Commercial Property Development Lawyers
End‑to‑end project support for commercial developers from our Brisbane‑based property law team advising across Australia.
- Rigorous due diligence to de-risk your next development site acquisition
- Optimal joint ventures & corporate structure to secure project finance
- Tight construction law contracts to minimise delays on major projects
- Streamlined conveyancing & retail leasing to lock in project revenue
Our Commercial Property Development Services
Our senior lawyers provide expert legal guidance across the entire project lifecycle, helping property developers navigate complex legal challenges & drive commercial outcomes across:
01. Commercial Site Acquisition & Due Diligence
We structure your property transactions & conduct rigorous due diligence to identify critical risks before you commit to a development site, including:
- Auditing title encumbrances, easements & complex commercial land subdivisions.
- Reviewing planning/zoning restrictions, contamination risks & infrastructure requirements.
- Negotiating contracts of sale, put & call options & joint ventures.
02. Planning & Environment Approvals
We navigate the planning process & local council regulations across all state jurisdictions to keep your development project moving forward, including:
- Advising on state-based planning and environment legislation.
- Managing development application submissions & rezoning requests.
- Handling objections & appeals in planning tribunals to pursue necessary consents.
03. Commercial Construction & Consultant Contracts
Our construction lawyers draft & negotiate robust agreements to allocate risk effectively & minimise costly delays during the build phase, including:
- Preparing bespoke building & construction contracts for major projects.
- Negotiating terms with architects, engineers & project managers.
- Advising on contract administration, variations & extensions of time.
04. Commercial Project Finance
We advise on optimal funding structures & negotiate finance documentation to help securely capitalise your commercial building or mixed-use precinct, including:
- Structuring senior debt, mezzanine finance & preferred equity arrangements.
- Reviewing loan agreements & complex security documentation.
- Assisting with conditions precedent to facilitate timely funding drawdowns.
05. Commercial Off-The-Plan Sales & Retail Leasing
We manage the conveyancing & leasing matters required to lock in your project’s revenue streams early, including:
- Drafting compliant off-the-plan contracts & disclosure statements for purchasers.
- Negotiating agreements for lease & retail premises leases with anchor tenants.
- Structuring body corporate rules & strata management statements.
06. Commercial Dispute Resolution
We provide strategic advice & representation to resolve potential disputes quickly so you can protect your profit margins & project timelines, including:
- Managing construction contracts disputes over defects, delays & variations.
- Defending security of payment claims & contractor demands.
- Resolving commercial & retail leasing conflicts & joint venture disagreements.
Who We Act For
GRM LAW’s property development lawyers understand how commercial property development projects are structured, managed & delivered – and act as long-term counsel to the full spectrum of developers & investors, including:
Large-Scale Commercial Developers
National property groups executing major projects across commercial properties from initial site acquisition to final retail leasing.
Industrial & Logistics Park Developers
Private firms building national warehouse hubs facing complex planning & environment approvals before breaking ground.
Mixed-Use Precinct Developers
Consortiums combining commercial & retail spaces with residential buildings into complex stratum-titled precincts.
Boutique Commercial Developers
Independent operators executing targeted property transactions to maximise yield on specialised urban sites.
Real Estate Funds & Institutional Investors
Capital providers structuring complex joint ventures to fund high‑yield commercial property acquisitions.
Joint Venture Development Partners
Active builders & passive landowners pooling equity via strict development agreements to share project profits.
Commercial Land Subdividers
Landowners carving a large development site into profitable commercial subdivisions with heavy infrastructure requirements.
Retail Leasing & Shopping Centre Developers
Precinct creators securing anchor retail premises via complex agreements for lease & leases prior to construction.
Discuss Your Commercial Property Development
Our senior property lawyers will contact you to discuss your upcoming project & outline next steps.
What Our Clients Say
How The Process Works
01.
Initial Project Scoping & Structuring
We assess your objectives & advise on the optimal corporate structure to protect developer assets & secure finance.
02.
Site Acquisition & Due Diligence
We conduct rigorous due diligence & negotiate acquisition contracts so you secure the site with risks identified.
03.
Approvals & Construction Contracting
We secure planning approvals & draft tight construction law contracts to prevent scope creep & costly delays.
04.
