Property & Commercial Real Estate Lawyers Australia
Summary
Astris Law handles commercial property transactions in Queensland and Australia, including acquisitions, disposals, commercial and retail leasing under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld), property development, strata title matters, construction disputes and property due diligence integrated with broader commercial strategy.
Overview
Property is rarely an isolated transaction; it is usually the largest capital anchor for our clients' broader operations. We focus on commercial acquisitions, disposals and leasing, but we are not property specialists. We treat property matters as a subset of a client's commercial reality, ensuring that land-based assets or leasehold obligations do not create unforeseen liabilities for the wider enterprise.
We manage the friction between project objectives and the rigid requirements of property law by focusing on the long-term commercial impact of the transaction. Rather than viewing a lease or a purchase as a standalone task, we assess how it interacts with the business's tax structure, operational risk and future scalability. By ensuring that property arrangements are robust and legally sound, we protect the stability of the client's capital without getting lost in the technical minutiae of large-scale development.
How We Help
Astris Law advises Brisbane business owners and directors on commercial property transactions, leasing and property-related disputes. We treat property not as an isolated conveyancing task but as a component of your broader commercial strategy — ensuring that acquisitions, disposals and lease commitments align with your business's operational needs, tax position and growth plans.
Our property practice covers commercial acquisitions and sales, option agreements, commercial and retail leasing under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994, property due diligence, finance documentation and development contracts. We also advise on strata title and body corporate matters, mortgagee in possession situations, and property disputes including caveat applications and lease enforcement. For Brisbane businesses acquiring or disposing of commercial property, we coordinate the property transaction with the wider corporate and tax implications.
Commercial leases are a particular area of focus. A lease is often a business's largest recurring financial commitment after payroll, yet lease terms are frequently accepted without proper legal review. We negotiate and draft commercial leases that protect your position on rent reviews, make-good obligations, assignment rights and options to renew. Where lease disputes arise — whether over outgoings calculations, landlord obligations or termination rights — we provide practical advice and, where necessary, representation in QCAT or court proceedings.
Common Situations
- Your business is acquiring or selling commercial property and you need due diligence, contract review and settlement support
- You are negotiating a new commercial lease or renewing an existing one and need the terms properly reviewed and negotiated
- A landlord-tenant dispute has arisen over outgoings, make-good obligations, rent reviews or lease termination
- Your business is a mortgagee in possession and you need advice on enforcement, sale and compliance obligations
- You are entering a property development or joint venture arrangement and need documentation that protects your investment
- A caveat has been lodged against your property or you need to lodge a caveat to protect an interest
Why Astris Law
As a boutique Brisbane firm, Astris Law ensures your property transaction is handled by the principal — not delegated to a conveyancing team — and is integrated with your wider business strategy.
What We Can Do
Our Special Interests
Key Legislation & Frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when buying commercial property in Australia?
Acquiring commercial property in Australia requires comprehensive due diligence including title searches under the Land Title Act 1994, encumbrance review, zoning verification under the Planning Act 2016 (Qld) and environmental assessments. Buyers must address contract terms, financing and security arrangements, GST treatment under A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 and stamp duty obligations. Foreign purchasers must obtain FIRB approval under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 where applicable.
What are my rights under a commercial lease in Queensland?
Commercial lease rights in Queensland depend on whether the lease falls under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994. Retail tenants have additional protections including disclosure requirements, minimum lease terms, rent review mechanisms and dispute resolution through the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
How do property disputes get resolved in Australia?
Property disputes in Australia can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, tribunal proceedings (such as QCAT for retail lease disputes) or court litigation. Options include lodging caveats to protect interests, seeking injunctive relief and pursuing claims for breach of contract, misleading conduct or specific performance.
What is stamp duty and how does it apply to commercial property in Queensland?
Stamp duty (transfer duty) is a state tax payable on the transfer of property in Queensland. Commercial property purchases attract duty calculated on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher. Rates are progressive and can be substantial for high-value transactions. Foreign buyers may face additional surcharges. Structuring advice before a transaction can help manage stamp duty liability.
What should I check before signing a commercial lease in Australia?
Before signing a commercial lease, you should review the lease term and renewal options, rent review mechanisms, outgoings and operating expenses, make-good obligations, assignment and subletting rights, permitted use clauses and any personal guarantees. If the lease falls under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld), the landlord must provide a disclosure statement at least 7 days before the lease is entered into.
Insights & Publications
View all
Commercial Lease Disputes in Queensland: Tenant and Landlord Rights
10 February 2026
Commercial lease disputes are among the most common property-related matters in Queensland. This article covers the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994, common dispute triggers, QCAT jurisdiction and practical strategies for landlords and tenants.
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Security of Payment in Australian Construction: Contractor Rights and Adjudication
17 January 2026
Security of payment legislation exists in every Australian state and territory to protect contractors and subcontractors from non-payment. This article explains the adjudication process, payment claim requirements and key differences across jurisdictions.
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Construction Contracts in Australia: Risk Allocation and Security of Payment
12 October 2024
Construction contracts allocate risk through a web of interconnected provisions - extensions of time, liquidated damages, variations and latent conditions. When these provisions are poorly drafted, disputes follow. This article explains the key risk allocation mechanisms and the security of payment protections that apply regardless of what the contract says.
Read moreIndustries We Serve in Property
Construction & Infrastructure
Legal support for construction contracts, infrastructure projects and building disputes in Queensland and Australia.
Agribusiness
Legal solutions for agricultural enterprises, farmers and rural businesses across Queensland and Australia.
Energy, Resources & Utilities
Legal expertise for mining companies, renewable energy projects and utility providers.
Written by Jamie Nuich, Principal of Astris Law
Need a property lawyer? Talk to Astris Law.
We work directly with directors on property matters across Australia. No layers, no committees. One lawyer who understands your business completely.