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Real Estate Services

If you want certainty that your team is meeting its compliance obligations under Australian property law, need a new rent roll, or have just been contacted by Fair Trading, our real estate lawyers have the experience to handle your matter. From working with the best, our team brings a unique perspective and holistic approach in real estate that allows us to offer tailored, ongoing advice to keep your business compliant and protected from costly mistakes.

What we do

Our team combines legal expertise with first-hand experience in real estate, to deliver tailored strategies to our clients — not cookie-cutter advice or checklists. Our industry knowledge comes from guiding Australia’s top players in the real estate industry. We go beyond the basics of safeguarding your business — we create legal structures that form the legal foundation for your agents to grow and succeed.

Our proactive approach to risk management keeps ahead of these changes. From trust account management to mitigating underquoting risks, we identify pitfalls before they become problems. No surprises, no setbacks. Let Baybridge’s real estate lawyers create a solid legal grounding for your agency.

With our ongoing legal guidance, your business will stay compliant and ahead of the curve. We provide clear, actionable advice on both new and existing real estate regulations, giving your team peace of mind and a competitive edge.

How we can help

Our Real Estate legal expertise and services include the following:

Training and compliance
Buying and selling rent rolls
Shareholder agreements
Commission Claims
NSW Fair Trading investigations
Managing cases of trust account fraud
Franchise reviews and disputes
Advice on restraints
Corporate structures
Residential tenancy disputes and advice

Why choose Baybridge?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If you’ve got a question that isn’t covered, hit us up and we’ll be happy to help.

What should I consider when I am looking to buy or sell a rent roll?

A thorough due diligence should be undertaken to ascertain the best way for you to sell or buy. Will it be a share sale or an asset sale? Will it be a going concern or GST applicable? Take into account the size, location and ratio of owners to properties. Important key terms such as the multiple, retention and restraint provisions should be agreed upon early in the negotiations.

What should I look for when valuing a rent roll?

We recommend engaging a valuer to value the rent roll as having a formal valuation prepared will be required by the banks. However, as a general principle, multipliers are used to determine the value of a rent roll. The agreed multiple will depend on a range of factors which include but are not limited to:

The annualised income of the rent roll;
Whether properties are primarily owned by single or multi-property owners (a higher proportion of numerous property owners increases the risk of churn);
The geographic spread of the properties;
Whether the properties are predominantly commercial or residential (commercial usually attracts a lower multiple);
Average weekly rent and management fee;
Percentage of overdue lease renewals, rent increases and routine inspections;
Ratio of fixed v periodic lease agreements.

What is a restraint of trade?

In most employment agreements within the real estate industry, there will be a term restricting the agent from competing with your business for a pre-determined period within a specific radius. Restraints are enforceable but it will depend on the individual agents circumstance to determine what action, if any, an agency can take against a leaving employee.

Can an employee become a contractor?

The short answer is yes. However, there are many tests applicable to a contractual relationship to ensure both parties are compliant. We can draft an independent contractors agreement tailored to your specific agency, ensuring the parties are compliant.

My property management team needs training, can you provide this for our team?

Yes. Our Real Estate Partners are qualified Class 1 Real Estate Agents and have many years’ experiences in property management. They can attend at your office and run some training to assist your property managers in understanding the Residential Tenancies Act and their obligations.

My vendor sold the property during my exclusive agency agreement. Can I claim commission?

Arguably yes, provided your agency agreement is fully compliant with the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002 (NSW) and the Property and Stock Agents Regulation 2022 (NSW). We can review your agency agreement and advise you on prospects of success, with a detailed plan on commission recovery.

Need Legal Help? We're Here for You

What our clients have to say

My experience with Baybridge was excellent, this was the first time I had been involved in a legal matter. Scott Thomson was my Lawyer and he was perceptive to every question and explained the entire legal process thoroughly. Scott’s attention to detail played a major role in the positive outcome of my case, Scott reviewed hours of legal documents and presented a strong defence in court. If I didn’t have a professional and dedicated lawyer like Scott, my case could have resulted in a vastly different outcome. I highly recommend Baybridge, and Scott for anyone that wants to be fully supported in their legal matter and have the knowledge that the best team and legal representative will be there to get you the best outcome and guide you through what can be a highly stressful experience.

Rhyse T,
I was referred to Baybridge through a family friend. My need for their legal expertise came about from an issue of misrepresented figures in a business acquisition I was involved in. For nearly six months, I worked closely with Rita Khodeir to navigate the dispute. Throughout this period, Rita and her team, were exceptionally professional in the due diligence, information collection, client communication and consideration of our risk. The outcome that we were able to negotiate for our dispute was nothing short of excellent. I truly know that this could never have been the case without Rita and the team at Baybridge supporting the outcome. If you are need of legal advice or a legal team, I would highly recommend talking with the team at Baybridge.

