Land Development Lawyer in Surrey, BC: Agreements, Easements and Title
For landowners, builders and developers in Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Delta and across Metro Vancouver. We review land purchase and option agreements, search title, prepare and register easements, covenants and rights of way, and prepare development, subdivision and cost-sharing agreements. We bill by the hour and give you an estimate once we know the scope of your project. Cube Law is led by Rajat Verma, a member of the Law Society of British Columbia who has practised since 2020, handles several hundred property transactions a year and worked as a land development manager in the Lower Mainland before practising law.
Overview
Legal help with land and development projects
We help with the legal documents around a project. That includes reviewing land purchase and option agreements, searching title and reviewing covenants, easements and other charges, and preparing and registering easements, covenants and rights of way. We also prepare and review development, subdivision, infrastructure and cost-sharing agreements. Land use, engineering and planning advice come from your planner, engineer and the municipality.
To get started, tell us the property address, what you plan to build and who else is involved, and send any agreements you have already been given.
If you are buying a lot or a home as part of a project, see purchasing a property, and for project financing see mortgage and financing. Our guides cover title insurance and conveyancing risks, how to choose a conveyancer and power of attorney for real estate.
Why Cube Law
We handle the legal side so you can focus on what’s next.
Title and restrictions are reviewed before you commit
We search title and read the covenants, easements and rights of way registered against the land, so you know what limits the project before you buy or build.
Agreements are explained, not just signed
Development and servicing documents are long and technical. We explain what each one requires of you, what it commits you to and what happens if timelines change.
We work with your project team
We coordinate with your planner, engineer, surveyor and lender, so the legal work follows your project schedule.
An estimate for your project
Development work varies a lot from project to project, so it is generally billed hourly. Contact our office and we will give you an estimate once we understand the scope.
How It Works
How a Land Project Works With Cube Law
01
Tell us about your project
Send the property address, what you plan to build, who else is involved and any agreements you have been given.
02
Get your estimate
We give you an estimate for the work, collect your ID and run our conflict check. We bill by the hour.
03
We review title and agreements
We search title, review covenants, easements and other charges, and read the agreements you have been given.
04
We prepare the documents
We prepare or revise easements, covenants, rights of way and development, subdivision or cost-sharing agreements.
05
Sign and register
We meet with you to sign, then register the documents that go on title at the Land Title Office.
06
You get your reporting package
After registration, we send you copies of the final documents and tell you what is outstanding, if anything.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I talk to you before I buy land to develop?
Yes, and we encourage it. Send us the listing or contract and we will review the title and any conditions before you commit. Contact our office to book. Buying land with a restriction you cannot work around is much harder to fix after the purchase closes.
How do you charge for development work?
Development work is generally billed hourly, because projects differ widely. Contact our office for an estimate based on your project, and we confirm the terms of our work in writing before we begin. Our published fixed fees cover standard residential conveyancing, not development agreements.
What should I check before buying land for a project?
Start with title and legal restrictions, such as covenants, easements and rights of way, and with what the municipality allows on the land. We review title and the registered charges. Zoning and development potential are confirmed with the city and your planner, and we review what they find.
What is an easement or right of way?
An easement gives someone the right to use part of your land for a defined purpose, such as access, utilities or drainage. A right of way is a common type. Both are registered on title and bind future owners, so they can limit where you can build.
What is a development or servicing agreement?
It is an agreement between a developer and the municipality that sets out the works a project must provide, such as roads, water, sewer and drainage, along with the timing and security. We review the agreement with you and explain your obligations before you sign it.
What is a cost-sharing or latecomer agreement?
It is an arrangement for sharing the cost of infrastructure that benefits more than one property. When a developer pays for services that neighbouring owners will later use, an agreement can set out how the later owners contribute. We prepare and review these agreements.
Client Feedback
What Real Estate Clients Say
Excellent service by Rajat Verma and his staff. I have closed a real estate deal and recently for last will and testament. Clearly explained each step and completed in an orderly manner. Prompt replies to queries and help. Thank you.
Theadora McLelland
Real Estate & Wills Client
Rajat and Aashi were excellent in helping us close our condo purchase. They were thorough, responsive, and explained everything clearly, so we felt secure throughout the legal process. The whole transaction went smoothly and on time, thanks to their professionalism. Would absolutely recommend Cube Law Corporation to anyone buying or selling a home.
Arushi Jain
Real Estate Client
From the Blog
Recent Insights
Planning a project? Tell us about your land.
We give you an estimate once we know the scope of your project.
- Fixed fees for most matters, confirmed in writing before we start
- Hourly billing, with an estimate on request
- Based in South Surrey, serving clients across BC