An increasingly urban Africa presents unlimited investment opportunities in infrastructure and real estate, but to succeed, organisations need access to a full range of advisory services.
The African real estate market is growing in terms of complexity and sophistication. Whilst residential, retail, office and industrial sectors continue to be key sectors for real estate investors, emerging opportunities on the rise include area sectors such as agriculture, affordable housing, data centres, healthcare facilities, hospitality among others. Investors, corporations, developers, asset and fund managers and financial institutions need a legal team that can offer strategic transactional support on a local and cross-border basis.
ALN is known for its broad real estate expertise, and our lawyers regularly handle large development projects from start to finish, including advising on tax and equity structuring, construction, debt and equity financing, conveyancing, operation and management.
Our cross-border experience and in-depth industry knowledge give us a significant competitive advantage. We use a wide range of innovative and complex structures, as our specialist real estate lawyers help clients mitigate risk and adopt tax efficient structure to enhance returns on their investments.
Principal Areas of Practice:
- Construction
- Conveyancing
- Project financing
- Joint ventures
- Property acquisition and development
- Leasing
- Operations management
- Tax and equity structuring
- Physical planning and land use
At ALN, our Real Estate and Construction practice provides tailored solutions to help you capitalise on the vast potential of this dynamic market.
Our deep understanding of local laws and regulations, combined with our extensive experience handling large-scale projects, positions us as your trusted advisor for all your real estate and construction endeavors.
What We Offer: Why choose us as a Real Estate & Construction Partner
- Comprehensive Expertise: Our team consists of lawyers specialising in all aspects of real estate and construction law, including construction, conveyancing, project financing, joint ventures, property acquisition and development, leasing, operations management, tax and equity structuring, and physical planning and land use.
- A Client-Centric Approach: We work closely with clients to understand their business objectives and provide innovative and practical solutions tailored to their needs. You are assured of clear communication, efficient execution, and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
- A Track Record of Success: We have a proven track record of successfully advising clients on some of the largest and most complex real estate projects across Africa. Our clients include leading developers, investors, corporations, asset and fund managers, and financial institutions.
- Seamless Cross-Border Support: As ALN, we have an extensive alliance of leading law firms across multiple African countries and the UAE, enabling us to provide seamless legal support for your cross-border transactions.
- Industry Recognition: Our team is consistently recognised by international legal guides, including Chambers Global, IFLR1000, and Legal 500, for our expertise and client service.
Representative transactions include advising:
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EH Venture Capital Rwanda
In connection with the development of a financial centre in Kigali Rwanda.
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Vipingo Ridge
In connection with its development of a five-star residential and golfing resort with two 18-hole Championship Golf Courses.
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Tanzania’s National Housing Corporation
In connection with their construction of a mega housing project, likely to be the largest urban housing development in East and Central Africa.
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A major Mauritian bank
In connection with the financing of an investment fund and construction venture in India.
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AVIC International Real Estate Kenya
In connection with its development of a mixed-use state-of-the-art development comprising of one of the tallest office blocks in Kenya, a modern retail and commercial centre, a five star hotel and four residential apartment blocks consisting of an aggregate of 504 high end apartments.
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Centum
In connection with all legal matters in relation to Two Rivers, the largest mall in Sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa.
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Actis and Improvon Group
In connection with the development of an A-Grade product-specific warehouse and logistics park, on a 103-acre piece of land along Nairobi’s Eastern Bypass.
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Garden City
In connection with its Garden City development, a USD 250 million integrated mixed-use property that comprises of a 500,000 square feet retail mall, offices, hotel and 600 residential units; amongst others.
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Africa Finance Corporation, African Development Bank and Africa Export Bank
In connection with debt financing for the construction of a new international airport at Bugesera in Rwanda.
Our Principal Areas of Practice in Real Estate and Construction include:
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Construction
We provide legal counsel and support during all phases of construction projects. This could include drafting and negotiating construction contracts, advising on building codes and regulations, and representing clients in construction disputes.
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Project Financing
Real estate and construction projects often require significant financing. ALN firms can advise clients on various financing options, including debt financing, equity financing, and public-private partnerships. Our expertise includes structuring financing agreements, conducting due diligence, and negotiating with lenders.
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Property Acquisition and Development
ALN firms can assist clients with the legal aspects of acquiring and developing properties. This could include conducting due diligence on potential properties, negotiating purchase agreements, obtaining necessary permits and approvals, and advising on zoning regulations. Our services include advising on tax and equity structuring for large development projects.
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Operations Management
This involves advising clients on the day-to-day legal aspects of managing real estate properties. This could include compliance with safety regulations, handling tenant issues, and ensuring adherence to environmental laws.
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Physical Planning and Land Use
This area involves navigating the legal framework surrounding land use and development. We advise clients on zoning regulations, obtaining land use permits, and complying with environmental regulations.
We understand the legal complexities of real estate and construction projects in Africa. Our team includes lawyers with many specialisations to provide comprehensive support for even the most sophisticated projects.
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Conveyancing
This area of law focuses on the legal transfer of property ownership. ALN firms’ expertise in conveyancing could involve drafting and reviewing sale agreements, handling land registration processes, and ensuring compliance with relevant property laws.
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Joint Ventures
Real estate projects sometimes involve collaborations between different parties. Our firms can help clients structure joint venture agreements that outline each party’s rights and obligations, profit-sharing arrangements, and dispute-resolution mechanisms.
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Leasing
This area covers the legal aspects of leasing commercial and residential properties. Our firms can draft and review lease agreements, advise on landlord-tenant rights and obligations, and represent clients in lease disputes.
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Tax and Equity Structuring
Real estate transactions have significant tax implications and require you to be tax-efficient. We advise clients on structuring transactions, including optimising capital gains tax, property tax, and other relevant taxes.
