Leading Associates

Real estate and construction in Luxembourg

Arendt & Medernach

Arendt & Medernach approaches much of its work in the real estate sector from a multi-disciplinary perspective as befits a firm that has a core focus on the corporate aspects of work in the space. In this context, the work is driven by a strong and loyal base of real estate-focused funds which the firm, through its investment management team, has helped structure the initial funds, with the subsequent downstream investment work handled by the M&A lawyers - often also involving tax structuring at both stages. Pierre Beissel , who co-ordinates the firm's real estate industry group, is key to much of the fund structuring work, as is the vastly experienced Claude Niedner. For the downstream investment work, which is often cross-border in nature, corporate/M&A head Carsten Opitz often takes the lead. The firm also handles some more 'bricks and mortar' style work across both commercial and residential assets, for developers and end-users/occupiers. Christian Point is the main contact for this work where he is adept at both contentious and non-contentious mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pierre Beissel; Christian Point


Autres avocats clés:

Claude Niedner; Carsten Opitz; Rodrigo Delcourt; Bob Calmes; Yves Lacroix


Principaux clients

Aermont Capital Management S.à.r.l.


Allianz RE


AXA Real Estate Investment Managers


Besix Group


Hines


Macquarie Group


Primonial


Leasinvest Real Estate


STRABAG Property and Facility Services


TwentyTwo Real Estate


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised TwentyTwo Real Estate on the acquisition of one of the largest and newest Center Parcs in Europe.
  • Advised European asset manager Aermont Capital on the sale of an initial 50% stake to Keppel Limited.
  • Advised STRABAG Property and Facility Services on the acquisition of the Luxembourg-based company ELCO, which specializes in consultancy, installation, and technical services for all types of building.

Dentons

With a core four-strong team that is also able to leverage wider corporate, finance and tax expertise, Dentons has the subject matter expertise and the critical mass to handle a significant variety and volume of complex transactions, ranging from asset and share deal-related real estate M&A, to development projects and advice relating to complex lease negotiations, both domestically and across borders (where it can also tap into the firm's broader international network). 'Very knowledgeable and practical' team head Martine Gerber-Lemaire leads from the front and has an excellent perspective in relation to M&A, funding and investment in the sector, regularly handling many of the most consequential commercial real estate projects in Luxembourg for a wide array of stakeholders, including institutional investors, promoters and sellers. Senior counsel Christel Dumont is also a key member of the team who as well as advising on acquisitions, leasing and property management issues, also has niche experience with regard to real estate-related insolvencies for both creditors and debtors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martine Gerber-Lemaire


Autres avocats clés:

Christel Dumont; Hélène Retière; Elisabeth Lauwerier


Les références

‘We hired Dentons Luxembourg specifically because of their experience and expertise in ground leases from the Luxembourg state for large industrial projects.’

‘Martine Gerber-Lemaire is clearly a very knowledgeable and practical lawyer.’

‘Christel Dumont is a very knowledgeable lawyer and is a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

KPMG and BPI


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised KPMG Luxembourg and BPI Real Estate on the acquisition of the Kronos building from BGL BNP Paribas. The building will be redeveloped to create KPMG’s new Luxembourg office.

KLEYR GRASSO

Acting in a standalone fashion and working collaboratively with broader practice area specialisms when required, KLEYR GRASSO provides a 'high-quality service' across the full spectrum of commercial real estate/construction work from an advisory/transactional and litigation perspective. Drawing upon an 'in-depth knowledge of real estate law and construction regulations', Yasmine Poos is a popular choice across a range of contractual work, including as it relates to lease negotiations. She is a skilled litigator, with work including defending the State of Luxembourg in relation to real estate-related public procurement disputes. François Collot co-heads the team alongside Poos and has developed niche expertise across environmental, health and safety rules.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

François Collot; Yasmine Poos


Autres avocats clés:

Henry De Ron; Fanny Mazeaud; Mélanie Trienbach


Les références

‘The team is known for its exceptional responsiveness, ensuring that client queries and needs are addressed in a timely manner. This promptness fosters a strong sense of trust and reliability.’

