Off the plan,
with your eyes open.
An off-the-plan contract has to cover years, not weeks. We read it for the clauses that matter when plans change, and we look after you through to registration and settlement.
Client reviews
Property law clients,
in their own words.
Been dealing with Dinesh, Pallavee and his staff for over 10 years, more than 20 properties settled through them. The amount of expertise Joshi Lawyers has is next to none… every question answered and every transaction handled in the most professional way.
Ankur AnandProperty investor · Google review, 2018 Made a complex process simple. I received pro-active phone calls and emails letting me know about timeframes and deadlines… Everything was completed remotely and so easy, as well as regular communication which far exceeded my expectations.
Dhaval PatelHome buyer · Google review, 2020 I’ve used Joshi Lawyers a few times now and have always had a good experience with them. The communication and service from their team throughout the entire process from start to finish is great, and they are cost-effective, too.
Ian HProperty and conveyancing client · Google review, 2019 We bought our first commercial property and Dinesh looked after our file… sent us all information three days prior with all calculations, and kept us posted with all changes on the settlement date. A hassle-free experience.
Ravneet KaurCommercial property buyer · Google review, 2020 The process went smooth with no stress, communication was easy and we were kept informed throughout the process. We can’t recommend them enough and we will definitely be using their services for future settlements.
Dureka HomesBuilder · Google review, 2019 I am with them for the past 5 years for several land purchases. In all instances they have provided great service to me… taking ownership and providing extra-mile service.
Sumita MukherjeeLand investor · Google review, 2019
Is this you?
When people come to us about off-the-plan purchases.
Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.
- You have paid a holding deposit on an apartment or townhouse that is not built yet.
- The contract lets the developer change the plans, and you want to know how far.
- The sunset date is approaching and the building is not finished.
- You were told about a duty saving and want to know if it is real.
How we help
The risk in off-the-plan is in the time between signing and settling.
A great deal can change between signing and completion. The building, the market, the developer’s finances and your own circumstances. The contract decides who carries each of those risks, so it pays to read it before you sign, not when something changes.
We review the contract, the disclosure statement and the plans, explain the sunset clause and your rights if it is reached, check how the deposit is held, and look after the settlement once the plan of subdivision is registered.
What we do
- Contract, disclosure statement and plans reviewed before signing
- Sunset clauses, permitted variations and completion dates explained
- Deposit arrangements and any bank guarantee or deposit bond checked
- Off-the-plan duty concession assessed
- Inspection, defects and registration steps explained
- Settlement once the plan of subdivision is registered
What happens first
Your first week with us.
A matter should feel different from the first call. This is what you can expect before anything is signed or sent.
Day 1: send the contract
Email the contract and section 32, or the link from the agent, and tell us the auction or signing date.
Within 24 hours: the red flags, in writing
What the contract commits you to, what to negotiate before you sign, and what would make us tell you to walk away.
Before you sign: a fixed fee in writing
One quote for the whole conveyance, so you know the cost before you are committed to anything.
From then on: one lawyer, no chasing
The lawyer who reviewed your contract runs the file to settlement. You are told the settlement figures before the day, not after.
Your team
Who you will deal with.
Matters are run by the people below, not handed down.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.
Can the developer end the contract under the sunset clause?
In Victoria a developer generally needs your written consent, or an order of the Supreme Court, to end a residential off-the-plan contract under a sunset clause. We explain your position and respond for you if a request arrives.
What if the finished property is different from the plans?
The contract sets out what changes are allowed and what rights you have if they go further. We read those terms before you sign and advise you at the inspection before settlement.
What does it cost?
Conveyancing is a fixed fee, quoted before you engage us. Development, SMSF and commercial property work is handled by senior lawyers and scoped in writing before it starts, so you know what you are committing to and what you will get for it.
More in buying
View all property law- Contract and section 32 reviewsThe contract and vendor statement read by a lawyer before you sign or bid, back within 24 hours.Read more
- Buying a propertyConveyancing for homes and investment property, from the signed contract to the keys.Read more
- First home buyersYour first purchase explained step by step, including the grant and duty concessions you may qualify for.Read more
- SMSF, trust and company purchasesPurchases through a self-managed super fund, trust or company, structured correctly from the contract onwards.Read more
Tell us what is going on. We will tell you where you stand.
A free 15-minute call. If it is a matter for us, you are booked in with the right solicitor before the call ends. If it is not, we will say so.