Firms To Watch: Real estate

Janice Yau Garton  leads the real estate practice at Stephenson Harwood. The firm advises on acquisitions, with a focus on logistics and data centres that reflects current market trends.

Real estate in Hong Kong

Baker McKenzie

The five-partner team at Baker McKenzie benefits from an international network that catalyses both multi-jurisdictional and local work relevant to both the Hong Kong and Mainland China real estate sector, acting for developers and investors regarding a variety of market-specific needs. With over 30 years’ experience handling China and Hong Kong markets in connection with real estate transactions in a PRC and cross-border context, Rico Chan leads the team alongside Edmond Chan, who is well-regarded for his advice to financial investors and real estate developers acting within the scope of the Hong Kong immovables market. Among recent highlights, Rico Chan acted for Angelo Gordon on a joint venture with Million Hope Industries Limited for the acquisition and redevelopment of the luxury residential properties in Hong Kong. May Lau is another seasoned practitioner, combining her M&A skill set with in-depth industry knowledge to act for financial investors, fund managers, and Hong Kong-based developers. Jeremy Ong is a market leader in the REIT space.

Practice head(s):

Rico Chan; Edmond Chan


Other key lawyers:

May Lau; Jeremy Ong; Mandy Lan


Key clients

Angelo Gordon


Ares SSG


ESR


Hyatt


LaSalle Investment Management


PAG


Spring REIT


Storhub


UBS AG


Work highlights


  • Advised client on the joint venture with Wang On Properties for the acquisition of Pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon from New World Development.
  • Advised a client on the joint venture with Million Hope Industries Limited for the acquisition and redevelopment of certain luxury residential properties in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
  • Advised LaSalle Investment Management on a joint venture with Weave Living for acquiring a residential building in Robinson Road, Hong Kong.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Regarded as ‘highly engaged’, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s fully trilingual real estate practitioners represent a diverse roster of high-profile clients in a broad spectrum of matters, ranging from commercial, industrial, hospitality, and leisure projects, to infrastructure developments and REITs. The team is headed by the ‘outstanding’ and ‘with a global perspective’ Andrew MacGeoch, who is noted for his hotel industry expertise, and often advises clients on the repurposing and repositioning of hotel assets. New York-qualified Wayne Ma regularly acts for real estate private equity funds, while senior consultant Phill Smith‘s wide-ranging experience encompasses assisting both trustees and managers in relation to REIT matters. Other key names within the team include senior consultant Clara Tang and of counsel Cora Kang, while associate Tiffany Tam focuses on private equity transactions within the real estate sector.

Practice head(s):

Andrew MacGeoch


Other key lawyers:

Wayne Ma; Phill Smith; Clara Tang; Cora Kang; Tiffany Tam


Testimonials

‘The partners are highly engaged, communication flows smoothly, and the fees are transparent.’

‘The firm has strong expertise in the real estate and hospitality fields. Their work is highly professional benefits from many years of experience across a diverse client base.’

‘Andrew MacGeoch is of outstanding character and high level of integrity with a global perspective.’

Key clients

Brookfield Asset Management


HSBC Institutional Trust Services


crXsspark


Deacons

Deacons stands as a leader across the spectrum of real estate work, acting for developers, public bodies, and global corporations in contentious and non-contentious matters. Supplementing this is the firm’s integrated practice, with extended reach into matters with a link to commercial, residential, retail, and industrial properties. Among recent highlights, the team acted for MTR Corporation Limited on the development of its scale station project comprising residential developments, a railway station, a shopping centre, and government accommodation, amounting to over 850,000 sq.m. In addition to leading the team, veteran lawyer Lilian Chiang also sits on the property committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong. Other key figures include Wallace Wong, who often advises on large property development projects, serving real property developers, banks, and private clients. Karen Chan stands out as a primary point of contact for clients seeking advice on property sales and purchases, while Wai Tung Yu is renowned for his expertise in representing government authorities, statutory institutions, blue-chip companies, and property developers.