Lloyd Urquhart, Director
When I was wrongly charged, I felt overwhelmed. The team fought hard and got the charges dropped. Their preparation and courtroom presence were outstanding.

Client,
Baybridge bring a new dimension into the real estate specific legal space. I have worked with Tanya on numerous matters from new business set up, sale and purchases of rent rolls and tricky legal property management matters. She has been my “go to person” for years for the simplified solution to any complicated matter. Their experience is thorough and extensive, and their timing and responses are excellent.

Jo-Anne Black, Director
We would like to thank Tanya Delkou for her professionalism and expertise in her field. As the national head of large rent roll spanning across different jurisdictions, her advice and insight has been invaluable and I call upon her and her team for all of our agency legal needs. We have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Baybridge to any real estate business in Australia.

Maria Carlino, National Head of Property Management
I have had the pleasure of working with Bianca Sevastos and her team at Baybridge for over 10 years. Throughout this time, their professionalism and genuine approach to building strong, lasting relationships have been invaluable to our business. Baybridge consistently provides sound, strategic advice across all aspects of our business, and their assistance has helped us in streamlining our processes. Their promptness, friendly nature, and commitment to our success make them not only easy to work with but also trusted partners. I highly recommend Baybridge for their legal expertise and a team that is as invested in their clients' success as they are.

Rob Dallimore, Managing Director
My experience with Baybridge was excellent, this was the first time I had been involved in a legal matter. Scott's attention to detail played a major role in the positive outcome of my case, Scott reviewed hours of legal documents and presented a strong defence in court. If I didn't have a professional and dedicated lawyer like Scott, my case could have resulted in a vastly different outcome.

Client,
We cannot thank Baybridge enough for their support and guidance. Their team's expertise and professionalism have been integral in helping us make informed business decisions.

Charlie Hoyek, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
I highly recommend the Baybridge team. Tanya Delkou and the team have provided me with legal advice relating to Real Estate matters for over 5 years. They have proven to be extremely knowledgeable, professional, and very prompt in their responses.

Maria Mililio , Head of Property Management
I recently appealed, and thanks to Scott Thomson's expertise, he achieved an outstanding result that exceeded my expectations. Scott Thomson is most definitely the lawyer you want by your side.

Client,
Fantastic service from the team and I'm so happy with the outcome that Scott was able to get for me. Highly recommend!!

Client,
I have been using Baybridge for a while now and they have become a valuable part of our team of advisors. Their in-depth knowledge of not only the law but Residential/Commercial Property. Property matters is a rare combination that makes them an asset to anyone needing advice. They are solutions focused, great communicators and prompt with all matters (not a given in the legal world). I wouldn't hesitate recommending them.

Andrew Colagiuri, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
From the very first conversation, Scott provided clear guidance and reassurance during what was a very stressful time for me. His expertise and attention to detail resulted in an outstanding outcome, the matter against me was successfully withdrawn within just three weeks.

Client,
I was facing a licence suspension and had no idea what to do. Baybridge handled everything with professionalism and care. I kept my licence and avoided a hefty fine.

Traffic Offence , Licence Retained
Baybridge has been a great asset to our business. They are great to work with, good communicators, reliable and attentive. Our partnership with Baybridge has been extremely benefical to our business and our team.

Joshua Nicholls, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Scott and Rita, for your hard work in achieving such a successful outcome. I truly appreciate your dedication and the effort you put into making it happen.
Robert Biasetto – Ray White

,
Baybridge has helped support and grows the Top Juice brand to where it is today. They have an excellent team of professionals and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for franchising experts.

Top Juice Team,
Baybridge has proven to be pivotal on my journey to grow my brand, due to their expertise, urgency and industry knowledge, nationally with global exposure. It's a one-stop-shop for me. They provide constructive support and are instrumental in shaping our legal requirements. I highly recommend Baybridge as they are good at what they do

Ravi Singh, Chief Executive Officer
Baybridge has been the legal partner of choice for Total Tools since the inception of our franchise model, and they have provided support, knowledge and guidance along the way that has been instrumental in the growth of the Total Tools brand within Australia today. We now utilise Baybridge for all our legal requirements, including franchising, litigation, legal documentation and brand management. Baybridge has been a cost-effective legal provider that works in partnership with your team, and I would recommend them as a partner.

Tim Cockayne, Chief Executive Officer
Mad Mex Fresh Mexican has been working with Racha Abboud and Baybridge for many years and we highly recommend them. Their approachable demeanour, quick responses, and unparalleled expertise in the Franchising Code of Conduct have made them invaluable assets to our team. We highly value their advice.

Victoria Head, Franchise Sales Manager
The team at Baybridge and Racha Abboud continue to provide unwavering support, a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects franchising and commercial. Their guidance and advice is always highly professional and the time taken to learn the ins and outs of our franchise system and documentation over the years is very much appreciated. JAX looks forward to continuing to work with Baybridge in the future.