Project Delivery & Commercial Leasing
We finalise conveyancing, off-the-plan sales & retail leasing agreements to lock in early revenue streams.
Discuss Your Commercial Property Development
Our senior property lawyers will contact you to discuss your upcoming project & outline next steps.
Why Choose GRM LAW
01. Full Development Lifecycle Expertise
We advise on every development project stage from initial site acquisition through final retail leasing.
02. Expert Regulatory Navigation
Our senior property law team secures complex planning approvals across Australia without costly delays.
03. Commercial Focus & Pragmatism
We structure corporate entities & joint ventures for secure project finance & protected developer profit margins.
04. Proactive Risk Management
We conduct rigorous due diligence & draft tight construction law contracts mitigating risks before breaking ground.
05. Efficiency & Responsiveness
We deliver rapid conveyancing & commercial lease turnarounds locking in your property development revenue streams early.
Meet Gavin McInnes
As the founder of GRM LAW, Gavin McInnes leads our national property development team with nearly two decades of experience in property law & corporate structuring. He provides commercial property developers with the strategic legal framework needed to navigate complex planning regulations & secure project finance.
- Nearly 20 years advising developers on property law, construction law & commercial property transactions
- Accredited Specialist in Business Law with deep expertise in structuring joint ventures & development agreements
- Proven track record securing complex planning approvals & managing major projects across Australia
When Gavin oversees your commercial property development, you get pragmatic, results-oriented advice that protects your assets & locks in early revenue streams.
Representative Commercial Property & Precinct Experience
We support commercial developers, funds & agency groups on major office, retail & mixed‑use assets, including:
307 Queen Street, Brisbane (A$113m acquisition; A$141m sale)
Acting for GDI Property Group on the acquisition and later sale of this CBD office tower.
50 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Acting for GDI Property Group on the acquisition of this landmark Gold Coast office asset.
235 Stanley Place, Townsville
Acting for GDI Property Group on the acquisition of this Townsville office tower.
215 Adelaide Street & 235 Edward Street, Brisbane
Due diligence work for the acquisition of these CBD office properties.
10 Market Street, Brisbane
Commercial strata arrangements for a multi‑tenancy commercial building.
Place Real Estate
Acquisitions & restructurings for a leading Brisbane real estate & commercial property group.
Burlington Real Estate, Churchill Property & Paddington Property Sales
Acquisitions & restructurings for boutique commercial & residential agency businesses.
Recognition & Awards
Commercial Property Development Essentials
Structuring Commercial Projects
The right corporate structure protects your assets & optimises tax outcomes. You must establish this framework before you begin any site acquisition.
Different projects require different vehicles like joint ventures or unit trusts. Our property development lawyers advise on the best structure for your specific commercial goals.
Navigating National Approvals
Planning & environment laws vary significantly across every Australian state. A development site in Sydney faces different zoning rules than one in Brisbane.
Early engagement with local councils prevents costly delays later. Expert legal advice helps you secure necessary approvals & keep your project moving.
Managing Construction Risks
Standard building contracts often leave the developer exposed to significant risk. Material cost increases & weather delays frequently derail project timelines.
Bespoke amendments allocate these risks fairly between you & the builder. Our construction law team drafts robust agreements to minimise potential disputes.
Securing Project Finance
Commercial financiers require strict legal certainty before releasing project funds. Lenders often demand a specific percentage of pre-sales or retail leasing commitments.
Satisfying these complex conditions precedent requires precise conveyancing & contract administration. We negotiate your finance documentation to ensure your development is securely funded.
Discuss Your Commercial Property Development
Our senior property lawyers will contact you to discuss your upcoming project & outline next steps.
Legal & Compliance Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
What Legal Due Diligence Is Required Before Acquiring A Commercial Site?
Before acquiring a development site, you must conduct rigorous legal due diligence to uncover any hidden constraints that could derail your project. This process generally involves auditing zoning laws, environmental contamination risks & existing title encumbrances. Identifying these issues early allows property developers to negotiate better terms or walk away from a risky acquisition.
How Do We Structure A Joint Venture For A Commercial Development?
Structuring a joint venture requires a robust development agreement that clearly defines the roles, financial contributions & profit-sharing arrangements of all parties. We advise on the optimal corporate structure to protect developer assets & secure project finance. To discuss the right framework for your specific development project, speak with our property team.
