Commercial property in Northern Ireland

A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP

The team at A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP advises international funds and institutions on the full life cycle of property investments. James Pringle acts for both sellers and buyers in significant investment transactions, while John Tougher focuses on acquisitions across the retail and energy sectors. Tracey Schofield and Gregory Martin departed in December 2024 and March 2025 respectively.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gregory Martin


Autres avocats clés:

James Pringle; John Tougher


Les références

‘The team is accessible.’

‘John Tougher is personable, available, empathetic, solution-based.’

Principaux clients

Asda Stores Limited


SBM Offshore Limited


Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Limited


Kingsbridge Healthcare Group


Sabanci Holdings Limited


NewRiver Reit


McAleer & Rushe


FRP Advisory Limited – The Body Shop


Castlebrooke Developments Limited


Woodberry Capital Limited


MJM/Rathbane Group Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Asda on its rights under the lease in respect of which it occupied the store, we negotiated terms for a temporary store within the retail park where the superstore was.
  • Acting for Netherlands-based developer, SBM Offshore, in relation to the potential £1 billion development of the first offshore wind farm in Northern Ireland.
  • Acting for a consortium of investors including Hong Kong’s CK Infrastructure Holdings which purchased the Phoenix Gas business in Northern Ireland at a value of £756 million.

Carson McDowell

The real estate team at Carson McDowell is well-versed in acting for vendors, purchasers, and funders in high-value transactions in a wide spectrum of sectors, from retail to housebuilding. The ‘commercialDawson McConkey leads the team and is sought after for both acquisitions and disposals. Dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and England and Wales, Emma Cooper distinguishes herself for work in the energy sector. A key aspect of Mary-Kim Doherty‘s practice is advising landlords and tenants in student accommodation schemes. Richard Dickson is also highlighted for acting on the full gamut of acquisition and financing matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dawson McConkey


Autres avocats clés:

Emma Cooper; Mary-Kim Doherty; Richard Dickson


Les références

‘We have had the pleasure of working with one of the best and most experienced teams in the UK. Their exceptional speed in completing tasks and their prompt responses to all our queries truly set them apart. We never have to chase for answers, which makes our collaboration smooth and efficient.’

‘We have had the pleasure of working with Carson McDowell and have consistently found their team to be professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable to us.’

‘Consistently high standards of expertise and speed in executing complex cases.’

Principaux clients

The Belfast Harbour Commissioners


The Queen’s University of Belfast


Belfast International Airport


Ulster University


McAleer & Rushe


Northern Ireland Investment Fund


Newpark Developments


South Bank Square


Renewable Energy Systems


Woven Housing Association


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising The Queen’s University of Belfast (QUB) on the delivery of the Institute of Research for Advanced Clinical Healthcare (iREACH) project.
  • Acted for the sellers in the sale of the entire shareholding in Kilwaughter to Saint Gobain.
  • Advised the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, as landlord and estate owner, with respect to the development and delivery of the following significant strategic projects.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin

The Cleaver Fulton Rankin commercial property team has a robust regional presence, advising both private and public companies across various industries, including social housing, retail and residential development. The firm’s strength is reflected in its exclusive appointment to act for NIHE in relation to both their South and North Regions. Joe Marley is at the helm of the department and is a key contact for City of London firms looking for local counsel. Patrick O'Hanlon is well-versed in property finance and routinely handles cross-jurisdictional deals. Michael Boyce has a broad practice, covering the full spectrum of non-contentious property matters. Kathryn Collie retired in October 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joe Marley


Autres avocats clés:

Patrick O’Hanlon; Michael Boyce; Shane Conlan


Les références

‘Wide range of professional knowledge to provide effective advice on matters at hand.’

‘Excellent working relationship.’

‘Available, professional, knowledgeable, easy to work with, patient and trustworthy. We felt like we were in ‘safe hands’ with a very experienced team.’

Principaux clients

Clanmil Housing Association


EasyJet


Arbour Housing Association


Lakeland Diaries


T. J. Morris Limited (t/a Home Bargains)


Linklater UK Limited


Invest Northern Ireland


Victa DP Ltd


Wren Kitchens


Welcome Break


Northern Ireland Housing Executive


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Clanmil Housing Association on receiving £100m investment from three UK and North American investors.
  • Acting as Northern Irish Counsel for KFC in their acquisition of c220 KFC-branded restaurants operated on a franchise basis by the EG Group.
  • Advising TJ Morris Limited (Home Bargains) in multiple site acquisitions, including 38 acres of prime real estate in Newry, Co Down.

