Property Law Solicitors in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD

Practical Property Law Advice for Individuals and Businesses Across the Sutherland Shire and Sydney

Property transactions and disputes can involve some of the most significant financial decisions you will ever face. Whether you are refinancing your home, transferring property to a family member, entering a commercial lease, buying a house and land package, or developing a residential site, the right legal advice at the right time can make a material difference to your outcome.

Southern Waters Legal’s property law team advises individuals, families, and businesses across the Sutherland Shire and greater Sydney on a wide range of property law matters. Our offices in Cronulla, Menai and the Sydney CBD mean we are well-placed to assist clients wherever the property is located, and our team is always available by phone and email to keep you informed throughout your matter.

Whether you have a contract you would like reviewed, a lease you are about to sign, or a property transaction in progress, our team can provide the clear, practical advice you need.

Simon Bennett, Managing Director, Property Law, and Stephanie Martyn, Property Lawyer at Southern Waters Legal Cronulla

Book a Free 15-Minute Property Law Call

Got a contract, lease or property matter on your hands? Don’t sign until you’ve spoken with us.

Book a free 15-minute call with our property law solicitor and get clear on your position before you commit. Share your contract or documents in advance so we can discuss the key issues with you from the outset.

✔ Free ✔ 15 minutes ✔ No obligation

BOOK YOUR FREE CALL

Our Experts in Property Law can advise you on:

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Discharging or Refinancing a Mortgage

If you have found a better interest rate or are switching lenders, we can assist with the legal documentation required to discharge your existing mortgage and register the new one. We manage the process efficiently so the transition is completed correctly and on time.

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Inter-Family Property Transfers

Transferring property between family members, such as adding or removing a name from a title, gifting property to a child, or restructuring ownership, involves specific legal and stamp duty considerations under NSW law. In some circumstances, transfer duty concessions or exemptions may be available, which is why obtaining proper legal advice before proceeding can be important. We advise on the process and help ensure the transfer is documented correctly.

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Commercial and Residential Leases

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, entering a lease is a significant legal commitment. A well-drafted lease that clearly reflects the agreed terms can help reduce the risk of disputes during the tenancy. We advise landlords and tenants on commercial and retail leases, review and negotiate lease terms, and prepare lease documentation for residential and commercial properties.

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Co-Ownership Agreements

If you are purchasing a property with another person, whether a partner, a family member, or a business associate, a co-ownership agreement sets out each party’s rights and obligations, how decisions about the property are made, and what happens if one party wants to sell or exit the arrangement. Having a clear agreement in place before issues arise can be far less costly than trying to resolve a dispute later.

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Property Ownership Structures

How you hold property, whether personally, through a company, trust, or self-managed superannuation fund, has implications for your tax position, estate planning, and liability exposure. We can advise on the legal aspects of different ownership structures and help ensure the structure you choose is correctly documented. We recommend working closely with your accountant or financial adviser on the tax and financial dimensions of any restructure.

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Loan Guarantor Advice

If you are being asked to act as guarantor for a family member’s loan or property purchase, it is essential that you obtain independent legal advice before signing. As a guarantor, you may become liable for the full amount of the loan if the borrower defaults. We can explain the nature and extent of the obligations you are taking on, so you can make an informed decision before committing.

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Building Contract Review

If you are buying a house and land package or entering a residential building contract, it is important to have the contract reviewed before you sign. Building contracts are often lengthy and contain terms that can significantly affect your rights if delays, defects, or disputes arise during construction. We can review the contract, explain the key terms, and advise you on any conditions or provisions you should be aware of before committing.

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Property Development

Property development projects, whether residential subdivisions, multi-unit developments, or commercial projects, involve complex legal requirements at every stage. We advise property developers on contract preparation and review, planning and development agreement requirements, off-the-plan sale contracts, and the legal aspects of the development process. We work alongside your development team to provide clear, practical legal advice throughout the project.

BOOK A FREE 15-MIN PHONE CALL WITH STEPHANIE MARTYN

Have a contract, lease or property document you want to understand? Submit it when you book, and our solicitor will review it in advance — so your free call is focused and useful from the start.

✔ Free ✔ 15 minutes ✔ No obligation

What We Cover In Your Free Call:

Plain-English explanation of key contract or lease terms | Any clauses or conditions worth flagging before you sign | What the next steps in your matter are likely to look like

No pressure — just clear, expert property law guidance

BOOK YOUR FREE CALL

Why Choose Southern Waters Legal for Property Law

Experienced property law solicitors advising individuals, families and businesses across the Sutherland Shire

Offices in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD, conveniently located for clients throughout the Sutherland Shire and greater Sydney

Free 15-minute strategy call — submit your contract or document in advance for a focused, useful conversation

Advice across a wide range of property matters, including leases, transfers, co-ownership, development, and more

Clear, plain-English communication — we explain what matters and why, not just the technical details

We work alongside your accountant, financial adviser and development team for coordinated advice

Trusted by property owners and investors in the Sutherland Shire since 2009

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I get legal advice on a property matter?

