Specialist Property Development & Planning Lawyers
- Expert guidance on complex local & planning laws
- Proactive legal support for your property investment
- From acquisition to project completion
- Trusted by developers, investors, and owners
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Our Services
Our Property Development and Planning Law Services
LawBridge offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to the specific needs of property development and planning clients across Sydney and NSW. Our specialist lawyers provide expert guidance through the complexities of property transactions, regulatory requirements, and dispute resolution.
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Purchasing Commercial Industrial or Residential Property
We conduct thorough due diligence, reviewing contracts, planning controls, zoning, and environmental issues to ensure your property acquisition aligns with your development objectives.
2
Selling Commercial Industrial or Residential Property
Our team prepares compliant sale contracts, ensures all disclosure obligations are met, and guides you through the transaction to minimise risk and ensure a smooth sale.
3
Advising on Real Estate Taxation Implications
We provide clear advice on GST, stamp duty, and land tax issues, helping you understand the tax impact of your property transactions or development project.
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Assisting with Business Sale or Purchase
We handle the property aspects of business transactions, including due diligence, lease review, and obtaining required permits or council approvals for properties tied to the sale.
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Drafting and Negotiating Commercial and Retail Leases
We draft and negotiate lease terms for landlords and tenants, ensuring agreements are clear, compliant, and commercially sound across retail and commercial leasing matters.
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Advising on Tenancy Disputes and NCAT Representation
Our team advises on tenancy rights and obligations, and represents clients in disputes before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), seeking practical outcomes.
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Acting in Property Disputes
We represent buyers and sellers in property contract disputes and advise on rights and remedies, including matters before the Land and Environment Court.
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Representing in Strata Disputes
We assist owners’ corporations, committees, and individual owners in resolving conflicts and navigating strata rules effectively within NSW’s legal framework.
Be Confident In Your Property Development Journey
Navigating NSW’s planning system can be complex. LawBridge provides clear legal guidance through each stage of the development application (DA) process—helping clients secure approvals and manage risks from pre-acquisition to final consent.
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Strategic Advice from Pre Purchase Planning
Early legal advice is essential to assess feasibility and avoid costly delays. We assist with:
Evaluating development potential based on zoning, LEPs, and SEPPs
Identifying planning constraints or environmental risks
Ensuring compliance with local council permissibility requirements
Conducting due diligence to support informed acquisition decisions
2
Securing Development Consent and Other Approvals
We support clients in preparing and lodging robust DAs and navigating council processes. Our services include:
Advising on DA vs. complying development options
Reviewing supporting reports and assessments
Negotiating conditions of consent with councils
Managing communications with authorities and consultants
3
Handling Development Application Appeals and Modifications
If a DA is refused or changes are needed, we help resolve issues efficiently. We offer:
Legal advice on DA appeals and prospects of success
Representation in the NSW Land and Environment Court
Support with Section 4.55 modification applications
Negotiation with councils to reach practical, compliant outcomes
100% Obligation-Free
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Why Choose LawBridge as Your Property Development Lawyer
Choosing the right legal partner is essential to successfully navigate NSW’s complex planning and development framework. LawBridge combines specialist knowledge with a commercial, client-first approach to help your projects succeed.
Experienced Property Development Experts
Our lawyers have extensive experience advising on residential, commercial, and industrial developments. We guide clients through SEPPs, LEPs, DA processes, land use considerations, and council approvals with confidence.
Commercially Focused and Pragmatic Approach
We deliver results-focused advice aligned with your development goals—providing strategic guidance from acquisition to completion, and tailoring solutions to NSW’s dynamic planning environment.
Proactive Risk Management
We help you identify and manage legal risks early—through due diligence, zoning and environmental assessments, and careful document review—to prevent disputes and protect your investment.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients trust LawBridge to provide clear, reliable & practical legal support.
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Team
Our Property Development & Planning Team
The LawBridge team specialises in NSW property development and planning law. We advise developers, investors, and landowners through every stage—from due diligence and acquisition to council approvals, appeals, and project delivery. With deep legal and regulatory expertise, we deliver practical, commercially focused solutions for your development needs.
Adam Jacobs
Partner & Co-Founder
Ramia Abdo Sultan
Partner & Co-Founder
Mohamad Kammoun
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Practice Areas
Our Expertise
LawBridge offers specialised legal counsel tailored to the unique needs of the not-for-profit sector. Leveraging deep experience within charities and educational institutions, we provide guidance on governance, compliance, structuring, and operational matters, helping organisations advance their mission effectively.
LawBridge delivers specialised conveyancing solutions designed for the property development sector. We manage complex transactions, including off-the-plan contracts and large-scale settlements, ensuring your projects progress efficiently, mitigate risks, and achieve successful, timely completions.
We provide commercially astute legal advice and solutions for businesses operating in NSW and across Australia. From corporate structuring and transactions to litigation and compliance, our focus is on delivering pragmatic strategies that protect your interests and drive your commercial objectives forward.
We understand that personal legal matters require sensitivity and expertise. LawBridge provides clear, practical advice on personal law issues including family law, wills, and estate planning, ensuring your personal interests and assets are protected with a strategic, results-oriented approach.
100% Obligation-Free
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Expert Guidance for Your Property Development Project
Whether you’re acquiring land or progressing a development in NSW, LawBridge provides trusted legal guidance across all stages. We help clients navigate planning laws, approvals, and compliance with confidence.