Tughans

Tughans‘ real estate team maintains its reputation in representing UK and overseas property funds on complex investment schemes in the build-to-rent and hospitality industries. Practice head David Jones is known for development projects, while Rebecca Moffett has deep experience in the retail and office sectors. Joe Moore regularly advises on contentious landlord and tenant matters. Chris Milligan‘s chief areas of focus are energy, natural resources, and infrastructure. James Mulligan is another key name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Jones


Autres avocats clés:

Rebecca Moffett; Joe Moore; Chris Milligan; James Mulligan


Les références

‘They are a hands-on team who are happy to get actively involved in recommending solutions for clients. They are incredibly approachable and are proactive in their approach to property matters.’ 

‘David Jones is a superb communicator and property team leader. Always contactable and not afraid to make recommendations on difficult issues. Has a keen legal mind. A true leader.’

‘Rebecca Moffett – not afraid to make recommendations on difficult legal property matters. Very personable and always available for consultation.’

Principaux clients

Diageo


Tesco


Weev.ie


Greystar/Student Roost


Apple


Deloitte


Associated British Foods plc


Corbo Ltd


Randox


Legal & General


Diageo


Tesco


Weev.ie


Greystar/Student Roost


Apple


Deloitte


Associated British Foods plc


Corbo Ltd


Randox


Legal & General


Arthur Cox Belfast

Arthur Cox Belfast has an active real estate group which continues to act for major clients in the banking, energy and leisure sectors. Commercial property expert Alastair Todd leads the team and has considerable experience with matters related to renewables and social housing. Mark Jameson represents both domestic and international real estate investors and is increasingly active in the industrials and logistics space. David Greatorex, Laura McGaffin and Ceardha Morgan support the team on the full spectrum of acquisitions and disposals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alastair Todd


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Jameson; David Greatorex; Laura McGaffin; Ceardha Morgan


Principaux clients

Bank of Ireland


Crown Estate


Endeavour Investments


Hastings Hotel Group


Heron Energy


Ivy Collection


Matagorda2 Ltd


MHL Collection


Newpark Homes


Sonoco


DWF

DWF’s real estate team acts for both public and private sector clients on individual and portfolio transactions. Julie Galbraith leads the team; her recent instructions include the purchase of Bloomfield Shopping Centre and Retail Park. Kirsty Mairs advises on residential development, while Mark Tinman leverages over three decades of experience to advise major property development companies. Graeme Corry and Emma McCammon are other key names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julie Galbraith


Autres avocats clés:

Kirsty Mairs; Mark Tinman; Graeme Corry; Emma McCammon


Les références

‘Clear understanding of the client’s business and needs. Provides quick, clear, concise and expert advice on all real estate matters. Multi-jurisdictional and a very experienced and professional team. ’

‘Julie Galbraith – extremely experienced on all real estate matters, collaborative, builds and maintains strong relationships with key client stakeholders. She is solution-focused, provides best-in-class advice, has sharp attention to detail and is always willing to go the extra mile.’

‘The team is readily accessible with an understanding of local needs and nuances, and importantly the people are good about coming back in relation to any queries.’

Principaux clients

Herbert Group


Kelvin Properties Limited


Healthcare Ireland


Lidl Northern Ireland Limited


Marks and Spencer plc


Homebase


Sostrene Grene


BT


EE Limited


MBNL


Poundland


Premier Inn


McDonalds


Titanic Quarter Limited


Comer Group


Southbank Square Limited


Brayfield Developments Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Lidl Northern Ireland Limited on the Completion of a Development and Lease Agreement with Belfast City Council for the acquisition of a mixed-use redevelopment site at Boucher Road, Belfast.
  • Advised Herbert Group (Lesley Bloomfield Limited) in the purchase of Bloomfield Shopping Centre and Retail Park, Bangor for the Herbert Group from Tristan Capital.
  • Instructed by Forestside Acquisitions in relation to the letting of four new restaurant units constructed at Forestside Shopping Centre.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland draws on its wider network across England and Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland to advise on UK-wide real estate investment acquisitions. Gareth Planck heads the practice and has substantial experience in commercial development, focusing particularly on office and retail transactions. ‘Stand outCorrina Cassidy supports Planck on a wide breadth of matters, from property development to acquisitions and disposals. Stephen Mullan regularly acts on instructions related to corporate occupiers and mixed-use real estate.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gareth Planck


Autres avocats clés:

Corrina Cassidy; Stephen Mullan


Les références

‘Proactive and professional team that endeavours to conclude property transactions in a timely manner. Always available to provide advice throughout.’

