Peter Barakate
Peter is an Accredited Specialist in Property Law. He is highly regarded for his unparalleled technical knowledge of NSW property law and practical experience across the diverse spectrum of property transactions occurring in business and in government. One of Peter’s main areas of practice is acting for state-owned corporations and local government authorities on compulsory acquisitions of freehold land and easements. Peter brings to this work a deep understanding of the complex legislative and procedural environment in which each of his government clients operate, including local government, electricity, water, and transport.
In addition to acquisitions, Peter acts for developers and Government authorities on the sale of land and is proficient with dealing with issues of land contamination. Another niche area of practice for Peter is the law of easements, covenants and restrictions on use, subdivisions, caveats and issues relating to public roads. In his work with Crown land, Peter advises clients on Aboriginal land claims and Native title and has appeared in the Federal Court in non-claimant applications.
Peter frequently speaks at industry events on a diverse range of property transactions including compulsory acquisitions, public-private partnerships and Crown land. Peter’s standing within the profession is demonstrated by his regular inclusion in the peer reviewed leading practitioner list
Best Lawyers™ Australia (Land Use and Zoning Law) 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, (Real Property Law) 2024 and 2025, and (Native Title Law) 2025. He is also listed in Doyles Guide™ as a recommended Leading Property & Real Estate Lawyer 2023.
Experience
Peter’s experience includes advising:
- Sydney Metro on the compulsory acquisition of easements for the Sydney Metro train stations;
- Sydney Water Corporation on multiple compulsory acquisitions of freehold land and easements, the exercise of its statutory powers and the sale of surplus land;
- Endeavour Energy, Georges River Council and Camden Council on the compulsory acquisition of freehold land and easements for critical infrastructure;
- Mortgagee in possession sales of land;
- City of Ryde on the sale and acquisition of land and on the negotiation of a building management statement for West Ryde Library development;
- Sutherland Shire Council on the incorporation of a section 358 company for The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre; and
- Blacktown City Council, Sutherland Shire Council, Bayside Council and Woollahra Municipal Council on the sale and acquisition of land and the leasing of Crown and community land.