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.”
Our work
S P Setia Bhd
Advised on the construction contracts for the development of Sapphire by the Gardens and UNO in Melbourne.
Charter Hall
Advised on the acquisition by a Charter Hall managed partnership of a 49% interest in a newly created property trust established by Telstra. It is intended that the unlisted trust will hold a $1.43b portfolio of 37 Telstra exchange properties located acro
Medical Properties Trust
Advised on the property aspects of the acquisition of $1.25bn of hospitals from Australian private hospital operator Healthscope.
Starwood Capital
Advised on its first Australian debt deal, a $220m development facility for a project by international student accommodation specialist, Scape.
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
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.
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.”
People
Insights & news
Insights Publication
Changes to NSW building and construction laws - impact on financiers and borrowers
Following the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Australian Building Ministers’ Forum commissioned an inquiry into the building and construction industry with the goal of enhancing public trust, resulting in the release of the Building Confidence Report.
28 August 2020
News Media release
Charter Hall and GIC acquire 49% stake in $1.4bn Ampol portfolio
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has acted for Charter Hall on its acquisition - via a Charter Hall managed fund, with Charter Hall and GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund as investors - of a 49 per cent stake in the Ampol Property Trust.
17 August 2020
Insights Article
Newly appointed Senior Associate Michael Repse on market trends
We asked newly promoted Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Associate, Michael Repse, about his predicted trends in the property sector for the next 12 months.
22 July 2020
News Media mention
Changes to NSW property laws 'reinventing history'
In today’s AFR, Partner Joey Borensztajn explains that changes to stamp duty laws in NSW have widespread implications beyond their original intention of improving housing affordability for domestic buyers.
10 July 2020
News Media release
ABL advises MAKE Ventures on build-to-rent joint venture with AustralianSuper
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Make Ventures (MAKE) on a joint venture with AustralianSuper in relation to future build-to-rent-to-own residential developments.
2 July 2020
Insights Publication
Changes to the application of foreign surcharges for trusts acquiring or holding NSW residential property
The State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Act 2020, which came into effect in New South Wales on 24 June 2020, includes changes to “foreign person surcharges” for purchaser duty and land tax relevant to residential land in NSW owned by discretionary trusts.
2 July 2020
News Media release
ABL acts on $459m uni housing deal
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has advised Journal Student Accommodation Fund (Journal), a trust jointly owned by South African REIT Redefine Properties and Melbourne based Citiplan Properties, on the sale of two student accommodation buildings in Melbourne for $459 million to German investment house Allianz Real Estate (Allianz).
1 July 2020
News Media release
2020 Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate announcement
The partners of Arnold Bloch Leibler are delighted to announce this year’s Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate appointments, effective July 2020.
25 June 2020
News Media release
Charter Hall secures Coles distribution centres
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Charter Hall Group on the development and long-term lease of two new high-tech Coles Customer Fulfilment Centres to be built in Melbourne (MidWest Logistics Hub in Truganina) and Sydney (Horsley Drive Business Park in Wetherill Park), with a combined lettable area of 60,000 square metres.
12 May 2020
Insights Publication
Changes to FIRB requirements
On 29 March 2020, the Federal Treasurer announced that due to the impacts of COVID-19, all monetary screening thresholds for foreign investments in Australian land will be temporarily reduced to nil. This change was given effect through the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Amendment (Threshold Test) Regulations 2020 (Cth) (“FATA Regulations”).
8 May 2020
Insights Publication
COVID–19: Code of Conduct for Commercial and Retail Tenancies
The Code of Conduct for Commercial and Retail Tenancies, released by the National Cabinet on 7 April, will be given effect in the coming weeks through State and Territory government legislation or regulation. There is still a range of issues yet to be clarified about how the Code will take effect, and we will provide a further update once legislation has been passed.
14 April 2020
News Media release
ABL advises MAB on Uni Hill Factory Outlets sale
Arnold Bloch Leibler has acted for MAB Corporation on the sale of a 50% interest in Uni Hill Factory Outlets to ASX-listed Vicinity Centres, for $67.8 million. MAB Corporation will continue to retain a 50% interest in the asset.
9 April 2020
News Media release
ABL advises Grollo family on $644m Rialto deal
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised long-standing private client, the Grollo family, in relation to its ongoing ownership interest in the Rialto Towers in Melbourne, as part of a complex transfer of a 50% stake in the iconic commercial building.
