Melbourne’s west is the fastest-growing part of the city. Wyndham, Melton and Brimbank are absorbing enormous numbers of new households, mostly through new estates, while Footscray, Yarraville and Williamstown trade on established housing close to the city. We act across both.
New estates in Werribee, Point Cook, Tarneit and Melton
Estate purchases come with more paperwork than an established home, not less. Beyond the land contract there are developer design guidelines, a Section 173 agreement registered on title, build-start and build-completion deadlines, fencing and landscaping obligations, and sometimes a bond you forfeit if you miss them. These are enforceable against you as the owner, and they outlast the developer’s sales office. We read them and summarise what you are actually committing to.
Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution and land tax
Land on Melbourne’s fringe can carry obligations that do not exist elsewhere in the city, including the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution on certain rezoned land. Whether it applies, and who bears it, should be settled in the contract rather than discovered at settlement.
Established western suburbs
Footscray, Seddon, Yarraville and Williamstown bring older housing stock, heritage overlays in parts, and — closer to the industrial belt — the occasional contaminated land or Environmental Audit Overlay issue that a buyer should know about before committing.
Small business, leasing and brands
The west has one of Melbourne’s densest concentrations of small and family businesses, from Footscray retail to Laverton and Truganina warehousing. We draft and review leases for both, act in disputes through the Victorian Small Business Commission and VCAT, and register trade marks for businesses that have built a name worth protecting.
Common questions
What is a Section 173 agreement?
An agreement between a council and a landowner, registered on the title, that binds current and future owners. In new estates it commonly controls build timeframes, design standards and landscaping. It runs with the land, so it becomes your obligation the moment you buy — and removing one requires council consent.
The developer’s guidelines say I must start building within 12 months. Is that enforceable?
Usually yes, and often backed by a bond or a buy-back right. It is one of the most commonly overlooked terms in an estate purchase, particularly for buyers who intend to hold the land and build later. Check it before you sign, not after.
How we can help
Conveyancing
Fixed-fee residential, commercial, strata and off-the-plan settlements — contract reviews, searches and a settlement day that runs on time.
Learn moreProperty & Leasing
Commercial, retail and residential leases drafted, reviewed and negotiated — plus tenancy disputes, VCAT and Small Business Commissioner matters.
Learn moreWills & Estate Planning
Wills, powers of attorney and advance care directives drafted or updated, so the people you care about are not left guessing.
Learn moreIntellectual Property & Trade Marks
Trade mark searches, IP Australia applications and brand protection strategy — so the name you built stays yours.
Learn moreOther Practice Areas
Commercial agreements, business structuring, disputes and the matters that do not fit a neat category. Ask us — we will tell you honestly.
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