Questions to Ask Property Lawyer — First Meeting Essentials
When you book your first appointment with a property lawyer, preparation transforms the meeting from a general conversation into a high-value consultation. Whether you’re buying a home, securing an off-plan investment, or negotiating commercial real-estate terms, knowing which questions to ask property lawyer will help you protect your investment, avoid costly delays, and ensure the lawyer’s services match your needs.
This article is a practical property lawyer first consultation checklist. Use it to gather documents, set expectations, and run a focused conversation that leaves you with clear next steps and a realistic budget.
Why you need a “questions to ask property lawyer” list
Real-estate transactions are document-heavy and time-sensitive. Going into your first meeting without a checklist increases the chance you’ll miss important legal risks, misunderstand deadlines, or misunderstand who is responsible for costs. A prepared list of questions to ask property lawyer helps you:
- Clarify exactly what the lawyer will do for you
- Understand the legal and practical risks of the deal
- Confirm the documents and information the lawyer needs
- Discuss fees, payment terms, and who pays for what
- Agree timelines and communication expectations
A concise checklist keeps the meeting on track and ensures you leave with actionable advice.
How to prepare before the consultation
Bring everything you have relating to the transaction. The more the lawyer can see, the faster they can give precise answers to your questions to ask property lawyer. Your preparation should include:
- A copy or draft of the sale/purchase agreement, memorandum of understanding (MoU), or SPA
- Title deed or proof of current ownership (if applicable)
- Off-plan documents or developer contract (if buying off-plan)
- Payment receipts, deposit evidence, and instalment schedules
- Copies of previous correspondence with the seller or developer
- Identification (passport/ID) and contact details for all parties involved
Arriving with these items allows the lawyer to assess the deal on the spot and answer document-specific questions rather than generalities.
Core questions to ask property lawyer in your first meeting
Below are the essential questions to ask property lawyer that should form the backbone of your consultation. Use them in order and take notes.
- What exactly will you do for me in this transaction?
Ask the lawyer to define their scope: contract review, due diligence, title verification, registration, negotiation support, or dispute representation. A clear scope avoids surprises later. - What are the main legal risks in this deal?
Request a plain-language summary of risks such as unclear title, developer insolvency, off-plan delivery delays, or financing pitfalls. - Which documents do you need from me and by when?
Confirm deadlines for paperwork, whether power of attorney is required, and the consequences of missing key documents. - How are your fees structured and what additional costs should I expect?
Insist on the fee model (fixed, hourly, or percentage), what’s included, what’s extra (translations, notarisation, courier), and the payment schedule. - If a dispute arises, how will you handle it and what costs will it involve?
Ask about mediation, arbitration, or litigation options, likely timelines, and an estimate of additional legal costs.
These five questions give you a practical foundation for assessing competence and fit.
Deeper questions to ask property lawyer (when you need more detail)
If the transaction is complex or you’re dealing with unfamiliar territory, add these follow-ups to your questions to ask property lawyer list:
- What due-diligence checks do you perform on the seller, developer, and title?
- What is the usual timeline for registration and transfer under local rules?
- How do you coordinate with banks for mortgage or financing matters?
- How will you manage escrow or deposit protection?
- What contingencies should be in the contract to protect my deposit and completion?
- What experience do you have with off-plan projects or cross-border investors?
- How will you keep me informed (frequency and channel)?
- Are there common contract clauses I should change or add?
These questions reveal process maturity and the lawyer’s hands-on experience with similar deals.
What to listen for in the lawyer’s answers
Good answers combine clarity, specificity, and a structured process. When the lawyer responds to your questions to ask property lawyer, notice whether they:
- Explain legal concepts in plain terms without unnecessary jargon
- Provide realistic timelines and next steps, not vague promises
- Offer a written engagement letter that outlines scope, fees, and exclusions
- Suggest practical contract clauses to allocate risk fairly
- Show awareness of local regulatory steps and common developer practices
If answers are evasive, overly general, or focused on upselling services, treat that as a red flag.
Red flags and warning signs
During your first meeting, be cautious if the lawyer:
- Refuses to provide a written fee quote or engagement letter
- Guarantees outcomes in situations that are inherently uncertain
- Is unwilling to identify exclusions or extra costs in writing
- Offers limited or no experience with the transaction type (off-plan, commercial, foreign buyers)
- Lacks a clear communication plan for updates and documentation
Identifying red flags early saves you time and expense.
A sample consultation agenda (30–45 minutes)
To make your first meeting efficient, follow a simple agenda:
- Quick introductions and transaction summary (5 minutes)
- Document review and immediate observations (10–15 minutes)
- Core questions to ask property lawyer and fee discussion (10 minutes)
- Next steps, required documents, and timelines (5–10 minutes)
- Confirm engagement terms, payment plan, and communication preferences (5 minutes)
Ask the lawyer to email an engagement letter summarising everything discussed.
After the meeting — next steps and checklist
- Obtain a written engagement letter that includes scope, fee model, and expected timelines.
- Deliver the documents requested and confirm receipt in writing.
- Ask for a short, written action plan and estimated date for completion of each milestone.
- Keep a record of all payments, receipts, and correspondence.
These steps turn your meeting into a structured process and reduce the chance of later misunderstandings.