Real estate transactions – acquisition, sale and structuring of commercial real estate
Each year, we handle a significant number of real estate transactions, ranging from individual properties to complex portfolio transactions varying widely in size and structure. Our assistance covers the entire transaction process – from planning and structuring, through bid processes and capital raising, to due diligence, contract negotiations, settlement and completion. Our advice in connection with the acquisition and sale of real estate also includes forward transactions, sale-and-leaseback arrangements and similar structures. We also have extensive experience in establishing and advising on various forms of collaboration and joint ventures, fund structuring and syndicates.
A consistently high transaction volume over many years has given us in-depth knowledge of market practice and negotiation dynamics. We also know that real estate transactions often involve far more than real estate law alone. Through close collaboration with the firm’s other practice areas, we tailor the team to each individual project, drawing on specialist expertise in areas such as corporate law and shareholders’ agreements, tax, VAT, financing and financial regulatory matters. This ensures efficient processes and well-adapted solutions throughout the transaction.
Real estate development and construction
Effective advice in real estate development projects requires a strong understanding of both legal and commercial considerations. Our cross-disciplinary real estate development team advises on all phases of development projects – from early-stage planning and zoning work to implementation and completion. We have extensive experience in identifying the issues and potential measures that should be considered to minimise risk, protect value and realise projects in the most time- and cost-efficient manner possible.
Our advice covers everything from project and organisational structure, planning and zoning matters, development agreements and infrastructure, sectioning and cadastral registration, applications and permits, environmental law, ground contamination and pollution liability, construction and building contracts, and various forms of option and cooperation agreements. We also have extensive experience in public-private partnerships, land acquisition processes and infrastructure. We work closely with developers, construction companies, investors and advisers on projects of all sizes, within both commercial and residential real estate.
Lease agreements
Leasing and asset management are central to value creation in commercial real estate. We regularly advise a wide range of real estate companies and asset managers on the negotiation and follow-up of lease agreements, including renegotiations, extensions and the handling of breaches, disputes and insolvency.
We have solid experience with all standard agreements used in the industry, including the Norwegian standard lease forms, and have strong insight into market developments. Our experience also includes sector-specific agreements, such as hotels, retail and data centres, as well as advice on the tenant side. Through close collaboration with our technology and data protection practice, we provide ongoing assistance on matters including data processing agreements, privacy notices and other PropTech-related issues.
Financing and capital structure
Financing is an integrated and often decisive element of both transactions and long-term ownership in commercial real estate. We advise on the strategic structuring and implementation of financing solutions, including equity transactions, bank financing and bond financing, both in connection with real estate transactions and long-term ownership.
Dispute resolution and litigation
We regularly advise on disputes and proceedings before the ordinary courts and in arbitration, as well as in matters before public administrative authorities. The combination of litigation experience and industry knowledge provides a strong basis for the efficient and targeted handling of disputes relating to contracts, development projects, lease relationships and regulatory matters.
Sustainability and climate risk
Increased focus on sustainability, climate risk and stricter regulatory requirements is increasingly shaping the real estate market. Our advice includes thorough assessments relating to sustainability and relevant regulatory frameworks, in close collaboration with our specialists in this area. We stay continuously up to date on certification schemes, such as BREEAM-NOR and BREEAM In-Use, the energy labelling scheme, reporting requirements and other current or potential forthcoming EU legislation. We also have extensive experience in regulating sustainability obligations and liability in agreements relating to sales and acquisitions, leases and construction contracts.
Other real estate advice
The real estate team has solid and broad knowledge of all traditional real estate law matters. We provide ongoing advice on matters including ground leases, co-ownership issues, sectioning and re-sectioning, planning and building law, land registration, easements, rights of use and other encumbrances on real property, environmental law and ground contamination, expropriation and related matters.
Our strong legal and industry expertise makes us a valuable strategic sparring partner for our clients. Through the use of project management and up-to-date digital tools, we ensure the efficient execution of our projects. We are actively engaged in ongoing legal developments and industry dialogue, including through legal publications, seminars and participation in the development of industry standards. This insight enables us to act as strategic advisers who understand our clients’ businesses and contribute to long-term value creation.
