Why Property Developers Work With Whelan Lawyers

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• Melbourne CBD based, servicing Victoria-wide: We understand the local planning, regulatory and construction environment.

• Commercial, solutions-focused legal advice: Our guidance supports better cost control, structured risk allocation and smoother project delivery.

• Strong contract, procurement and project risk capability: We help developers prevent issues early by implementing sound contractual and administrative structures.

• Experienced in VCAT, courts and dispute negotiation: When disputes arise, we work efficiently to resolve them and maintain project momentum.

• Clear communication and fast turnaround: Developers receive practical advice they can act on immediately.

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Construction & Development Legal Services for Property Developers

Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation (Developer-Focused)

We tailor contracts to support commercial outcomes and minimise disputes.

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We prepare and negotiate:

• Design & Construct (D&C) contracts

• Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreements

• Subcontract packages and procurement documents

• Consultant agreements (architects, engineers, surveyors, etc.)

• Head contractor agreements

• Lump sum, cost-plus and staged development contracts

Our aim is to ensure your contracts allocate risk clearly and strengthen overall project certainty.

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Tender & Procurement Legal Support

We assist developers with:

• Tender preparation and conditions

• Evaluation frameworks

• Performance securities and bonds

• Negotiation of tender clarifications and variations

• Risk assessments on proposed procurement models 

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Security of Payment, Progress Claims & Cashflow Recovery

We help developers manage cashflow and claims efficiently through:

• Preparing or responding to adjudication applications

• Drafting payment schedules

• Managing unpaid progress claims

• Enforcement of determinations and contractual rights

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Delays, Extensions of Time (EOT) & Liquidated Damages

We provide guidance on:

• Assessing and negotiating entitlement to EOTs

• Managing concurrent delay

• Liquidated damages exposure

• Notice requirements

• Time-related claims and mitigation strategies

We work to protect project completion dates and minimise financial impacts.

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Defects, Remediation & Consultant Liability

We support developers with:

• Defect identification and expert engagement

• Preparing defect claims against builders or consultants

• Managing remediation programs

• Warranty entitlements and insurance

• Guidance during the defects liability period

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Development Structuring, Joint Ventures & Project Agreements

We prepare and advise on:

• Joint venture (JV) agreements

• Development agreements

• Profit-share arrangements

• Project delivery frameworks

• Funding and lender requirements

• Exit and buy-out mechanisms

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Dispute Resolution, VCAT & Court Representation

Where disputes arise, we provide experienced representation in:

• VCAT Building & Property List

• County Court & Supreme Court of Victoria

• Arbitration & expert determination

• Mediation and structured negotiation

Our focus is always on timely, commercially sensible resolution.