The Property Disputes Committee determines a wide range of disputes relating to property issues, including in relation to sale and purchase agreements and commercial leases. The Committee is made up of lawyers with particular expertise and experience in property law.
The Property Disputes Committee hearings are held ‘on the papers’. Lawyers for the parties are required to submit an agreed statement of facts and written submissions. The Committee meets to consider the dispute and reach a decision. A formal written decision is drafted by the Committee following the meeting, signed off by the committee convenor, then provided to the lawyers for the parties. As part of the parties’ agreement to refer the dispute to the Property Disputes Committee, they agree that the decision will be final and binding.
The cost of referring a dispute to the Property Disputes Committee is currently set at $200 plus GST, which is shared equally between the parties i.e. $100 (plus GST). The referral needs to be made by the parties’ lawyers, and the parties need to meet their own legal costs.
If you are interested in lodging a dispute for determination by the Committee, please contact [email protected] for further information.
The Law Association Property Disputes Committee Guidelines
The Law Association Property Disputes Committee Rulings Manual
The Law Association Property Disputes Committee – Lodgement of Dispute Form (download)
