Are you considering acquiring a new property with the intention to build a medical or healthcare practice?
Taking the first step to develop a medical or allied health practice can be a daunting process.
Where do you start?
The first step is to do your due diligence and find out if your intentions can become reality. It is important that you understand whether the property can be used for the proposed purpose, developed into the practice (including the construction of a new building) and consider whether the proposed practice can be subdivided (if intended).
It is also necessary to consider the structure at the outset so that there are no adverse consequences, such as the liability to pay additional stamp duty.
Obtaining a pre-acquisition legal due diligence planning and property report at the outset will ensure there are no surprises after embarking on a project and purchasing a property.
Our pre-acquisition legal due diligence planning and property report will provide a legal assessment based on the proposed medical or healthcare practice, any legal risks and recommendations and includes advice on the outcome of our investigations on the following planning and property issues and action items depending on the extent of our instructions:
- planning scheme controls affecting the property – zone, overlays and other relevant controls in the Council’s planning scheme;
- planning permit requirements for the proposed use and development of the property (this includes any building works) – planning authorisation may be required for several components of a proposal, including any separate proposed uses at the same premises;
- site specific requirements or restrictions under the planning scheme or on title such as any restrictive covenants or land use agreements;
- planning policies and decision guidelines under the scheme that will affect the assessment of the specific proposal;
- the outcome of any pre-application consultation with potential referral authorities and expert consultants if the property is affected by heritage, flooding, significant vegetation or other overlays;
- the outcome of any pre-application meeting with Council;
- requirements to lodge an application including costs, information and documents including any expert reports in support of application;
- steps in the permit application process, potential timing and delays;
- potential VCAT applications that can add time and cost to complete the development;
- review and report on any documents and disclosures made by the vendor including Vendor Statements (Section 32s), the terms of a proposed Contract of Sale and any conditions we recommend you include in the Contract to assist you with your due diligence and development requirements.
Whether you are looking to undertake a planning due diligence pre or post acquisition, we are here to help. If you have already acquired a property, we can tailor our due diligence to the stage and information available at the time. Preferably, a legal planning and property due diligence will be undertaken before committing to the purchase of a property so that you understand your rights and obligations to develop the land before you are contractually bound to complete the purchase of the land.
Following acquisition, we can assist you with your journey of developing the property. This may include your planning application, dealing with Council and potential objectors, liaising with your consultants including architect and surveyor, drafting or advising on any land use agreements required for the development and subdividing the property, if applicable.
So, in addition to consulting your professional advisers in relation your financial budget and business planning and structures, it is prudent to discuss your proposal with property and planning lawyers experienced in medical practice proposals to help ensure the ultimate choice of location will result in the success of your venture.
Burke Lawyers Property Team
At Burke Lawyers, we provide expert legal advice specifically tailored to assist you in purchasing, developing or subdividing property. Our all-inclusive approach will ensure you are set up for success by covering the relevant aspects of planning, property, development and commercial matters.
To find out how we can assist you, please contact Kristy Muhlhan, Principal, and Accredited Property Specialist or Sandra Le, Associate on kmuhlhan@burkelawyers.com.au or sle@burkelawyers.com.au respectively, or phone our office for assistance +61 3 9822 8588.
