Property Lawyer Brisbane
Commercial property is one of the largest commitments a business makes. A lease, an acquisition or a development carries obligations that run for years, and the detail decides who carries the risk. A property lawyer in Brisbane can make sure the document protects you and that a dispute is handled on the right pathway.
Astris Law practises property law for directors and business owners across Brisbane and Queensland. We focus on commercial and retail property: leasing, lease disputes, acquisitions and sales, and development matters, including the changes brought in by the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld).
As a boutique firm, the senior lawyer who advises on your lease is the same lawyer who acts if a dispute arises. That continuity means your property lawyer understands the deal, not just the document.
Our Property Law Services
We provide commercial property advice for Brisbane businesses, from leasing and transactions through to disputes.
Commercial and Retail Leasing
We draft, review and negotiate commercial and retail leases, including rent and review mechanisms, outgoings, options, assignment and make good, with attention to the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld) where it applies.
Lease Disputes
We act in lease disputes including rent reviews, breach and termination, make good claims, outgoings and assignment, and advise on the right pathway, from negotiation and mediation to QCAT or court.
Acquisitions and Sales
We act on the purchase and sale of commercial property and business premises, including contract review, due diligence, special conditions and settlement.
Development and Due Diligence
We advise on development matters and the property aspects of commercial transactions, including title, encumbrances, planning constraints and structuring.
Key Legislation in Property Law
Commercial property in Queensland operates within a framework of legislation that affects leases, transactions and disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Law
How much does a property lawyer cost in Brisbane?
Property lawyer fees in Brisbane depend on the matter and the billing arrangement. For defined work, such as reviewing a commercial lease, advising on a make good obligation or acting on a straightforward acquisition, we offer fixed-fee quotes so the cost is known before we start. For matters whose course depends on the other side, such as a contested lease dispute, we explain the likely cost at each stage and agree the basis in writing. We do not quote a single figure without understanding the matter.
What is the difference between a retail shop lease and a commercial lease?
A retail shop lease is a lease of premises used wholly or predominantly for retail business and is regulated by the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld), which imposes disclosure obligations, restricts certain costs and prohibits ratchet rent clauses. A general commercial lease, for offices, warehouses or industrial premises, sits largely outside that Act and is governed by the lease itself and the general law. Which regime applies changes the parties' rights, so it is the first thing to confirm in any leasing dispute.
Has the Property Law Act 2023 changed commercial leasing in Queensland?
Yes. The Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) commenced on 1 August 2025 and replaced the Property Law Act 1974 (Qld). Among other changes, it introduced a statutory assignment-release regime, so that for leases entered on or after 1 August 2025 an original tenant and its guarantors can be released from liability for a later assignee's breaches. It also reduced the limitation period for an action on a deed to six years. These changes affect how leases, assignments and guarantees should be approached.
What is a make good dispute and how is it resolved?
A make good dispute is a disagreement at the end of a lease about the condition in which the tenant must return the premises. It turns on the words of the make good clause, the condition of the premises at the start of the term and what counts as fair wear and tear. These disputes are usually resolved by negotiation, often through a payment in lieu of works, and for retail shop leases they can go to mediation and then QCAT. Good records of the starting condition are decisive.
Can a property lawyer help with a lease dispute?
Yes. We act in commercial and retail lease disputes, including rent review disagreements, breach and termination, make good claims, outgoings disputes and assignment issues. We advise on the pathway that fits the dispute, whether that is negotiation, mediation through the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and QCAT for retail shop leases, or court proceedings, and we act to protect your position throughout.
Why Choose Astris Law for Property Law
Astris Law is a boutique commercial law firm in Brisbane. We act for directors and business owners on commercial and retail property, with senior attention from the first call and candid advice on cost and risk.
We keep current with reform, including the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld), so the advice reflects the law as it now stands. For businesses with ongoing property needs, our Astrons General Counsel retainer gives access to a property lawyer at a predictable monthly cost.
Need a property lawyer in Brisbane? Talk to Astris Law.
We act for directors and business owners across Brisbane and Queensland on commercial and retail leases, lease disputes, acquisitions and development.