Property & Development

Our experience

One trait shared by many of Australia’s most successful businesses and entrepreneurs is that they literally built their fortunes on property. Another is that many of these pioneers turned to Arnold Bloch Leibler for their legal advice.

Our Property & Development practice is unique in terms of its collective experience and depth of expertise, having represented clients in numerous landmark property and development projects around Australia for over 50 years.

Like our clients, we approach property and development projects from the ground up. We work with clients to develop and implement strategies for buying, selling, financing, developing and re-packaging property in a manner that minimises exposure and maximises returns.

Our Property & Development practice is a ‘one-stop-shop’, covering all aspects of property acquisition, financing, planning and environmental issues, development, construction, sales and leasing. Our clients turn to us for this consolidated approach, which is critical for managing time frames and containing costs.

“They are the guys to call on when you need to break the glass in the event of an emergency.”

Client quote, Chambers Asia Pacific

Our work

Golden Age

Acted in relation to negotiating and documenting the design and construction agreements for ‘The Glen’, ‘Victoria One,’ ‘Collins House’ and ‘Opera’ in Melbourne, Victoria.

Probiotec

Advised in relation to an agreement to sell the land and buildings at 79-83 and 85 Cherry Lane, Laverton North in Victoria for $24.5 million.

Dial-A-Dump Industries

Advised in relation to the property aspects of Ian Malouf’s sale of the business to ASX-listed Bingo Industries for $577.5 million

Aspial Corporation (World Class Land)

Advised on the design and construction agreements for ‘Australia 108’, Southbank, Victoria.

Ashe Morgan

Advised on the debt financing, equity arrangements, property and tax matters in connection with Ashe Morgan’s acquisition of the ‘Harbour Town’ retail precinct, ‘Medibank Ice House’ and various related development sites located at Docklands, Victoria.

UEM Sunrise Berhad

Acted in relation to negotiating and documenting the design and construction agreements for ‘Aurora Melbourne Central’ and ‘Conservatory’ in Melbourne, Victoria.

Far East Organisation

Acted for Far East Town Hall Pty Ltd - part of Singapore’s largest property developer, Far East Organisation - in relation to the purchase and partial leaseback of a Sydney property from Ausgrid.

Fridcorp Projects

Advised on the acquisition and financing of a site in Sydney’s inner western suburb of Erskineville. The team also acted on a joint venture for the 500 apartment development with Beijing Capital Land.

Charter Hall Group

Advised on the acquisition of a portfolio of six industrial assets by three Charter Hall managed funds. This transaction represented one of the largest industrial portfolio sales in the Australian property market during 2014.

Telstra Super

Acted on behalf of Telstra Super on its acquisition of a 50% interest in Brandon Park Shopping Centre from Federation Centres. This followed the acquisition by Telstra Super, in conjunction with Federation Centres of a 50% interest in Carlingford Court Shopping Centre

Asset1 WTC

Acted on behalf of Asset 1 WTC Pty Ltd in respect of the sale of a 70% interest in Towers 2, 3 and 4 of the World Trade Centre, Melbourne. The sale was a substantial transaction in the Australian market, with Towers 2, 3 and 4 consisting of nearly 50,000 sq m of net lettable area.

BPG Caulfield Village

Acted for BPG Caulfield Village on the strategic planning, master plan development and a 12 month tender process in which Melbourne Racing Club awarded rights to consortium Beck Property Group and Probuild. This is one of the largest real estate developments in Victoria in recent times.

Gurner™

Acted for Gurner™ in relation to negotiating and documenting the design and construction agreements for FV. “FV” represents one of Brisbane’s largest residential building contracts worth in excess of $150m, Brookfield Multiplex will be responsible for delivering the first two buildings of the three tower precinct.

Property & Development services

Acquisitions and sales

We advise on all legal aspects of the acquisition and sale processes, including due diligence, taxation and stamp duty planning and Foreign Investment Review Board requirements. With considerable knowledge of the property investment market, our lawyers can advise on the establishment of sophisticated property holding structures, such as syndicates, joint ventures and listed funds.

Banking and finance

Our practice represents both lenders and borrowers in a wide range of property related finance transactions. Because we work on both sides of the finance equation, we understand the requirements of both parties. As a result, we are able to negotiate advantageous financial arrangements for our clients.

Construction and development

We advise on the negotiation, drafting, management and enforcement of building and development agreements. Our objective is to provide clients with the legal foundation necessary to assist clients minimise risks and maximise returns from a construction and development project. Our experience in construction litigation also assists clients to manage and resolve potential disputes as economically and favourably as possible.

Planning and environment

We advise on each stage of the planning and development process from due diligence through to completion. Planning and environmental issues are identified and dealt with upfront, rather than being treated as an afterthought, ensuring the smooth delivery and success of development projects. This proactive approach delivers real value to developers, as issues can be dealt with up front – avoiding back end delays and unnecessary litigation, which can run up significant holding costs. This is critical for complex and significant projects.

“Arnold Bloch Leibler has a team that is capable of delivering quality advice in demanding and time-critical situations.”

Client quote, Legal 500 Asia Pacific