Taylor Bruno, Legal Counsel
We have been working with Racha Abboud and the Baybridge team for the past 2 years – we consider them invaluable advisers with respect to our compliance and legal matters. Their dedication and care for our company and team have been very invaluable to us. We highly recommend Racha and Baybridge for anyone seeking a reliable and compassionate legal team to stand by their side.

Lisa Young, Chief Financial Officer
I was referred to Scott by a family member, he provided impeccable service and was able to deliver an outcome that I was happy with. I wouldn't be going with anyone else.

Client,
I have been delighted to partner with Baybridge in their commitment, dedication, and responsiveness of the entire team. They have been extremely helpful in their expertise, responses and support in our business and with our team.

Oliver's Team,
"I made a mistake and was caught drink driving. Baybridge kept me informed throughout and got the penalty reduced significantly."

Drink Driving, Penalty Reduced
Marwan Kojok and the Baybridge team have serviced the Highland Group for all its real estate needs, whether it be rent roll acquisitions, corporate advisory, shareholder arrangements or just some guidance along the way. We have valued our partnership with Baybridge and the responsive nature and dedication to our business. Their expertise in real estate, franchising, licensing and corporate services has been invaluable to our business and me personally. The busy nature of our business requires a firm that understands our needs, meets our timelines and presents us with valuable legal advice and direction. This is what we expect of our partners and they deliver on all fronts.

David Highland, Chief Executive Officer
Our relationship with Baybridge stems back some 15 years, from a start up franchisee to now a multi office premium brand across the eastern seaboard. My personal relationship with the Managing Partner, Marwan Kojok has been one of professional legal representation but also a close advisor to all our needs. There is no doubt they have offered considerable value to our business and me personally. The dedication, expertise and professional standards they deliver is impeccable. They are one of the partners we say are non-negotiable. Very much appreciate the sage guidance and stewardship of Baybridge and the team over the years.

Dean Mackie, Chief Executive Officer
As a company, we were looking for a well-respected firm with strong ties to franchising. Baybridge actively supports our company’s growth through their proven franchise systems and legal advice. They have contributed to many of our successes and been vital in assisting us throughout our growth.

Chris Mavris, General Manager
I, along with my wife Avril, have been working with Marwan Kojok since the late 90s when acquiring our first franchise business. It was a constructive process and, more importantly, the start of a very long-term business relationship that has grown to family friends. We have been well guided and advised over the years by Marwan and his team, and they have been instrumental in assisting us in establishing and building our franchise chain. Our success is measured by the people surrounding us, and we include Marwan and the Baybridge team in that equation. Good, sound, practical and commercial advice is difficult to come by, but this has never been a challenge for Baybridge. We would highly recommend the team.

Tony Melhem, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Working with Racha Abboud and Rita Khodeir and the team at Baybridge has been a tremendous asset for El Jannah. Baybridge are a passionate and dedicated team of legal professionals who are focused on building long-term relationships for their clients. The firm has extensive experience in commercial law and intellectual property. They are commercially focused and responsive to their client’s dynamic needs. Baybridge provides a professional service with a personalised, flexible and cost-effective manner, and our team highly recommends working with them.

Robert Boulos, In House Counsel
Thanks to the Baybridge team, for the works completed with our international distribution agreement. Thanks to the team, we now have a rock solid agreements in place and most importantly, one that both parties are happy with. The whole process was a lot less daunting than we thought it might be and we will certainly contact you again for any future work.

Craig Dickson, Managing Director
Tanya Delkou is responsive, reliable and at the top of her field within Real Estate law. Baybridge represents value, and quality and is an exceptional service provider. Baybridge has acted for Auctions Live in several important business projects, and we are proud of our association with the firm.

Anthony Nounnis, Director & Co-Founder
When I was wrongly charged with assault, I felt overwhelmed. The team fought hard and got the charges dropped. Their preparation and courtroom presence were outstanding.

Assault Charge , Charges Dropped
I cannot thank Scott Thomson and the team enough for their quick, professional, and highly effective legal support. From the very first conversation, Scott provided clear guidance and reassurance during what was a very stressful time for me. His expertise and attention to detail resulted in an outstanding outcome, the matter against me was successfully withdrawn within just three weeks. I am incredibly grateful for the firm’s dedication and efficiency, and I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of reliable legal representation.

AL,
A team of honest, trustworthy, reliable and more importantly knowledgeable people who think outside the box and truly care about the business and its people. They do what they promise to do... and that is... they make things happen.

Client,

Real Estate Services

What we do

How we can help

Why choose Baybridge?

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Legal Help? We're Here for You

What our clients have to say

Robert Biasetto – Ray White

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