The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Malibu, CA
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Malibu, California. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Malibu
Steven A. Hillyard
Law Offices of Steven A. Hillyard
Steven A. Hillyard is a highly regarded real estate attorney based in Malibu with over 15 years of experience specializing in residential and commercial real estate matters. He is known for his expertise in complex transactions, property disputes, and land use issues specific to coastal communities. Clients consistently praise his attentive approach, strategic negotiation skills, and successful outcomes in high-stakes deals. He maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is actively involved in the Malibu Bar Association, demonstrating a strong commitment to the local legal community.
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David C. Condon
Condon & Associates, PLC
David C. Condon is an established real estate attorney serving Malibu and surrounding areas, with 12 years of experience focused on real estate litigation, contract disputes, and title issues. He has a reputation for vigorously representing clients in court and mediation, achieving favorable resolutions in cases involving boundary disputes, easements, and breach of contract. His client-centered approach and deep knowledge of California real estate law have earned him high satisfaction ratings and referrals from past clients. He is a member of the California Bar Association's Real Property Law Section.
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James D. Prendergast
Prendergast Law Group
James D. Prendergast is a seasoned real estate attorney with 18 years of experience, based in Santa Monica and extensively serving Malibu clients. He specializes in commercial real estate, development projects, and financing transactions, with a track record of handling multimillion-dollar deals and complex regulatory approvals. His firm is known for its collaborative approach and success in navigating coastal development challenges. With numerous positive reviews highlighting his professionalism and results, he is a trusted advisor for investors, developers, and property owners in the region. He holds memberships in the American Bar Association's Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to hire a Malibu-specific real estate attorney for a coastal property purchase?
Malibu's unique coastal location subjects properties to stringent California Coastal Commission regulations, Local Coastal Programs (LCP), and specific zoning laws regarding setbacks, view corridors, and erosion control. A local attorney understands these complex overlays and can navigate permits, environmental reviews, and CC&Rs specific to Malibu's hillside and beachfront communities, preventing costly violations.
What specific services do Malibu real estate attorneys provide for high-value property transactions?
Beyond standard contract review and title work, they specialize in due diligence for luxury estates, including verifying easements for private beach access, analyzing geological and wildfire reports, reviewing complex HOA covenants for gated communities, and structuring transactions to optimize California property tax implications, such as parent-child transfers under Proposition 19.
How can a Malibu attorney help with disputes over view obstruction or property boundaries?
View rights and boundary disputes are common in Malibu's tiered hillsides. An attorney can interpret specific view ordinance protections, review historical surveys, and handle litigation or mediation for disputes involving vegetation growth, new construction, or unclear easements. They are familiar with local precedents and the Malibu Municipal Code governing these issues.
What should I look for when choosing a real estate attorney for new construction in Malibu?
Look for an attorney with extensive experience in Malibu's planning and building permit process. They should have a track record of securing permits from the City of Malibu and California Coastal Commission, negotiating contractor agreements for custom homes, and ensuring compliance with strict fire safety (e.g., defensible space), septic system, and water use regulations unique to the area.
Are there unique lease agreement considerations a Malibu attorney can address for rental properties?
Yes. Malibu attorneys draft leases with specific clauses for short-term rental restrictions (as the city has strict regulations), wildfire evacuation procedures, liability for coastal hazards like landslides, and maintenance responsibilities for private roads and septic systems common in the area. They ensure the lease complies with both Malibu city ordinances and California state landlord-tenant law.
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