‘A perfect combination of pragmatism and creativity', the real estate team at Alegalis is commended for its ability to advise on the full life cycle of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects, counting a host of leading Guatemalan and Central American real estate developers among its clients. The team advises from the acquisition of land through to project structuring, construction contracts and licensing issues, and the sale of the completed properties, assisting with any related litigation and tax issues. Director Andrés Rodríguez leads the practice, with a strong record in the development of projects in Guatemala as well as, more recently, Costa Rica, Mexico and the US. Managing partner Juan Antonio Mazariegos is another key name at top level, while associate Mirna Marroquín provides support across a range of real estate matters.

The ‘highly capable, creative, dedicated and very client-driven' team at Alta QIL+4 Abogados advises some of Guatemala’s leading developers on the full spectrum of  real estate matters, as well as related tax and commercial issues. The firm stands out for its strong track record of assisting with the structuring and development of large-scale residential, commercial and industrial projects, but also has robust skill sets in the negotiation of build-to-suit leases, the purchase and sale of properties, and the constitution of co-ownership regimes. ‘Shining star‘ Eva Cacacho leads the team, with a broad practice that takes in project development and the incorporation of real estate funds. The talented line-up of junior lawyers includes senior associate María Fernanda Ovalle and associates José Carlos Pérez, who joined from Alegalis in August 2023, and Karen Tzoc.

Consortium Legal houses a comprehensive real estate practice encompassing all stages of project development (from land acquisitions and construction contracts to licensing and registration issues), property sales and acquisitions, leases, mortgages and the constitution of horizontal property regimes. In addition to advising large local developers, the team acts for a number of clients in the retail and hospitality sectors. The department also benefits from a specialised team focused on obtaining government permits and licences. Practice head Sandra García de Zedán advises on the full spectrum of residential, commercial and industrial projects, ably supported by a deep bench of associates, which includes Jaminie Recinos, Mario Pivaral and Cristina Samayoa. Alfredo Rodríguez lends senior expertise to the team, particularly in tax-related matters.

Legalsa's recent workload spans a broad mix of project development, real estate transactions and litigation, with a client base that includes developers, investment firms and high-net-worth individuals. On the projects side, the team assists with the acquisition of land, construction, sale and delivery of units and registration of horizontal property regimes, covering the development of high-end residential, hotel and commercial properties. Other key areas of expertise include the sale and acquisition of real estate assets and property-related disputes, where the team benefits from the support of the firm’s leading litigation department. David Font, whose strengths include project finance and real estate tax issues, Johann Hartleben and senior associate Mónica Linares share leadership of the practice.

A. D. Sosa & Soto's ‘very proactive' real estate practice has been increasingly active in the development of residential projects, advising on everything from land acquisition and financing to horizontal property regulations and the sale of completed units. In addition, the team advises a steady stream of clients in the retail, entertainment and hospitality sectors on their lease agreements and expansion plans, and also has notable expertise in cadastral issues and the structuring of real estate funds. José Javier Sosa, who is skilled in leasing, construction and zoning and urban planning matters, leads the team alongside Rodolfo Sosa. At associate level, Rita Pérez and Aura Córdova are the names to note. Since the conclusion of research, the firm has merged into Costa Rica's Tactic Legal (by which name it is now known), as part of the development of a regional firm which also has offices in El Salvador and Honduras.

Leveraging its full-service model and regional network, Arias' ‘well-rounded' and ‘proactive' real estate team is equipped to advise major multinationals from the pharmaceutical, retail, food and beverages and financial services sectors, to name but a few. The team frequently assists these clients with the acquisitions and leases (alongside compliance with local licensing regulations) as part of their expansion plans in Guatemala and Central America, and also has growing experience of advising domestic real estate developers on the construction of residential and commercial projects. Luis Pedro Del Valle oversees the practice, while Jorge Ordoñez is a key figure at senior associate level, alongside Francisco Zuluaga and Florencio Gramajo (who were promoted in August 2023).

The ‘excellent‘ lawyers at Bermejo & Bermejo are singled out for their niche expertise in structuring co-ownership regulations for mixed-use housing, office and commercial buildings and ‘know the horizontal property regime better than most other firms in Guatemala'. The team is also well known for its strength in advising building administrations, but its broad practice further extends to assisting with the development of real estate projects and the sale of completed units. Juan Carlos Bermejo, who brings to bear additional experience in corporate and tax matters, jointly leads the team with Luis Pedro Bermejo, an expert in zoning regulations and the structuring of mixed-use real estate projects.

Lex Atlas fields a broad real estate practice, advising clients including major local developers on the due diligence and financial structuring of the real estate acquisitions, issues relating to the registration of properties, lease agreements and real estate tax. The firm also has a robust skill set in property-related litigation, including disputes over the termination of leasing contracts and the payment of rent. Alejandro Solares Solares, whose practice spans the lease, sale and purchase of real estate assets and the creation of co-ownership regimes, leads the team. The practice also leans on the senior expertise of managing partner Ignacio Andrade Aycinena, who founded the office upon his departure from Sfera Legal in 2022.