James’ composed attitude and strategic outlook on leasing, property development and commercial law matters has resulted in a loyal client base appreciative of the hassle-free outcomes he achieves.

James practices in the areas of commercial property and leasing, property development and commercial law with particular specialisations in developments, property syndications/ structuring, leasing, property litigation and joint ventures and other commercial agreements.

His ability to see the commercial impact of decisions and issues and his experience in both commercial and property law ensures he is a trusted adviser to his clients and plays an important guiding role within their business at large.

James’ experience includes acting for a large national logistics company on a number of property matters as well as on general commercial matters such as supply chain and distribution contracts. Additionally James has acted for the land owner and developer of a market leading hardware retailer on their first inner city, multi storey development.

James represents a diverse range of clients which have included high net worth private individuals and family businesses to some of the largest corporations in the country. James has also acted for a number of government and statutory authorities including Melbourne City Council and the ATO.

James’ extensive expertise extends to the following areas:

Property and Real Estate

Each year we transact multi million dollars worth of sales and acquisitions in the residential, commercial,  hotel, industrial and farming areas. This is undertaken on behalf of public and private corporations. Some of the clients James has represented recently in this area  include: APN Industria REIT, Conga Foods Pty Ltd, and Nightingale Housing Limited.

James will advise on and handle the complex negotiations that are often involved in these matters, bringing many years of experience to the table which ensures all technical, commercial and tax considerations are properly dealt with for his clients.

James will advise on the structure utilised in many sales and acquisitions including terms contracts, fund through arrangements and lease back arrangements.

Projects & Developments

James represents private and public corporations in a range of built form and subdivisional land developments.   Some of the developments and projects that James has overseen include:

Built Form Developments

  • Tiara residential tower on Southbank
  • Verge residential tower on Southbank
  • Commercial Clayton Development (MAB)
  • Richmond Icon, Dimmeys Development, Richmond
  • Hallmarc, Highett Development
  • Bensons, Chronicle Apartments, Armadale
  • Nightingale Housing, various residential apartment developments;
  • NOCO Apartments, Northcote
  • Immerse Apartments, Richmond

Subdivision Projects

  • Saltwater Coast, Point Cook (AVEO)
  • Waterford Development, Melton (Waterford)
  • Bloom and New Bloom (Clyde)
  • Grace Development, Tarneit  (Tarneit Projects)
  • Panorama, Geelong

James will oversee the project, from the initial land acquisition or development documentation, through to the sale and settlement of the last lot in the project.

James has a breadth of expertise in all of the matters that will typically arise in this type of project work, including:

  • Overseeing his team in the handling of high volume off-the-plan sales and contract administration;
  • Advising on property syndication, development and project management agreements;
  • Advising on and implementing project finance, including security and mezzanine debt financing arrangements;
  • In conjunction with the firm’s tax partners, advising on the project’s tax consequences and implications for the client, in particular, Capital Gains Tax, GST, stamp duty and land tax issues.

Leasing

Examples of our clients and the type of work undertaken include:

  • Northcote Plaza Shopping Centre
  • APN Industria REIT
  • Nightingale Housing
  • First Steps Childcare centres

James also regularly documents and advises on Agreement for Lease/Lease arrangements for both landlords and tenants. Examples of the tenancies involved in James’ recent matters include:

  • Bunnings
  • Coles
  • Woolworths

James has also more recently extensively advised clients around the COVID temporary relief measures.

Areas of Expertise

Key focus areas:

  • Developments
  • Property syndications/structuring
  • Leasing
  • Property litigation
  • Joint ventures and other commercial agreements

Recent Articles by James Christodoulakis

Victorian tax changes to impact property owners

The State Taxation Acts Amendment Bill 2023 contains several significant changes
23 June, 2023

Land Tax Relief Confirmed

The State Taxation Acts Amendments (Relief Measures) Bill has now passed both houses of parliament and Royal Assent was received on Tuesday 28 April 2020. The Act provides that the Treasurer may direct the Commissioner of State Revenue to give...
24 April, 2020

Madgwicks Property Insights Newsletter: July 2019

Welcome to the July 2019 edition of Property Insights! Presented by the Madgwicks Property team, this newsletter is full of recent developments in the property industry, case studies and industry news.
24 July, 2019

Major changes to Victorian stamp duty rules are now in force

Victoria’s new economic entitlement regime greatly increases the number of arrangements that are now subject to duty.
21 June, 2019

Madgwicks Property Insights Newsletter: May 2019

Welcome to the May edition of Property Insights! Presented by the Madgwicks Property team, this newsletter is full of recent developments in the property industry, case studies and industry news.
23 May, 2019

Developers need to re-think instalment contracts following new GST withholding laws

Nearly a year after the introduction of the GST withholding laws, property developers are continuing to get tripped up by the new regime.
23 May, 2019

Nomination Under a Contract of Sale and Stamp Duty Consequences – A Timely Reminder

Getting into a situation that involves paying “double duty” is a common mistake that can be avoided with some simple precautions.
18 April, 2018