Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Real estate

Estudio Ortiz & Asociados is active in real estate transactions, development and redevelopment projects, public-private initiatives and litigation matters, led by commercial real estate specialist Carolina Villar.

Real estate in Argentina

Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados

Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados‘s blue-chip real estate practice is the first port of call for Argentina’s largest and most important real estate, hotel and construction companies. Over the years, the team has advised medium and large real estate developers and investors on the full spectrum of real estate transactions, contract structuring, and planning and commercialisation matters. Drawing on vast technical knowledge and understanding of new trends in the real estate space, the practice is sought out for support across all sub-sectors and stages of real estate development, including the construction, development and commercialisation of real estate assets for agricultural, commercial and residential use in urban, suburban and rural areas. Advice on real estate financing, for both lenders and borrowers, is another area of strong expertise, and in recent years the firm has led the way in working through the complex structures required to buy and sell fixed assets for investment purposes, which often involve international finance. The practice has also pioneered the application of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in the real estate sector, helping real estate developers to tokenise real estate space on digital platforms. The team is co-lead by Fernando Aguinaga, an influential real estate practitioner with vast experience in real estate transactions and construction contracts; Pablo Vergara del Carril, a versatile real estate, corporate and transactional lawyer; and real estate-focused corporate and M&A partner Juan Manuel Quintana. Senior associate Inés Poffo leads the second line and has a litigation background, but is best known for handling complex real estate transactional matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Fernando Aguinaga; Juan Manuel Quintana; Pablo Vergara del Carril


Les références

‘A practice that combines exceptional real estate knowledge with flexibility, creativity and the ability to respond directly to client needs. The team accompanies clients every step of the way and stands out in the market.’

‘An impeccable team, with outstanding professional knowledge and personal service.’

‘The team is always available, and provides legal advice that recognises the commercial aspects of the business.’

Principaux clients

Austral Gold Argentina


Banco de Crédito y Securitización


Banco Hipotecario


Argentina Fortescue Future Industries


Carlos Casado


Constructora San José


Cresud


DF Entertainment (Lollapalooza)


Emprendimiento Recoleta


Fenix Entertainment Group


IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones (IRSA)


Radio Victoria Argentina


NH Group Hotels


OGDEN Argentina


Unión Argentina de Rugby


Werthein Investment Management Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Banco Hipotecario on the contribution of the Edificio del Plata property, located in downtown Buenos Aires, to the trust fund Edificio del Plata for the realisation of a project to reconvert the site under the horizontal property regime, and distribute proceeds from the sale of the resulting units to the beneficiaries of the trust fund.
  • Advised the Argentine Rugby Union on the acquisition of a property of 111,037.27 square meters for the development of a national rugby centre in the town of Campana in the province of Buenos Aires.
  • Advised IRSA in an exchange with Deingra, a trustee of Fideicomiso Nuevo Quilmes 2, involving the transfer of ownership of five plots located in Ezpeleta, in the district of Quilmes, for the development of a residential real estate project run by Deingra, with IRSA receiving 40% of the lots of the residential real estate project.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie advises local and international real estate clients, including brokers, construction companies, and developers, on a wide range of regulatory and transactional matters. The team represents landlords and tenants in all types of residential, commercial and leasing activities, and assists with the structuring and negotiation of lease transactions. Residential and commercial real estate financings, M&A deals, title audits, and registration filings are covered too. The financing and construction of data centre and hotel developments are particularly busy areas, with the firm also known for its expertise in the ESG aspects of construction and real estate development. The practice is led by experienced real estate lawyer Alejandra Bugna, who also chairs the firm’s Latam real estate practice group and sits on the global real estate steering committee. Corporate and M&A partner Martín Roth is another key senior name and handles a wide range of construction, development, and real estate work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alejandra Bugna


Les références

‘Martín Roth provides a personalised service and is very professional in all matters. He delivers results.’

‘Their availability and professionalism stand out. They are always prepared to listen and then negotiate. They demonstrate vast experience that makes a difference.’

‘The team shows an understanding of particular situations and tailors advice to the client. Warm and engaging people to work with.’

Principaux clients

Abbott Laboratories – Laboratorio Internacional Argentino


Abbvie


Embassy of Slovenia


Allegro Microsystems


Marriott International


Caruso & Asociados/Jardines de la Facultad


CyC Arquitectura/CyC Emprendimientos


Familia Andoro


Familia Taccone


Johnson & Johnson


Knock Out International (OR Promotions)


Celanese Corporation


TM Producción de Eventos


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Johnson & Johnson in a demerger and internal reorganisation process, and advised on the industrial site separation.
  • Assisted the Embassy of Slovenia in the acquisition of new offices in Argentina.
  • Continuing to advise Argentine construction company, broker and real estate developer Caruso & Asociados/Jardines de la Facultad on the drafting and negotiation of several residential and commercial lease agreements.

