Global Guide 2026 : South Africa
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Bowmans
Our Commercial Property Practice is best known for representing the interests of banks, developers and listed and unlisted property funds in financing the acquisitions, disposal and development of commercial, industrial and retail real estate across Africa.
We have expert knowledge in negotiating and structuring lease and development lease agreements for both landlords and tenants in the commercial, industrial and retail sectors.
We are also actively involved in real estate due diligence investigations which form part of larger corporate due diligence processes for both sellers and purchasers in mergers, acquisitions and renewable energy projects.
Members of our team regularly represent the interests of one or more parties involved in the most prominent commercial property transactions in the country.
Provided by Chambers
Bowmans houses a recognised and established property practice group, showcasing proficiency in high-value commercial real estate. The team has significant experience acting for funds, banks and other financial institutions in the financing, sale and acquisition of different kinds of real estate assets. The team is also sought out for its counsel on retail and residential development projects.
Provided by Chambers
Bowmans advised Rand Merchant Bank on the acquisition, development and finance to Live Easy Group regarding its acquisition of numerous office complexes to convert into nano-apartments.
Provided by Chambers
Bowmans has delivered when complexity and sophistication is required, and we place a high premium on the firm's ability to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions.
Bowmans makes sure that the agreements are well drafted and facilitates the implementation of transactions to ensure that they are done efficiently.
We get good services and the firm is always able to get responses to any queries timeously.
Bowmans' team offers proactive and good response times. The lawyers have the capabilities required to deal with complexity but do not seek to overcomplicate matters and are highly practical.
Provided by Chambers
Craig Schafer heads the real estate department at Bowmans, and has a longstanding presence in this practice area. He is active on matters such as acquisitions and the development of commercial real estate.
Craig Schafer is fantastic. He is very responsive and always willing to assist. He brings his great experience to bear in a manner that is of high value to our business.
He is very focused on assisting clients and is particularly helpful in getting larger transactions closed.
Julia Power has an extensive involvement in the South African commercial real estate sphere, including in property development, financing and acquisitions.
Julia Power is a centre of excellence when it comes to real estate legal work.
Julia Power is a very good lawyer. She is very pragmatic and driven to get the deals to move forward.
Real Estate
Real Estate
Provided by Bowmans
Samantha Saffy
Craig Schafer
View profile of Craig SchaferJulia Power
View profile of Julia Power
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