‘We appreciate their availability, their technical knowledge, the way they follow up on projects and their pragmatic approach.’

‘They provide high-quality service tailored to each client’s specific needs.’

Principaux clients

Soclair


Administration communale de Sandweiler


Tralux SARL


Kalschesbrück


SNCH – SNCA – SNCT


Les Jardins du Luxembourg / Thomas & Piron


Ministère de la Mobilité et des Travaux Publics


IKO Real Estate


CIT BLATON


Fonds du Logement


Tracol Immobilier


Luxair


Fonds de Compensation Commun au Régime Général des Pensions


Principaux dossiers


Linklaters

Led on the downstream investment front by the 'proactive, diligent and very professional' Anton CoxLinklaters is particularly adept at advising institutional investors on acquisitions and sales in the domestic market relating to the office, retail and logistics assets. The team is also able to lean into broader corporate/M&A strength, while this cross-disciplinary approach is similarly applied across a considerable volume of real estate finance work. Cox is also active advising developers, as well as for owners and users on lettings. Leveraging the firm's extensive international network, the team is also well-placed to advise funds structured in Luxembourg on their cross-border real estate strategies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anton Cox


Autres avocats clés:

Melinda Perera; Manfred Müller; Anton Cox; Aurélie Mounier; Thibaud Muller; Louis-Eudes Giroux; Laurent Benoit; Adrian Danciu; Merve Nazli Kaylan


Les références

‘Anton Cox is a real dealmaker. He is proactive, diligent and very professional.’


Principaux clients

Pontegadea Luxembourg S.à. r.l


Allianz Life Luxembourg S.A.


Scottish Widows Europe S.A.


Bank of America Europe


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised PonteGadea Inversiones S.L. on their acquisition of Continental Real Estate Company SA from Baltisse Group, owning the Royal Park building located in CBD Luxembourg.
  • Advised Allianz Life Luxembourg on the sale and lease back of their headquarters in Luxembourg.
  • Advised Scottish Widows Europe SA on the entry into a lease for premises in a building at 2c Rue Albert, Borschette, L-1246 Luxembourg.

A&O Shearman

The 'excellent and highly professional' team at A&O Shearman collaborates well with other associated practice groups to provide an all-encompassing service to public and private sector stakeholders across all legal aspects associated with the purchase, sale, construction and lease of commercial properties. 'Responsive and solutions-oriented' team head Philippe Eicher  is 'calm and imperturbable in difficult negotiations', including on the negotiation of lease terms for large financial services clients on their moves to new offices in Luxembourg. He is also skilled at advising on forward sales agreements and large development projects. Other key members of the cross-disciplinary group include Jacques Graas, for funds-related real estate work; counsel Pol Theisen whose 'understanding of the Luxembourg real estate sector is exceptional'; and Andreas Hommel for real estate finance matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philippe Eicher


Autres avocats clés:

Jacques Graas; Pol Theisen; Andreas Hommel


Les références

‘It is an excellent and highly professional team that collaborates well with other practice groups.’

‘Philippe Eicher is responsive and solutions-oriented.’

‘Philippe Eicher is calm and imperturbable in difficult negotiations.’

Principaux dossiers


Baker McKenzie

Working on its own as well as being able to leverage vast resources throughout its global network, Baker McKenzie is well-positioned to advise on domestic and cross-border real estate work for developers, investors and end-users. Team head Jean-François Trapp has excellent standing in the industry both through his fee-earning work, which includes corporate real estate work for fund clients, as well as through his continued role as President of the Advisory Board of the LuxReal association.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jean-François Trapp


Principaux dossiers


Clifford Chance

Led on a day-to-day basis by Sébastien Schmitz and well-integrated across the firm's banking, corporate, funds and tax practice areas, Clifford Chance handles a range of work for developers, investors and public bodies, where it combines local experience with best international practice. Schmitz has recently handled a number of real estate projects in the energy space and is often assisted by 'exceptional' senior associate Alma Custovic , who has 'a proven track record of success in the real estate area'. Litigator Albert Moro co-heads the overarching team alongside Schmitz that is also well-versed at handling cross-border deals, often working closely with its Brussels office, in particular.