Beccar Varela

Beccar Varela advises real estate owners, project developers, property managers, lenders, and investors on complex real estate transactional and financing matters. The team is sought out for advice on the acquisition, divestment, management, leasing, financing and restructuring of real estate holdings in single asset and portfolio transactions. Structuring legal frameworks for real estate project finance, including real estate trusts, is a key area of strength, with the practice particularly active in pioneering the use of crowdfunding, micro-finance and sustainability-linked bonds to finance real estate deals. The firm has played a leading role in the development of online real estate platforms and tokenisation of real estate assets, and also provides support in complex contractual negotiations with construction companies and service providers. Highly respected real estate veteran Pedro Nicholson co-leads the team alongside corporate and M&A partner Pedro Silvestri, who works on a range of real estate transactional matters. Sofía Kovacic, who covers real estate, M&A and commercial law, is the main contact at associate level.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pedro Nicholson; Pedro Silvestri


Principaux clients

Housie Holdings


Jockey Club


Jamestown


Patagonia


Puerto Laharrague


Proyecto Norte


AT Developers (Piers Nordelta)


Metro Futuro


Estancia Paylacura


Patricio Diamanti


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Housie Holdings on the structuring of two real estate trusts, one to act as an investment vehicle for foreign investment in Argentina, and the other to provide an essential legal framework for an important residential project.
  • Advised the Jockey Club in Argentina on the legal structure for a commercial real estate project to be developed within the San Isidro racecourse.
  • Advised global real estate investment firm Jamestown on the successful sale of the mixed-use Santa Rita real estate project to real estate group Rukan.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Marval O’Farrell Mairal leverages the strength and expertise of its corporate and M&A team to support local and international real estate clients on large, complex real estate transactions. The practice works on pure play real estate deals, but is also sought out for advice on real estate operations within the broader context of M&A deals, with sale-and-leaseback structures a specialist area of focus. Real estate development, construction and financing matters are also covered. The practice is particularly well known for its work on land transactions in the agribusiness sector, and rewilding projects are a notable area of niche expertise. Hernán Slemenson, a noted M&A and financing lawyer, co-leads the team alongside corporate and M&A partner Diego Chighizola, who works on a variety of real estate development and financing matters. The practice can also call on the vast experience of corporate and M&A team head Pablo Viñals Blake, with senior expert associate Ignacio Torino Zavaleta providing second line support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hernán Slemenson; Diego Chighizola


Principaux clients

InterContinental Hotel Group


Edmond Safra


Guggenheim Nicklaus Partners


Adecoagro


Tompkins Conservation and Rewilding Argentina


The Butler Conservation Fund and The Wyss Foundation


Lojas Renner


Pernod Ricard


Citromax


Kimberly Clark


QuintoAndar


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Edmond M. Safra on a complex transaction that will enable the development and construction of AAA office buildings located in Buenos Aires.
  • Advising Tompkins Conservation and Rewilding Argentina on complex legal issues related to creating national and provincial parks in the largest privately owned land holding for conservation purposes.
  • Advising The Butler Conservation Fund and The Wyss Foundation on the legal aspects of its conservation projects.

Nicholson y Cano Abogados

Real estate developers, investors, brokers and construction companies seek out Nicholson y Cano Abogados for advice on a wide range of real estate matters, including M&A deals, financing, exchanges, real estate development projects, real estate portfolio management, land use, and zoning. The firm’s expertise covers agribusiness and rural land projects, as well as retail, mixed-use and industrial sites. The practice is led by vastly experienced real estate lawyer Agustín Pérez Cambiasso, who has worked in the sector for more than three decades. He is supported by senior associate Silvia Haurie, who covers real estate, administrative law, litigation and corporate law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Agustín Pérez Cambiasso


Principaux clients

Acindar


Bellamar Estancias


Cargill


CEDU (Camara Empresaria de Desarrolladores Urbanos de la República Argentina)


Chacabuco 175


YPF


Colegio San Jorge


Grupo Pegasus


Grupo Werthein


HSBC


Pereiraola


Pinamar


Raghsa


Swiss Medical Group


Whirlpool


Grupo Franchino


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Grupo Pegasus with the ongoing commercialisation and operation of the Tortugas Open Mall Shopping Centre.
  • Advised Grupo Pegasus on the commercialisation of the Centro Empresarial Urbana site, which consists of four buildings, including offices, shops and underground garages.
  • Assisted Whirlpool through the sale of the industrial site for one of its plants, including the drafting of a contract allowing the company to continue the temporary occupation of the administrative office section of the premises.