8 April 2020
News Media release
Wrap up: Property/Finance Forum 2020
Arnold Bloch Leibler recently hosted its annual Sydney Property/Finance Forum to discuss trends in the market over the past 12 months and predictions for the coming year. Given the uncertainty that market-leaders are feeling towards the next 12 months, it was an opportune time to discuss what the year may have in store and answer some burning questions.
5 March 2020
News Media release
ABL acts on Australia’s biggest pub transaction in Byron Bay
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Impact Investment Group (IIG) and the van Haandel family on the $100+ million sale of the iconic Byron Bay Beach Hotel to Moelis Australia. The sale received global interest and has been reported as setting a new record for the biggest pub transaction in Australia.
12 February 2020
News Media mention
Revised design standards won’t deliver better apartments
Special Counsel Andrea Towson is quoted in today’s AFR on the need for reform in Victoria’s approval regime for apartment developments.
23 October 2019
News Article
ABL provides Victorian stamp duty guidance at round table event
Partner Gia Cari and Special Counsel Zoe Chung hosted a boardroom lunch event in Arnold Bloch Leibler's Melbourne office on recent Victorian stamp duty changes.
18 October 2019
Insights Formal submission
Radical changes to Victoria’s planning framework are needed to deliver better apartments
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s Property and Development practice has made a submission in response to the Victorian Government's Better Apartments in Neighbourhoods Discussion Paper, which proposes changes to the Better Apartments Design Standards and the Apartment Design Guidelines for Victoria.
2 October 2019
Insights Publication
Changes to land tax in Victoria: Removal of the ‘Tennis Court Exemption’
The Victorian Government recently announced changes to the principal place of residence land tax exemption. This may impact individuals with adjoining properties on separate titles who are currently claiming the exemption for their land.
13 September 2019
News Media release
Contracts signed for S P Setia developments in Melbourne
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Malaysian property developer S P Setia Bhd (S P Setia) on the construction contracts for the development of Sapphire by the Gardens and UNO in Melbourne.
2 September 2019
Insights Article
ABL Property Developers’ Forum 2019 – Wrap Up
This fourth annual ABL Property Developers’ Forum attracted more than 150 guests from Melbourne's property and development comminity.
22 August 2019
News Media release
ABL advises Charter Hall on $1.43b property portfolio investment
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Australian property investment and funds management company, Charter Hall, on the acquisition by a Charter Hall managed partnership of a 49% interest in a newly created property trust established by Telstra. It is intended that the unlisted trust will hold a $1.43b portfolio of 37 Telstra exchange properties located across Australia.
19 August 2019
Insights Article
New partner Gia Cari on market trends
We spoke with newly appointed Property partner Gia Cari about the top market trends that will affect her clients in the next year.
9 July 2019
News Media release
ABL advises ASX-listed Probiotec on acquisition of leading pharmaceutical business
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised long-standing client, ASX-listed Probiotec Limited, on its acquisition of leading pharmaceutical business Australian Blister Sealing (ABS).
3 July 2019
News Media release
2019 Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate announcement
The partners of Arnold Bloch Leibler are delighted to announce this year’s Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate appointments, effective July 2019.
28 June 2019
News Media release
ABL advises Starwood Capital on $220m development facility
A multi-disciplinary team from Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised US investment firm, Starwood Capital on behalf of Starwood Property Trust, on its first Australian debt deal, a $220m development facility for a project by international student accommodation specialist, Scape.
26 June 2019
News Media release
ABL Property Team in the finals for 2019 Australian Law Awards
Having led a series of market leading, property backed M&A transactions over the last 12 months, Arnold Bloch Leibler’s property practice is a finalist for Property Team of the Year in this prestigious national awards program.
25 June 2019
Insights Publication
Property developers and investors: the Victorian Budget changes will impact you!
Changes introduced by the 2019-20 State Budget and the State Taxation Amendment Bill 2019 (“Bill”) could have significant stamp duty implications for property developers and investors. In our opinion, the most substantive changes are those to the economic entitlement and corporate reconstruction provisions.
6 June 2019
News Media release
ABL advises on historic acquisition of former Fairfax newspaper and property portfolio
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s (ABL) Corporate and M&A Team has advised a consortium controlled by Antony Catalano and Thorney Investment Group on the $115 million acquisition of the Australian Community Media and printing business from Nine Entertainment.
