homes, units, land, shops and factories.

• Can involve disputes over ownership, encroachments, easements, fences, caveats and more.

Why Choose Our Property Lawyers

Kelly & Chapman Lawyers brings over five decades of local property law experience. We act for individuals, families, businesses, landlords, tenants and developers on all types of property matters. Whether it’s a simple title transfer or a complex dispute involving VCAT or court proceedings, we explain your rights clearly and act decisively to achieve a practical resolution.

We Provide:

  • Fixed-fee conveyancing and contract reviews
  • Tailored advice on commercial and retail leases
  • Assistance with subdivisions and caveats
  • Support in buying or selling property through private sale or auction
  • Representation in VCAT and Magistrates’ Court disputes

We also speak Greek, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian and offer a welcoming, community-first legal service.

Signs You Need a Property Lawyer

1. You’re Buying or Selling Real Estate

Property contracts can contain hidden risks. We ensure your Contract of Sale and Section 32 Vendor Statement are accurate and enforceable. We review:
• Title and planning certificates
• Special conditions
• Zoning, easements and covenants
• Building and pest clauses
• Deposit and settlement terms
 
We also coordinate the settlement process and liaise with lenders, agents, and PEXA to ensure a smooth handover.

2. You’re Leasing a Commercial or Retail Premises

Leasing can make or break your business. We draft, review and negotiate leases for:
• Shops and retail premises
• Offices and commercial suites
• Industrial buildings and factories
• Medical and allied health spaces
We ensure the lease complies with the Retail Leases Act 2003 (VIC) or other applicable laws and regulations and protects your rights as a landlord or tenant.

3. You’re Developing or Subdividing Land

We assist with:
• Subdivision agreements
• Plan registrations

We liaise with surveyors, councils, mortgagees and state authorities to move your project forward.

4. You’re Facing a Boundary, Easement or Title Dispute

Disputes over fences, shared driveways, encroachments, or access rights can become bitter and expensive. We provide calm, evidence-based advice and pursue resolution through negotiation, mediation or court where needed.

5. You Need to Register, Remove or Defend a Caveat

Caveats prevent unlawful transfers or dealings with property titles. We act for parties who need to:
• Lodge a caveat
• Remove a wrongful caveat
• Defend their legal or equitable interest in a property

Our Property Law Process

Consultation

We discuss your property matter, review any contracts or titles, and provide an upfront cost estimate.

Advice & Drafting

We prepare or review your documents (contracts, leases, transfers, caveats) and explain all implications before you sign.

 Compliance & Lodgement

We ensure all property dealings comply with Land Use Victoria, council planning schemes, and relevant Acts. We manage e-conveyancing through PEXA, as required.

Negotiation & Execution

We negotiate terms on your behalf and attend to the settlement or finalisation of the matter.

Ongoing Support

We remain available to assist with follow-up questions, renewals, disputes or re-sales.

Why Kelly & Chapman for Property

Law in Melbourne

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Kelly & Chapman Lawyers has provided trusted legal advice in property matters for over 50 years. We are known for our responsive communication, attention to detail and long-term client relationships.

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Our team helps you avoid legal pitfalls, protect your investments, and resolve disputes efficiently. We offer local knowledge, decades of conveyancing experience, and strong court representation when needed.

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Our office is located in Bentleigh , offering free parking, and we proudly serve clients in East Brighton, Brighton, Cheltenham, Hampton, Highett, Chadstone, Clayton, Bentleigh, Carnegie, Malvern East, and across Melbourne’s southeast.

Services We Provide

• Residential and commercial conveyancing
• Contract of sale reviews and advice
• Off-the-plan purchases
• Retail and commercial lease drafting and review
• Subdivision agreements and plan lodgement
• Title transfers and survivorship applications
• Easement, boundary and fencing disputes
• Caveat registration and removal
• VCAT and Magistrates’ Court property disputes
• Property settlement for family law or deceased estates
• Mortgage advice and lender documentation review

What Our Clients Say

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Very efficient and courteous service from Susan Gale-Phillips throughout a sale process. Susan's communication and professionalism was greatly appreciated. Will continue to work with this team for future needs.

Marian Gandy
Marian Gandy
20-05-2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had the pleasure of dealing with Susan Gale-Phillips who I found to be outstanding. She is easy to communicate with, clear, concise, professional and great knowledge, available and or so quick to respond. Over the years in all my dealings with Lawyers for varied reasons this has definitely been the best experience. Thank you so much Susan for making the purchase of my Property so effortless. I will certainly use Susan Gale-Phillips at Kelly Chapman for all of my legal needs in the future.

Michelle Carracher
Michelle Carracher
28-08-2021
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We were very pleased to work with Susan-Gale Phillips when buying a property, who was exceptional from day 1. She always made herself available for queries, very clear in her communications and completed everything in a timely manner. She made the whole process seamless and pain free for us. Susan is patient, friendly and very professional and I would highly recommend her top-notch service.

Swathi & Manish
Swathi & Manish
08-12-2021
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dealt with Susan for a property purchase, she was very helpful and friendly throughout the whole process despite dealing with covid restrictions. Definitely recommend

Jim Ting
Jim Ting
28-10-2021

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Law

Do I need a lawyer or just a conveyancer to buy property?

A lawyer offers more than a conveyancer. We review legal risks, resolve disputes, and draft complex terms beyond basic settlement tasks.

What’s a Section 32?

Also known as a Vendor Statement, it discloses key property information, such as zoning, rates, title status, and any encumbrances. We ensure it’s accurate and legally compliant.

Can I get out of a signed property contract?

Sometimes, cooling-off rights or breaches by the other party may give you options. We’ll assess your legal position quickly.

How do I protect myself when leasing property?

Have the lease reviewed before signing. We check the fine print and advise on hidden costs, repair obligations and break clauses.

Can I remove a caveat on my title?

Yes, if it’s invalid or lapsed. We assist you in applying to Land Use Victoria or initiating court proceedings if necessary.

Contact a Property Lawyer Today

Whether you’re buying your dream home, leasing a retail space, or resolving a land dispute, we’re ready to help.

Contact Kelly & Chapman Lawyers

Serving Melbourne’s southeast suburbs, including East Brighton, Brighton, Cheltenham, Caulfield,  Hampton, Highett, Oakleigh, Chadstone, Carnegie, Clayton, Bentleigh, and surrounds.