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen‘s comprehensive real estate offering covers development projects, transactional matters, construction contracts, security packages, real estate financing and leasing negotiations. The team works on a variety of housing, urbanisation and industrial projects and has extensive experience across all aspects of real estate law, including contract drafting, securing permits and approvals, and property management. Guillermo Quiñoa has more than than 30 years of real estate experience and has advised on a wide range of real estate matters spanning residential and industrial plant projects, hotel complexes, shopping malls, country clubs, gated communities, logistics and distribution spaces, and office buildings. He co-leads the team alongside seasoned financing and transactional lawyer Santiago Daireaux; well-regarded corporate and M&A partner Eugenio Aramburu; and Uruguay-based Marina Basavilbaso, who was promoted to partner in 2023 and heads the firm’s Latam desk. Senior associate Rosario Stoppani leads the second line and specialises in real estate, notarial issues, registrations and construction law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Guillermo Quiñoa; Santiago Daireaux; Eugenio Aramburu; Marina Basavilbaso


Les références

‘The service is comprehensive. The team has extensive knowledge on the subject and obvious experience. Responsive and client focused.’

‘Guillermo Quiñoa and the team have deep legal knowledge and resolve issues.’

‘They are excellent and provide specialist real estate knowledge.’

Principaux clients

Cencosud


Puma Sports Argentina


Bodegas Esmeralda – Catena Zapata


Dow Chemical Company


Sumitomo Chemical


Mercedes Benz Trucks & Buses Argentina


Ayres Desarrollos


Inversiones Los Andes


Louis Dreyfus


P8 Buenavista


Project Argentina


Honda Motors Argentina


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Mercedes Benz Trucks & Buses on the purchase of several office floors in Vicente López, in the province of Buenos Aires.
  • Advised Harvard Management on the sale of large forestry companies in Corrientes, Argentina.
  • Advised Puma Sports on the purchase of several office floors in the city of Buenos Aires.

Bomchil

Bomchil‘s real estate practice advises clients on project finance, trusts, project development and construction, zoning, environmental issues and the negotiation of operating agreements. Turnkey projects, new developments, and real estate transactions are all covered, with the firm active in projects spanning cold-storage rooms, warehouses, factories and waste treatment plants, as well as hotels, residential sites and resort complexes. The team has also taken a strategic decision build up expertise in structured finance across its real estate practice. To this end, the practice is co-led by capital markets and financing lawyer Fermín Caride and corporate all-rounder Francisco Zappa, who was raised to the partnership at the start of 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Fermín Caride; Francisco Zappa


Les références

‘Francisco Zappa understands real estate and explains complex legal points in simple terms. The team is responsive and prepares documents speedily.’

Principaux clients

Albwardy Investment


Banco Itaú


Coral Energía


Elektrogen de Argentina


HCA


HIT


Hospitality Management


Integración Turística Hotelera


Jack Green


La Nación Group/Buenos Aires Arena


Meliá Hotel Iguazú


Northbaires


PepsiCo de Argentina


Pereiraola


PATGO


Siete Real Estate


The Ally Inversiones Inmobiliarias


Uppergrowth


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Hospitality Management in the negotiation of a series of contracts with Accor for the operation of a hotel under the Ibis Styles brand in the city of Lomas de Zamora.
  • Acting for Coral Energía in the negotiation of several real estate contracts for the development of solar photovoltaic projects in certain provinces of Argentina.
  • Assisted real estate developer NorthBaires with the establishment of a real estate trust for the development of a real estate project in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.

Brons & Salas

Clients seek out Brons & Salas for multidisciplinary advice on urban and rural land acquisitions, leasing matters, permit applications, foreign land ownership rules and construction projects. The team is particularly well known for its work in the electricity and infrastructure space, where it has extensive experience of handling EPC contractual matters. Office space, hotels and resorts are other busy areas. The practice is led by the versatile Joaquín Vallebella, who in addition to real estate also has a strong dispute resolution practice. At associate level, Laura Conde (who focuses on M&A, real estate and rural land matters) and Florencia Crivelli (a key adviser on both corporate and real estate matters) are the main contacts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joaquín Vallebella


Les références

‘The team is excellent. Very collaborative and up to speed on legal changes.’

‘A team that is responsive and pleasant to work with.’

‘The team provides personalised guidance and advice. Joaquín Vallebella and Florencia Crivelli display professionalism and excellence.’

