Real Estate (International Firms) | Greater China Region

Mayer Brown LLP houses a highly respected real estate team that works on development, financing and conveyancing mandates across Hong Kong and Mainland China. The firm maintains an impressive client portfolio including domestic and international property developers, private equity funds and prominent institutional investors. Its expertise spans the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. It actively advises on joint venture matters and outbound investments. The team is also able to represent clients in contentious matters, including judicial review and building management disputes. It has additional expertise in advising on healthcare and logistics facilities-related mandates. The practice's impressive clientele includes Swire Properties, Kerry Properties and Weave Living.

Deacons fields a well-regarded practice with noteworthy experience assisting with residential, commercial and industrial mandates. The team regularly advises developers, public bodies and commercial banks on financing, joint venture agreements, acquisitions, development and disposals. It also demonstrates expertise handling sale and leasing transactions as well as property management issues. The firm is often instructed to assist clients on diverse tender processes, including negotiations and contract drafting. Its client roster features China Resources Logistics (Group), Goldstone Asset (HKSAR) and Bank of China.

DLA Piper LLP's prominent real estate practice offers strong cross-border capabilities with significant expertise in assisting local clients with international real estate investments. The law firm handles a wide range of property transactions, including acquisitions, development, sales and disposals, leasing, financing and conveyancing. It possesses extensive experience in the office, retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, especially handling joint venture agreements. It collaborates with the firm's international offices to provide seamless global coverage in the firm's handling of outbound investments. DLA Piper offers extensive experience advising fund managers on a wide array of real estate investments. The team is called upon to handle matters in the logistics area.

A&O Shearman's real estate team is noted for advising on complex and multi-jurisdictional real estate transactions for international investors. It leverages a team of lawyers across offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai. It is skilled at handling acquisitions and financing in the commercial, logistics, residential and hotel sectors. The team frequently acts for private equity firms, developers, lenders and sovereign wealth funds, with experience assisting clients with capital market transactions. The law firm is able to assist clients with the formation of investment platforms and consortiums. It counts China Resources, CBC Group and Black Kite among its clientele. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

The respected real estate group at Clifford Chance possesses significant expertise in handling mandates in the hospitality, retail and residential sectors. The firm acts on matters across the real estate investment life-cycle, with particular strength in finance, refinancing and M&A transactions. Its strong base of clients includes fund managers, investment banks, REITs, developers and institutional investors. The team advises on joint venture platforms targeting commercial properties and development opportunities, in addition to asset management and private equity-related issues. It is called upon to handle transactions relating to the logistics industry. The practice's clients include Yuexiu Property, Shanghai Jinmao Investment Management and HSBC.

King & Wood Mallesons delivers the full range of real estate expertise, covering finance, acquisitions, disposals, investment, development and leasing assistance, and it is particularly experienced in the retail sector. It maintains a deep bench and presence across Mainland China with strong international and PRC law capabilities. The team is able to advise on pre-sale arrangements and commercial leasing matters for major redevelopment and residential projects. Its impressive client roster includes Sky Asia Properties, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Ocean Park Corporation.

Kirkland & Ellis houses a dedicated team that has a key offering in the private equity real estate space. The team skilfully handles a range of transactions spanning acquisitions, financings and joint ventures. It demonstrates notable expertise in the commercial, logistics and hospitality sectors. The firm counts REITs, private equity houses and other investors among its key clients. Link REIT, Sequoia China Infrastructure Fund and LimeTree Capital are examples of the firm's clients.

The noteworthy real estate practice at Withers draws strength from its extensive global network. It offers particular skill in handling complex mergers and acquisitions of real estate entities, as well as leasing and financing matters involving capital markets and structured financing structures. The team is particularly visible advising on deals in the residential, commercial and retail sectors. Its client roster features real estate funds, developers and financial institutions.