‘Proactive and professional. The individuals I deal with are continuously pushing to ensure the transaction concludes within the timeframe set by the client. Stand out individuals would be: Gareth Planck and Corrina Cassidy.’

‘They deliver high-quality legal support in an efficient, concise and timely manner.’

Principaux clients

Fitzwilliam Projects/Martin Property Group


Cash Access UK


Ion Ventures


Domino’s Pizza UK and Ireland


Charles Hurst (Lookers Plc)


National Westminster Bank plc trading as Ulster Bank


Maple & May


Sports Direct


PA Consulting Services


Volkswagen Financial Services UK


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on the sale, prepared the sales pack, and negotiated the contract, following significant refurbishment and strategic leasing transactions of the £22m sale of Danesfort, South Belfast for Fitzwilliam Projects.
  • Advised Charles Hurst Group (Lookers PLC) (“CHL”) on the sale of a premium development site in Lisburn to the Lotus Group for residential development.
  • Conducted title due diligence, identified red-flag issues, and provided mitigation strategies, ensuring Ion Ventures Ltd – Ion, an international developer’s 29MW solar farm project in Northern Ireland is ready to build.

Millar McCall Wylie LLP

The Millar McCall Wylie LLP commercial property team is reputed for its landlord-side focus and its expertise in the retail sector. Team lead Peter McCall is a key point of contact for clients involved in the acquisition of investment portfolios. Simon Fleming is skilled at handling the acquisition of large-scale commercial property schemes, while Conor Wylie is well-positioned to advise on the tax aspects of property matters. Chris Phillips bolstered the practice’s strength in vendor-side real estate sales, while Neil McCreadie is well-versed in site acquisitions and development.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter McCall


Autres avocats clés:

Simon Fleming; Conor Wylie; Chris Phillips; Neil McCreadie


Les références

‘A very strong team with different solicitors working across multiple assets for our company. MMW’s understanding over our needs allows them to provide an exceptional level of service, which streamlines our own business practices.’

‘Always available, reasoned and clear advice and share our business’ drive for excellence and growth.’

‘As a client, you are treated as if you are their only client.’

Principaux clients

MRP/McAleer and Rushe Group of Companies


Rathbane/MJM Group of Companies


Consolidated Property Group (CPG Wallop)


LCC Group of Companies


Magell/Magmel Group of Companies


Monsoon/Accessorize


Instant Managed Offices Limited


Peacocks/Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group of Companies


Fairfield Real Estate Finance


NFU Mutual


Alterity Investments Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised May Street Capital on the sale of a hotel at Clarence Street West, which was being occupied by the Home Office for housing asylum seekers.
  • Acted in the sale of the premises known as Eagle Star House, Upper Queen Street, Belfast.
  • Acted for the owner of Rushmere Shopping Centre, in the redevelopment of the former Sainsburys supermarket unit (55,000 sq. ft) to subdivide and let to Pure Gym, Caffé Nero, Sostrene Grene, Schuh and Mountain Warehouse.

Mills Selig

Property acquisitions, management, and sales are core to Mills Selig‘s commercial property team. Heading up the team is Anne Skeggs, who is a go-to for property financings as well as distressed matters. Head of the climate and energy team Anna-Marie McAlinden routinely acts on energy-related developments and advises on the environmental aspects of real estate transactions. Dual-qualified in Northern Ireland and England, Niamh Laverty advises on developments with cross-jurisdictional aspects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anne Skeggs


Autres avocats clés:

Anna-Marie McAlinden; Niamh Laverty; Ciara Campbell; Jayne Paterson; Adrian Kerr


Les références

‘Practice is clear on what and how as a client we need them to respond – they have been open to sitting down and working through varied approaches to work required.’

‘Anne Skeggs – measured and calm approach. Clear knowledge and understanding of our requirements – solution-focused and clear on giving direction and advice.’

‘Adrian Kerr – commercial and will work collaboratively to secure necessary outcomes.’

