What do property lawyers do?
Property lawyers handle the transfer of property from one party to another, and all that entails. They have a wider base of knowledge of law than a conveyancer and can help you with more than simple title transfer. Below is a list of activities property lawyers do.
- They offer advice regarding real estate legalities.
- They create customised documents for real estate transactions.
- They conduct due diligence to help warn you of potential risks in property sales.
- They ensure your property sale or purchase is in line with relevant laws.
- They facilitate dispute resolution in the courts.
When do you need a property lawyer?
Before you make any big decision regarding the sale or purchase of property, you should hire a property lawyer. Many people leave it too late and only get in touch with a lawyer after the contract has already been signed, which could leave you beholden to disagreeable terms.
Or, the contract may be from a standard template that does not address important special circumstances concerning the transaction or the property. When you hire a lawyer, they can make tweaks to the contract that are in your favour.
How do you find a good property lawyer?
When you’re shopping around for the best property lawyer, it’s important to consider their expertise, their reputation, and how you’ll work with them. Getting clear on everything upfront will help ensure that you get the best fit for your needs.
Make sure they are experienced in property law
Lawyers aren’t all the same. They each have their area of expertise, and it’s important for you that it is property, as that is what you are hiring them for. Don’t be tempted to get a family friend who is a lawyer in some other field to help you out.
You will be much better off hiring a professional lawyer who knows property law inside out. This is partially because it’s a completely different body of knowledge to say, family law, but also because legislation constantly changes, so an expert in one area will be across the latest updates
Do your research
So now you know you need to focus on property lawyers, you can do a Google search and see who comes up. Often there are reviews left by previous clients that will give you an idea of the level of service they experienced with any one law firm or lawyer.
Now that everyone is online, you can get a lot of information from search engines. Another source of information is the Law Institute of Victoria. On their website, you can use their Find A Lawyer Referral Service to locate a lawyer with the relevant expertise.
Try before you buy
Many property lawyers will offer a free introductory consultation so you can get a feel for who they are and if they are the right person to help you.
Don’t waste this opportunity. Meet your new potential property lawyer and ask them all the questions you have about things like communication styles and methods. Ask yourself if you trust the person in front of you and if you will feel comfortable confiding in them with your personal affairs.
Get clear on billing
Property lawyers can bill you in several ways, so it’s best to discuss this in the initial meeting before you commit to using their services. Some lawyers bill by the hour, and some charge a retainer or a flat fee.
When you meet with your potential property lawyer, as you explain your needs for legal help, they should be able to give you a ballpark figure of how much it might cost. This will save you from any surprises down the track.
Trust P&B Law for expert property law advice
At P&B Law, we’ve helped countless clients successfully navigate legal transactions involving property. We tick all the legal boxes so that it’s smooth sailing, no matter what property shores you’re aiming for.
Contact us today to find out more.
Related article:
Why choose a conveyancing solicitor over a conveyancer?