Principaux clients

BMS International


Fortescue Metals Group


Solar Turbines International


Grupo Peñaflor


Bencich Group


Papel Prensa


Global Investment Holding


Conagra Foods


Agrium


Agroservicios Pampeanos


Hyatt


Hotel Casino Tandil


Balanz Capital


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised WPP Group on the purchasing of its Class AAA, LEED-certified flagship building in Buenos Aires.
  • Negotiated and drafted the lease agreement for Bencich Group with a group of local and international investors who are refurbishing and opening a new five-star hotel in the city of Buenos Aires.
  • Assisted Ceditrin with setting up a new clinic for oncology treatment services in the city of Rosario.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja advises international and domestic real estate developers, investors and lenders on real estate investments in Argentina. The practice supports clients involved in office buildings, residential homes, apartment buildings and luxury condominium developments with a wide range of tax, regulatory, financing and transactional matters, and is also experienced in rural land matters, the environmental law aspects of real estate development, and border security zone regulations. The team is led by well-regarded corporate and M&A partner Exequiel Buenaventura, who advises on the structuring of real estate projects and transactions. He is supported by senior associate Federico Vicente, who worked in-house for WeWork before joining the team in 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Exequiel Buenaventura


Les références

‘An excellent, helpful team that is always ready and attentive. Very professional.’

‘They have a team of professionals from different branches of law who contribute their expertise.’

‘Exequiel Buenaventura has impressive knowledge of the local real estate market. He has helped to strengthen the documents and structures that we devise for our developments.’

Principaux clients

Compañía Cervecerías Unidas


Cargill


IFC


Vista Oil & Gas


Ribera Desarrollos


Goldman Sachs


Hotel Madero


ABS Holdings


Kleinwort


La Juciela


Acciona


Skill On Net


YPF


Raghsa


Warsteiner


Herbert Smith Freehills


Abbatia


Tayron Capital


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Acciona with the due diligence of the land tenure of a real estate property in the province of Misiones for the development and execution of a project related to investment in the forestation of rural land to obtain carbon credits.
  • Advised La Juciela on the real estate aspects of an agreement with a potential investor and developer of a green-hydrogen project on a rural real estate property in the province of Tierra del Fuego.
  • Advising Hotel Madero on a management agreement for a new five-star hotel on the outskirts of the city of Buenos Aires.

Estudio Bunge

Estudio Bunge is best known for it niche expertise as a key real estate adviser to the developers and operators of country clubs, golf clubs and gated communities. The firm also advises large agribusiness companies on the real estate aspects of their operations, in addition to handling complex, one-off real estate projects, such as Nordelta, a private city development initiative. Diego Bunge, an experienced litigation and commercial real estate practitioner, leads the practice, with Carlos Nogueira (an expert in property development, acquisitions, disposals, leasings, financings and joint venture formation) and Agustín Bunge (who focuses on infrastructure and real estate matters) providing further partner-level experience.

Responsables de la pratique:

Diego Bunge


Les références

‘A responsive and confident team.’

Principaux clients

Nordelta


La Reserva Cardales and Hotel Sofitel


San Eliseo Golf and Country Club


Fideicomiso de Lagos de San Eliseo


Caja de Médicos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires – La Plata Hotel


La Orquidea Golf Club


Nuevo Aguaribay/NXT


Viejo Aguaribay


Witex


BASLA


Limoneira


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised and participated directly in the legal structuring of the Nordelta real estate project – a residential development in Argentina that will be the first city in the country to be built and managed privately.
  • Advised on the legal structuring of San Eliseo, a private residential development in the San Vicente area.
  • Providing legal support to agribusiness group Limoneira Company on all the real estate aspects of its operations in Argentina.

O'Farrell

O'Farrell‘s real estate practice advises clients on property transactions and disputes related to boundary issues, property titles and leases.  The firm  is particularly active in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors, where it handles leasing and border security zone work. The practice is co-led by corporate and M&A partners Uriel F. O'FarrellErnesto GencoSebastián Luegmayer and Marcela Lorenzo Villalba.

Responsables de la pratique:

Uriel O’Farrell; Ernesto Genco; Sebastián Luegmayer; Marcela Lorenzo Villalba


Principaux clients

Ford Motor Company


YPF Energía Eléctrica


Pampa Energía


Comunicaciones y Consumos


Naturgy


Grupo Concesionario del Oeste


Eni


Dräger


Energía San Juan


Agua Negra


Enaex Argentina


Latinoamericana de Energía


Nokia-Alcatel


Stream Flo


Hattrick Energy


Quad Graphics


Huawei


Amazon Web Services


Farmacity


Louisiana Pacific


Amadeus IT Group


Vestas Development


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Canadian oil services company Stream Flo Industries on the real estate aspects of its operations in Argentina, including lease agreements and border security zone regulation.