Responsables de la pratique:

Albert Moro; Sébastien Schmitz


Autres avocats clés:

Alma Custovic; Elena Zinovieva; Nathalie Vojdani


Les références

‘The team provides succinct and highly professional advice.’

‘Alma Custovic is exceptional and has a proven track record of success in the real estate area.’

Principaux clients

TotalEnergies Renewables


TotalEnergies


PATRIZIA


SOCIETE DE L’AEROPORT DE LUXEMBOURG S.A. (LUX-AIRPORT)


GROSSFELD PAP S.A. SICAV-RAIF


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised TotalEnergies Renewables on various legal aspects in relation to the potential installation of the photovoltaic panels in Luxembourg, paving the way for a greener future.
  • Advising lux-Airport on its “Skypark Business Center” development within the “Airport City” area.
  • Advised GROSSFELD PAP, the leading real estate developer of Luxembourg City’s prestigious Cloche d’Or district, on the sale of the state-of-the-art Darwin II building to the State of Luxembourg.

DSM Avocats à la Cour

‘Combining deep industry knowledge with practical experience’, DSM Avocats à la Cour provides ‘commercially sound guidance’ to a wide array of stakeholders, including but not limited to, developers, investors, engineering companies and project managers, across the gamut of real estate acquisitions/disposals, leasing and development work. As well as handling new money matters, including as it relates to major office space developments, the team has been increasingly active advising on distressed projects. In this context, under the guidance of well-respected team head Mario Di Stefano, it has handled a considerable amount of work for a major insurance company (which provided completion guarantees) in relation to claims brought with regard to the non-completion of a significant residential development.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mario Di Stefano


Autres avocats clés:

Quentin Martin; Vanessa Lomoro


Les références

‘The team provides a solutions-oriented service and is able to explain complex issues in simple terms.’

‘Combining deep industry knowledge with practical experience, the team  provides commercially sound guidance that clients value in high-stakes real estate transactions.’

 

Principaux clients

Landimmo


EuroCaution


Wagner Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised EuroCaution with respect to the development of a new completion guarantee product for the acquisition of buildings to be constructed with the aim of avoiding the legal uncertainties associated with the scope of coverage in the event of conversion of the completion guarantee into a repayment guarantee.
  • Assisting several developers with urban developments and legal disputes with subcontractors.
  • Assisting several major companies in the negotiation and conclusion of lease agreements.

Elvinger Hoss Prussen

As well as continuing to advise across core development, leasing and real estate acquisition projects, in light of relatively depressed market conditions Elvinger Hoss Prussen has also been increasingly active handling restructuring mandates, where it is particularly well-positioned to act by virtue of its broad full-service expertise. Team head Stéphanie Pautot has handled some of this restructuring work for her core developer clients, as well as advising on a myriad other corporate real estate transactions. Nathalie Prüm-Carré is very skilled at advising on urban planning matters, both from an advisory as well as contentious perspective. Michel Nickels advises on lease negotiations and also handles some real estate disputes work as part of his broad ranging commercial litigation expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stéphanie Pautot


Autres avocats clés:

Nathalie Prüm-Carré; Michel Nickels


Principaux dossiers


Loyens & Loeff

Combining specialist real estate knowledge with broader tax, investment management, corporate and finance nous, Loyens & Loeff provides a one-stop-shop service to a range of stakeholders across the full-scope of their commercial real estate needs. Team head Julien Lecler has 'deep expertise in the real estate sector', particularly for Luxembourg and Belgian development matters (including with regard to forward sale agreements) where he is noted for his 'ability to balance legal precision with commercial pragmatism'.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julien Lecler


Autres avocats clés:

Tom Hamen


Les références

‘They are responsive, technically strong and business oriented.’

‘Their unique combination of specialized knowledge, particularly in real estate and construction, but also in investment management and capital markets, and their collaborative culture ensures that clients receive tailored solutions that address both immediate challenges and long-term goals.’