2 May 2019
Insights Media mention
Combustible cladding: Victoria legislates to implement rectification agreements
In an article published by the Law Council of Australia, Partner Ken Gray provides an overview of Victoria’s new legislation to implement rectification agreements for combustible cladding.
11 April 2019
News Media release
ABL advises Qualitas on $250m private funding deal
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s Banking & Finance and Property & Development teams have advised property financier Qualitas on a $250 million senior debt facility for developer Trennery Property Group.
29 March 2019
News Media release
2020 Best Lawyers® International results
A total of 32 Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) lawyers across 24 areas of legal practice have been recognised in this year’s Best Lawyers® International list for Australia.
22 March 2019
News Article
Property Council of Australia’s 500 Women in Property
Two Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) Senior Associates have been included in the 2019 Property Council of Australia’s (PCA) 500 Women in Property program.
18 March 2019
Insights Article
Wrap up: Property/Finance Forum 2019
Last Thursday, Arnold Bloch Leibler held its Sydney Property/Finance Forum to discuss trends in the market over the past 12 months and predictions for the coming year.
7 March 2019
Insights Publication
Is your leased property ‘retail premises’?
In July 2017, the Victorian Court of Appeal confirmed that a cold storage warehouse and transport facility was ‘retail premises’ for the purposes of the Retail Leases Act 2003 (“the Act”) in CB Cold Storage Pty Ltd v IMCC Group (Australia) Pty Ltd [2017] VSCA 178 (“Cold Storage”). The landlord’s application for special leave to appeal was dismissed by the High Court in December 2017.
11 February 2019
News Media release
ABL advises on $1.25bn hospital deal as part of Brookfield’s Healthscope takeover
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has acted for Medical Properties Trust (MPT) on the acquisition of $1.25bn of hospitals from Australian private hospital operator Healthscope. The deal is hinged on and represents a key pillar of the broader Brookfield Capital Partners’ $4.5bn parallel scheme and takeover offer for ASX-listed Healthscope.
4 February 2019
News Media release
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific results 2019
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has been ranked across a number categories in the 2019 edition of the independent Legal 500 Asia Pacific guide.
25 January 2019
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler recognised in the 2018 Doyle’s Guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has been listed across a number of practice areas in the 2018 Doyle’s Guide to the Australian legal profession.
12 December 2018
News Media release
Arnold Bloch Leibler listed in Chambers Asia Pacific 2019
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has received 22 individual lawyer rankings in the Asia Pacific guide of 2019 international legal directory Chambers and Partners.
3 December 2018
News Media release
ABL advises ASX-listed Probiotec on multiple milestone transactions
Arnold Bloch Leibler has recently advised ASX-listed Probiotec Limited on three key transactions.
29 August 2018
News Media release
Dial-A-Dump agrees to sell for $577.5m to ASX-listed Bingo Industries
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised privately owned group Dial-A-Dump Industries in relation to the sale of the group to ASX listed Bingo Industries for $577.5m.
22 August 2018
News Article
ABL advises on $550m St Kilda residential project to be developed by Gurner™
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised in connection with a $550 million residential development project in St Kilda, Melbourne. Gurner™ will develop the 6000 sq m beachfront site on The Esplanade - currently housing the Novotel hotel - into a luxury apartment complex.
4 July 2018
News Publication
GST withholding tax on sales of new residential premises and subdivisions only two months away!
From 1 July 2018 purchasers of new residential premises and lots in residential subdivisions will generally be required to make a payment of 1/11th of the purchase price directly to the ATO at settlement. Developers and purchasers need to be aware of new withholding and notification obligations.
28 April 2018
News Article
33 ABL lawyers listed in Best Lawyers 2019 guide
A total of 33 Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) lawyers across 23 areas of legal practice have been recognised in this year’s Best Lawyers® International list for Australia.
12 April 2018
News Media release
ABL advises Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised US-based Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation on its acquisition of the Krispy Kreme Australia and New Zealand franchise business from its founding shareholders.
21 March 2018
Insights Article
ABL Property Developers' Forum 2018 - Wrap up
Hosted by Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Associates Andrea Towson and Tanya Bastick, the 2018 Property Developers’ Forum provided attendees with a look back at the key property and development issues in 2017 and a lively discussion around what to expect in the coming year.
8 March 2018
News Media release
ABL advises on sale of the Punthill Apartment Hotel Group
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has advised the Caras family on the sale of the Punthill Apartment Hotels business to Sydney based boutique hotel operator, Veriu.
13 February 2018