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Ranking tables

Global South Africa Real Estate

This section ranks firms and individuals focusing on real estate law. Strong focus on transactions involving significant Real Estate assets and portfolios such as office buildings, residential developments and retail units. Also include matters relating to leasing and real estate finance. Where there isn’t a more specific construction ranking available, construction and development work also falls under real estate. Some examples of structuring and transactional advice provided to REITs, transactions involving real estate holding companies and regulatory advice can also be included among the examples of work for this section.

1
Band 1
  1. Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
    1
    Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
    Real Estate
    2023 | Band 1 |
    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 cases. The law firm advises on the full spectrum of real estate matters including REITs, 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 law 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.
2
Band 2
  1. ENSafrica
    2
    ENSafrica
    Real Estate
    2023 | Band 2 |
    ENSafrica boasts a notable real estate department with a strong team of experienced lawyers who are well versed in handling general real estate issues as well as those related to the commercial, industrial, residential and retail sectors. The firm demonstrates particular adeptness handling real estate financing matters. The team services an array of domestic and international clients, including banks, investment institutions and REITs, as well as manufacturers, educational bodies, community associations and natural reserves. The practice benefits from the firm's commercial strength, frequently acting on the real estate components of significant commercial transactions.
  2. Webber Wentzel
    2
    Webber Wentzel
    Real Estate
    2023 | Band 2 |
    Webber Wentzel boasts a noteworthy practice with significant expertise in commercial real estate matters, as well as conveyancing and notarial work. The firm advises on acquisitions and development and also has a notable strength handling property finance. The law firm demonstrates particular activity representing high-profile South African banks and financial institutions, with further experience acting for developers and corporates. The firm's clients hail from a range of industries, such as energy, construction, hospitality and mining. The group has further experience assisting with public-private partnerships.
  3. Werksmans Attorneys
    2
    Werksmans Attorneys
    Real Estate
    2023 | Band 2 |
    Werksmans Attorneys is a well-known corporate law firm with a strong real estate department. The group advises on a broad range of real estate matters, with particularly notable activity advising on residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. The practice represents a variety of players in the space, including property developers, REITs, owners and investors. The team additionally provides advice concerning property transfers and acquisitions, sectional titles, deed registration and township development. The department possesses a strong national presence, with offices in Johannesburg and the Western Cape.
3
Band 3
  1. Bowmans
    3
    Bowmans
    Real Estate
    2023 | Band 3 |
    Bowmans houses a recognised and established practice group, showcasing proficiency in high-value commercial real estate. The team has significant experience acting for banks and other financial institutions on the financing and refinancing of property and developments and offers further experience advising on sales and acquisitions. The team is also sought out for its counsel on retail and residential development projects.
  2. Strauss Scher
    Real Estate
    2023 | Band 3
  3. Tonkin Clacey
    Real Estate
    2023 | Band 3