How Can We Mitigate Risks In Commercial Construction Contracts?
You can mitigate risks by drafting bespoke amendments to standard building contracts that clearly allocate responsibility for delays, defects & material cost increases. Tight construction law contracts are essential to prevent scope creep & costly payment disputes during the build phase. Our construction lawyers work to ensure your major projects remain on schedule & within budget.
What Are The Key Legal Risks In Commercial Retail Leasing?
The primary risks in commercial & retail leasing involve failing to secure anchor tenants early or signing agreements for lease that lack watertight conditions. Preparing compliant purchaser contracts & retail leases prior to construction finishing is critical to locking in early revenue streams. We manage these leasing matters to protect your commercial properties & ensure a smooth transition to income realisation.
At What Stage Of Our Development Project Should We Engage GRM LAW?
You should engage our development lawyers during the initial site identification & structuring phase. Bringing us in early helps you anticipate regulatory hurdles, secure optimal project finance & prevent costly delays later in the lifecycle. Contact us before you commit to an acquisition so we can de-risk your property transactions from day one.
Does GRM LAW Handle Commercial Property Developments Outside Of Queensland?
Yes, our national property law team seamlessly manages complex commercial projects across all state jurisdictions. While planning regulations vary by state, we have extensive experience navigating local council requirements & environmental laws nationally. Whether your site is in NSW or Victoria, we provide the expert legal support needed to keep your development moving.
How Quickly Can GRM LAW Turn Around Urgent Contract Reviews?
We deliver rapid conveyancing & commercial lease turnarounds to match the fast-paced demands of the property development sector. Our streamlined processes ensure you receive timely, clear advice & efficient document reviews without compromising on legal rigour. This responsiveness helps you lock in your property development revenue streams early.
Who Will Be Managing Our Commercial Development Project?
Your project will be overseen by our founder, Gavin McInnes & our dedicated property development team. With nearly 20 years of experience advising developers on property law & corporate structuring, Gavin ensures you receive high-level, commercially astute advice. This expert oversight protects your assets & provides a strategic legal framework for your major projects.
How Does GRM LAW Structure Fees For Development Projects?
We approach pricing with transparency, ensuring clear scoping & fee structures are agreed upon upfront before any work begins. This commercial focus ensures our legal solutions align with your project’s financial objectives & budget constraints. For a detailed fee estimate tailored to your next development, contact our team.
How Are Disputes Typically Resolved In Commercial Property Developments?
We typically resolve disputes through proactive alternative dispute resolution, mediation & security of payment legislation to avoid costly litigation. Defending defect claims, delay damages & contractual disagreements early keeps your project moving forward. Our focus is always on achieving practical commercial outcomes that protect your profit margins & business relationships.
Books By Gavin McInnes
Practical guides on structuring, asset protection and private credit in Australia.
Protect Your Assets
A plain‑English guide to protecting your home, business interests and investments under Australian law. Written for business owners, professionals and families who want to keep what they’ve built safe from avoidable risk.
Private Credit In Australia (Coming Soon)
A forthcoming guide to structuring, documenting and managing private credit transactions in the Australian market, written for lenders, sponsors and their advisers.
Explore Our Other Practice Areas
Deep expertise across corporate, banking & finance, property and related commercial work.
Private Lenders & Non‑Bank Finance
Strategic loan, security & enforcement advice for private credit funds, family offices & non‑bank lenders across Australia.
Property Developers & Projects
End‑to‑end legal support for property developers from site acquisition & approvals through to construction, sales, leasing & disputes.
Business Acquisitions & Disposals
Buy‑side & sell‑side advice on business and share sales, from initial structuring and due diligence through to completion.
Corporate & Commercial Advisory
Ongoing corporate, governance & commercial contracts advice for private companies, family businesses & investors.
Structuring & Asset Protection
Structuring businesses, investments & personal wealth to manage risk, protect assets and support long‑term succession.
Franchising
Establishing, growing & restructuring franchise networks, including franchise agreements, disclosure, compliance & exits.
IP & Technology
Protecting and commercialising intellectual property, software & technology through tailored licensing, development & sale agreements.
Real Estate Funds & Capital Raising
Advising real estate fund managers, sponsors & investors on fund structures, capital raisings & transaction execution across Australia.
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