Principaux dossiers


Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP

Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP’s real estate team is complemented by its offices in Scotland, England, and Dublin. Operating across the UK and Ireland, co-head Andrea McIlroy-Rose acts for both domestic and international investors and has deep knowledge of mixed-use development schemes. Leading the practice alongside McIlroy-Rose, Joanna Robinson specialises in advising PE funds in the acquisition, financing and asset management of asset portfolios. Christina Mulholland is another key practitioner who supports the team on the full gamut of property transactions. Mark Blair joined the team from DWF in April 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

Joanna Robinson; Andrea McIlroy-Rose


Autres avocats clés:

Christina Mulholland; Mark Blair


Principaux clients

Heylo Housing Group Limited


Saint-Gobain


Uniqlo


BP


Dobbies


US Government


HSBC


Commerz Real


Kennedy Wilson


TLT

TLT‘s real estate has a strong residential development offering, advising on the acquisition of development sites. Judith Hewitson leads the team and continues to act for a broad clientele, encompassing property developers, investors, and retail clients. Kevin Murphy‘s practice centres on the energy and natural resources sector and is especially knowledgeable on the property aspects of windfarms. Mary-Jane Byrne assists the practice on development schemes and landlord and tenant matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Judith Hewitson


Autres avocats clés:

Kevin Murphy; Mary-Jane Byrne


Les références

‘Exceptionally strong partners with good depth of teams.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on Carebrook’s second Pret lease in Northern Ireland.
  • Advised new client Hollywood Bowl on the acquisition of a new build bowling alley at the Boulevard, Banbridge.
  • Acted for Danske Bank in providing funding facilities of £25million to Rural Housing Association secured over a portfolio of 171 properties.

Davidson McDonnell

The commercial property team at Davidson McDonnell advises on property development and sales across a broad spectrum of sectors, including student accommodation, retail, and residential housing. Ross Davidson and David McDonnell lead the team. Davidson is well-versed in complex leasehold structures, while McDonnell regularly handles refinancings.  Michaela Kilpatrick, who was promoted to Legal Director in 2024, is singled out for being the main contact for Errigal Contracts Group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ross Davidson; David McDonnell


Autres avocats clés:

Michaela Kilpatrick


Les références

‘Attentive and proactive staff with a business aptitude.’

‘David McDonnell – common sense and quick to respond.’

‘Michaela is unbelievable; she is so quick to respond and really fights for her clients’ best interests.’

Principaux clients

Affidea Diagnostics Ireland Ltd


Donard Real Estate


Dunluce Healthcare


Errigal Contracts Group


Lacuna Developments


Poundstretcher


Travis Perkins Plc


Watkin Jones Plc


Wirefox Group


Neptune Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Watkin Jones Group on the development of a circa 1,000-bed PBSA scheme at Titanic Quarter, Belfast.
  • Acting for Affidea on the creation of a state-of-the-art private healthcare facility at the former B&Q warehouse site on the Boucher Road, Belfast.
  • Advised on the sale of significant residential development lands at Ballantine Garden Village, Hillhall Road, Lisburn.

Wilson Nesbitt

Praised for its ‘great service’, the Wilson Nesbitt real estate team has a strong focus on acting for real estate developers and institutional property financiers. Leading the practice is Drew Nesbitt, who provides advice on residential and mixed-use developments. Corporate team head Max Nesbitt regularly acts for housing associations and is well-positioned to advise on borrowing, funding and refinancing matters. Chi Ting Yip is another name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Drew Nesbitt


Autres avocats clés:

Max Nesbitt; Chi Ting Yip; Izabela Treacy


Les références

‘Great service with clear matter plans and management meaning there are never any surprises.’

‘Great knowledge and insight into the sector in Northern Ireland.’

‘They are a practical and pragmatic firm.’

Principaux clients

Radius Housing Association


Triangle Housing Association


NB Housing Association


Round Tree Development Limited


Kerr Property Holdings Limited


SM Devine Land & Property Limited


BH Property Brothers


CES Quarry Products


Fog Holdings Limited


Osprey Charging Network Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Radius Housing Association, Northern Ireland’s largest social housing developer, on the £16 million forward funding of a 98-dwelling development at Bawn Wall, Newtownards.
  • Advising Loskan Developments Limited on the development of a 60-dwelling housing scheme in Limavady, forward-funded to a housing association.
  • Advised new client BH Property Brothers on multiple lease agreements as part of their franchise expansion for the premium bakery brand ‘Paris Baguette’.