‘The team is composed of seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds, who provide a holistic perspective on complex issues. Their strengths lie in their strategic problem-solving abilities, coupled with a strong grasp of regulatory frameworks and a deep understanding of industry-specific nuances.’

Principaux clients

AG Real Estate


Atenor


Blue Colibri Capital


Brookfield


Edmond de Rothschild REIM


Fonds Kirchberg


Morgan Stanley


PRAEMIA REIM


REAL I.S.


SWISS LIFE Luxembourg


SWISS LIFE France Asset Managers


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Real I.S. with the completion of the acquisition in forward sale of The Arc, a mixed-used building from Eaglestone.
  • Assisted Swiss Life Asset Managers with the Luxembourg aspects of the acquisition by MAPFRE Insurance MAPSL of an office building in Madrid.
  • Advised Edge and Mitsubishi Estate London Ltd on the acquisition of 125 Shaftesbury Avenue.

MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL

The 'skilled and pragmatic' team at MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL has 'excellent knowledge of the market', ensuring that it is well-placed to advise investors, asset management entities, developers and owners across a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters. The 'friendly and hardworking' Stéphanie Juan  has 'excellent technical skills', which she implements to good effect, including on the acquisition and sale of office buildings. The team is co-headed by Paulo Lopes Da Silva who excels in advising on real estate disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stéphanie Juan; Paulo Lopes Da Silva


Autres avocats clés:

Jacques Wolter


Les références

‘They have excellent knowledge of the market. They are legal skilled and pragmatic and they are extremely responsive.’

‘The friendly and hardworking Stéphanie Juan has excellent technical skills.’

 

Principaux dossiers


PwC Legal Luxembourg

Since the arrival in 2022 of the vastly experienced Serge Hoffmann from A&O Shearman, PwC Legal Luxembourg has become in an increasingly pervasive force within the Luxembourg real estate market. Hoffman, who heads the team, is active across a broad range of major development projects within the commercial, retail, logistics and mixed use sectors, and is also very skilled at advising on complex lease negotiations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Serge Hoffmann


Les références

‘They have excellent knowledge of the real estate sector.’

‘Serge Hoffmann has a very good knowledge and understanding of the real estate sector. He provides very efficient and cost-effective work.’

 

Principaux dossiers


Luther S.A.

Luther S.A.'s 'excellent' team head Aurélien Latouche is noted for his 'pragmatic approach' on behalf of investors, developers, and owners on acquisitions, financings, sale and lease back transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Aurélien Latouche


Autres avocats clés:

Nicolas Duchesne


Les références

The firm provides pragmatic advice.’

Principaux clients

Kowac S.à r.l. – Technopolis – Kildare Partners


ANDANDO Real Estate S.à r.l.


Naxos UK


SAVILLS Investment Management


Intesa Sanpaolo Holding International SA


Atoz


Platinium Realty


Ecorenov


Proworks Consulting S.à r.l.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised KOWAC, the property company of the Technopolis building in Luxembourg, owned by Kildare, on the negotiation of various leases, the negotiations for the contracts regarding the various services offered to the tenants in the complex, and litigation towards tenants.

Thewes & Reuter

Thewes & Reuter is particularly skilled at advising public sector clients on real estate-related litigation. In this context, administrative law expert Marc Thewes regularly defends public institutions on the defence of challenges to procurement processes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marc Thewes; Pierre Reuter


Autres avocats clés:

Anne Charton; Laurent Welter; Hicham Rassafi-Guibal


Principaux clients

Lamy Group


Emile Mayrisch Hospital


SNHBM


POST Luxembourg


University of Luxembourg


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised LAMY GROUP, which is building a large hotel and leisure complex in the northern part of Luxembourg on issues relating to building code, environment, forestry and water law, contract law and tax law.
  • Advised the Emile Mayrisch Hospital in selecting a new general planner for its new hospital project, advising on the proper tender procedure and negotiating the contract with the selected bidder.
  • Advised POST LUXEMBOURG on how to deal with the issues arising from the presence of homeless individuals in the immediate vicinity of premises it rents for mailboxes and delivery boxes.