Department profile
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Real Estate

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa

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Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Rankings

About

Provided by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Whether you are a real estate investor, developer or corporate end user, you will not find greater breadth and depth of legal expertise in South Africa and Kenya, covering all the issues you face in relation to real estate, than at CDH. We act for private sector clients across all asset types, ranging from banks and other financial services institutions to capital market players such as listed property funds, real estate investment funds, asset managers and property syndicates. We advise many local and international (institutional) investors. Our clients include corporate and residential property owners, managers and occupiers, and developers of commercial, retail, industrial and residential properties. Our clients belong to a broad range of industries including hospitality and leisure, energy and natural resources, infrastructure development and construction. We have expertise inter alia, advising on golf estates and game farms, timeshare schemes, cluster and sectional title developments, retirement villages, share blocks and the formation of residents associations. In the public sector we act for government departments and state-owned entities, and we represent land and top structure developers in the affordable housing market.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - South Africa

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr hosts a market-leading real estate practice with a deep bench of experienced lawyers who are regularly instructed to deal with sophisticated, high-value matters. The law firm advises on the full spectrum of real estate matters including commercial property finance and leasing, earning specific recognition for its impressive conveyancing practice. The team further demonstrates considerable activity assisting with mixed-use developments. The firm has experts in both Johannesburg and Cape Town and services a number of leading South African commercial and residential developers, as well as financial institutions, investment funds and energy companies.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr advised King Air on a range of real estate mandates related to a mixed-use development of 71 hectares situated near Cape Town International Airport.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm has a strong and proven track record for complex transactions, highly capable multidisciplinary teams and excellent regulatory expertise, making the firm a top-tier choice.

    Real Estate respondentGlobal

  • The lawyers' ability to connect with clients from the onset allow us to feel comfortable throughout the different processes. They go out of their way and always keep all parties informed.

    Real Estate respondentGlobal

  • It has a good staff in the team, enabling timeous feedback and adequate legal support. The team is very responsive and always communicates and gives updates on the status of matters.

    Real Estate respondentGlobal

  • Its service and responsiveness are consistently strong, timely, attentive and dependable in all engagements.

    Real Estate respondentGlobal

  • The firm knows us intimately and is abreast with latest developments, regularly making suggestions on better ways to achieve our objectives, often proactively.

    Real Estate respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John Webber
    John Webber

    John Webber

    John Webber has a broad practice in real estate, with a track record which includes acquisition negotiations and joint venture agreements, as well as property development and refurbishment. He is active in mixed-use, residential and commercial developments.

    • What truly distinguishes John Webber is his unprecedented knowledge and unmatched experience in the real estate sector.

      Real Estate respondentGlobal

    • It is his commercial awareness that sets him apart.

      Real Estate respondentGlobal
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  • Muhammad Gattoo
    Muhammad Gattoo

    Muhammad Gattoo

    Muhammad Gattoo demonstrates solid expertise in handling commercial property financing mandates such as mortgage bonds. He frequently advises banks and investors.

    • Muhammad Gattoo is a very good commercial attorney with a good understanding of commercial property law.

      Real Estate respondentGlobal

    • He offers clear and practical property law advice, demonstrating consistent competence in transactional matters.

      Real Estate respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (2)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

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