Navigating Property Development and Planning Law
Property development in Sydney requires deep understanding of planning instruments like SEPPs, LEPs, and council regulations. LawBridge advises on:
Planning approvals and development consents
Environmental assessment requirements
Land use, zoning, and local council engagement
We support clients from acquisition through to completion, ensuring regulatory compliance and strategic execution at every step.
Your Partner in Achieving Development Goals
LawBridge takes a proactive, commercial approach to development projects. We help you:
Identify legal risks and assess site feasibility
Navigate DA and CDC approvals
Draft and review joint venture or development agreements
Our lawyers work closely with developers, investors, and landowners to deliver outcomes that are legally sound and commercially successful.
Insights
Tap into LawBridge Insights & Updates
Stay informed with our latest thinking on legal developments, commercial challenges, and opportunities across the sectors we serve.
Introduction For any Australian charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), comprehending ACNC Governance Standard 6 is crucial. This specific governance standard is intrinsically linked to the
Introduction The overhaul of the unfair contract terms (UCT) regime under the Australian Consumer Law 2010 (Cth) (ACL), effective from 9 November 2023, presents a new compliance landscape for NSW
Introduction Selecting the appropriate legal structure is a foundational step for any not-for-profit (NFP) organisation in Australia, profoundly impacting its governance, operational capacity, and long-term sustainability. With several different legal
Introduction For any charity or not-for-profit organisation, correctly distinguishing between volunteers and employees is a critical responsibility, yet the legal distinctions can often be complex. This understanding is fundamental for
Introduction Effectively managing conflicts of interest is fundamental for every charity’s board or committee to maintain integrity and adhere to governance standards set by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
Introduction Not-for-profit organisations and charities in Australia are increasingly exploring mergers, acquisitions, and restructures as strategic avenues. These significant undertakings often arise from the need to navigate increasing compliance pressures,
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Frequently Asked Questions about Property Development and Planning Law
Understanding the rules around property development in NSW can be complex. Our FAQ section addresses common questions from developers, investors, and property owners to help clarify key legal processes, planning terms, and approval pathways involved in successful development projects.
Why do I need a specialist property development lawyer in Sydney?
You need a specialist property development lawyer in Sydney because property development involves complex NSW planning law, regulations, and potential pitfalls that require expert navigation. A specialist lawyer provides crucial expertise to guide you through planning approvals like development consent, council negotiations, property contracts, and dispute resolution effectively. This ensures compliance with environmental planning instruments and protects your interests throughout the development project.
What types of property development projects does LawBridge handle?
LawBridge assists clients with a diverse range of property development projects across NSW, including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments. Our legal services cover all stages, from property acquisition and financing to planning approval, leasing, and handling property transactions or disputes. We tailor our advice to the specific type of development and client objectives.
How can LawBridge help with obtaining development consent from the council?
LawBridge helps clients obtain development consent from the council by providing strategic advice from the initial planning stage and managing the entire development application process. Our specialist planning lawyers assist with preparing robust applications, navigating council requirements and local planning controls, negotiating conditions of consent, and addressing objections. If a development application faces refusal, we advise on and manage appeals in the Land and Environment Court.
What is due diligence in property development?
Due diligence in property development involves conducting thorough investigations before committing to a property acquisition or project commencement to identify potential risks and ensure the proposal aligns with your goals. This process includes reviewing the property contract, investigating zoning and land use permissibility under relevant Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs), understanding strata rules if applicable, and assessing environmental matters or heritage issues. Proper due diligence by your lawyer helps avoid costly surprises and informs sound investment decisions.
Can LawBridge assist with property disputes?
Yes, LawBridge can assist with various property disputes arising during or after property development or transactions in NSW. We represent clients, including developers, vendors, purchasers, landlords, and tenants, in matters such as breach of sale contract disputes, leasing disagreements, and strata disputes before NCAT or the Land and Environment Court. Our lawyers advise on your rights and obligations and pursue effective dispute resolution strategies.
What are Voluntary Planning Agreements?
Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) are agreements made between a developer and a planning authority, such as a local council in NSW, concerning public benefits or contributions related to a proposed development. These agreements formalise arrangements for developers to contribute towards public infrastructure or amenities as part of the planning approval process. LawBridge can advise on, draft, and negotiate VPAs on behalf of developers.
Does LawBridge advise on the tax implications of property development?
Yes, LawBridge advises clients on the tax implications associated with property development and property transactions in NSW. Our advice covers obligations related to GST, stamp duty, and land tax for the sale or purchase of real estate. Understanding these financial aspects is crucial for the commercial viability of your development project.
What support does LawBridge offer for property leasing?
LawBridge offers comprehensive support for property leasing, including drafting and negotiating commercial and retail lease agreements for both landlords and tenants across NSW. We ensure lease terms are favourable and comply with relevant legislation. Additionally, our lawyers advise on tenancy laws and represent clients in tenancy disputes, including representation before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) if required.
How does LawBridge help structure development projects?
LawBridge helps structure development projects by advising developers on the most appropriate business structures, such as joint ventures, to minimise exposure and protect assets effectively. We draft necessary agreements, like joint venture agreements, that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements. Our commercially focused approach ensures the structure supports the successful delivery and commercial viability of your development project.