The earlier, the better. Many property law problems arise because a contract was signed, a structure was chosen, or a decision was made before legal advice was obtained. Our free 15-minute strategy call is designed to make it easy for you to get early guidance on any property matter — before you are locked in. Whether you have a contract in front of you or are just exploring your options, we are here to help.

What is the difference between the Property Law page and the Conveyancing page?

Our Conveyancing page covers the buying and selling of property, and the transaction itself, including contract review, exchange, searches, and PEXA settlement. This Property Law page covers a broader range of property matters that are not part of a purchase or sale: leases, inter-family transfers, co-ownership agreements, building contracts, development advice, and more. If you are buying or selling, visit our Conveyancing page. If you have a different property law question, this is the right place.

Do I need a co-ownership agreement if I am buying with my partner?

It is strongly recommended. Many couples and co-purchasers assume their arrangement is clear without a formal agreement; however, without one, disputes about contributions, decision-making and exit arrangements can become complex and costly to resolve. A co-ownership agreement sets out each party’s rights and obligations clearly from the start. We recommend getting one in place before or at the time of purchase.

What should I look out for in a building contract?

Residential building contracts can be lengthy and heavily weighted in favour of the builder. Key areas to look at include: the fixed price and what is excluded, variations clauses (which can add significant cost), progress payment schedules, practical completion and defects periods, and the dispute resolution process. We recommend having any building contract reviewed by a solicitor before signing, particularly for house and land packages or significant renovation contracts.

Book an estate planning consultation — Southern Waters Legal Cronulla

Book Your Free 15-Minute Property Law Strategy Call

Get clear on your property matter — before it becomes complicated.

Fill in your details below. If you have a contract, lease or other document, upload it here, and our solicitor will review it before your call.

Enquire About Property Law in Cronulla, Menai or Sydney CBD

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Your details are kept strictly confidential. By submitting this form, you agree to Southern Waters Legal contacting you to arrange your free call. This call provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship.

Our Property Law Solicitors

Areas We Service

TESTIMONIALS

"Simon, Leona and all their staff dealt with my Estate Planning and Family Law matter in such a professional manner, I cannot thank them enough. The care and patience shown to me during the time of my matters was truly amazing! Again thank you all so much."

Glen
Estate Planning & Family Law Client

"Thank you for your very friendly and professional help in getting all of our affairs sorted in such a short time. We are very glad we came to Southern Waters Legal, ad we’re really appreciative of the professional manner and advice with which we received."

Wayne & Margaret
Estate Planning Client

"I have been a client of Southern Waters Legal for a number of years now. It is at specific times in our lives that we really value integrity and honesty in those we deal with. Simon, Leona and the team have helped me organise our affairs at a very tough time in my life, they have provided wise counsel, legal support and hand-holding as I went through the sale of my family home and moving to new premises. I have received possibly the best financial advice that is reaping rewards for me now. Thank you to a wonderful team of professionals. Thank you"

Anne
Property Client

"I used Leona and her team’s services during an extremely difficult and stressful period of my life. They were able to guide me through the steps required from beginning to end of divorce and financial settlement and set up a plan to follow that helped to take out a lot of the anxiety around not having control over the situation. I had 100% faith at all times in Leona and her team that my best interests were always taken into consideration and I was only contacted when needed to avoid being charged unnecessarily. These guys are the dream team and highly recommend them."

Stephanie
Family Law Client

"Family law can be very daunting but Leona Bennett removed all the confusion of the ‘legal jargon’ and step by step walked me through the family court process. Leona made it simple and I always had a full understanding of what was happening and made clear decisions for the final outcome. Leona and her team were there for me, working their wisdom to always provide greater clarity and support."

Cheryl
Family Law Client

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you for your exceptional guidance and support throughout my property settlement and divorce.

Your expertise, strategic thinking, and calm command of the process were deeply reassuring, especially during the most difficult moments. What stood out even more was your unwavering commitment to acting ethically and with integrity, even when the other side did not extend the same courtesy. That strength of character meant a great deal to me and helped me stay anchored in a process that was often emotionally and morally challenging.

Thank you for being both a skilled advocate and a steady presence. I’m deeply grateful to have had you in my corner.

Madeline
Property Law Client

I would like to say a truly heartfelt thank you for everything you did yesterday. You went above and beyond, not just in terms of the legal work, which was so thorough and professional but in the way you showed such care, calm and kindness throughout.

"This has been an incredibly emotional and complex chapter of my life, and to have someone like you guiding the final stages made all the difference. You were steady, thoughtful, and incredibly responsive. I felt genuinely supported and looked after!

Thank you for helping me bring this to a close with grace and dignity. I’m so grateful our paths crossed."

Maddie
Family Law Client

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