Practice head(s):

Lilian Chiang


Other key lawyers:

Wallace Wong; Karen Chan; Wai Tung Yu


Key clients

MTR Corporation Limited


Urban Renewal Authority


Hong Kong Resort Company Limited


Wang On Properties Group


Hip Shing Hong


China Resources Group


Mapletree Group


PAG Group


Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited


Henry Fok Estates Limited


Subsidiaries of Nan Fung Group


Right Line Group


The Bank of East Asia, Limited


Dah Sing Bank, Limited


Guangzhou Yuexiu Asset Management Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising MTR Corporation Limited on the Land Grant of its Oyster Bay Project, a large-scale station development project comprising residential developments, railway station, shopping centre and Government accommodation.
  • Acting for China Resources Logistics (Group) Limited in the acquisition of 3 blocks of warehouses in Hong Kong by way of share purchase at a total consideration of over HK$6bn.
  • Acting for subsidiaries of Nam Fung Group in the acquisition of all units and parking spaces of Jardine Court with total consideration of around HK$1.8bn.

Mayer Brown

Leveraging several branches of expertise in the finance, funds, and disputes spheres, Mayer Brown‘s thirteen-partner team is well placed to provide property developers, banks, and financial sponsors with advice regarding the real estate sector, with key areas of strength extending to the commercial, residential, and retail markets, among others. The sizeable practice is headed up by Keith Cheung, a veteran lawyer with considerable experience in all aspects of debt financing, representing banks and real estate developers for acquisition-related facilities in both Hong Kong and the PRC. Other key figures at partner level include Robert Lynn, a trusted advisor to the leading Hong Kong and China-based property developers, and Eugene Wong, who is ‘very professional in handling matters’. Also noted for his real estate financing capabilities, Fun Kuen Au is additionally well-versed in advising the Real Estate Developers Association, while Ricky Yiu is noted for his niche expertise in the hotel sector. Jasmine Chiu is another notable figure, drawing from her real estate and banking and finance experience to build strong relations with high-profile commercial real estate banks. Peter Ho is recommended for the breadth of his real estate investment expertise.

Practice head(s):

Keith Cheung


Other key lawyers:

Robert Lynn; Fun Kuen Au; Ricky Yiu; Peter Ho; Eugene Wong; Pheona Chow; Alvin Yeung; Jasmine Chiu; Wayne Cheng; Cheryl Law; Cherie Leung; Prairie Pe; Jasmine Chiu


Testimonials

‘Eugene Wong provides very exemplary performance.’

‘I have good working relationship with Eugene Wong and the team, which is very professional in handling matters.’

‘Mayer Brown is very professional and even if the lawyers are required to go the extra mile to finish the deal, they will go about doing so.’

‘Their deep knowledge of real estate and great commercial sense makes them really great to work with. They have a good solid team from partners to associates. They are excellent HK and Greater China lawyers.’

‘Jasmine Chiu is an invaluable asset. She can get the deal done for you in the most efficient way with aims to close the deal. She’s one of my favourite lawyers in HK.’

Key clients

Sun Hung Kai Properties


Swire Properties


New World Development


AEW


Gaw Capital


Hysan Development Company Limited


Billion Development & Project Management Ltd


CSI Properties


Hanison Construction


Hang Lung Group


Hang Lung Properties


Henderson Land


Chinachem Group


Kerry Properties Limited


Kerry Holdings Limited


ESR Group Limited


DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s real estate team, covering both Hong Kong and the Greater China region, excels across a wide spectrum of real estate matters, providing guidance on cross-border transactions involving acquisitions, joint ventures, structuring, and financing of real estate assets across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and technology. In relation to the latter, the team also offers support for digital assets. Susheela Rivers co-leads the team and advises on a wide range of real estate matters with a particular focus on M&A transactions in the hospitality and leisure spheres. Ed Sheremeta, also co-leading the team and having spent a significant proportion of his career working in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo, is another standout. Sheremeta focuses on cross-border transactions related to real estate investments, REITs, and financings across matters spanning China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Also notable in Hong Kong is Sally Law, who was promoted to of counsel in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Susheela Rivers


Other key lawyers:

Ed Sheremeta; Sally Law; Kenneth Lee


Testimonials

‘Susheela Rivers possesses a high level of professionalism, business acumen and professional abilities. At the same time, she can often proactively communicate with customers to understand recent trends and developments, and provide effective and timely consulting services.’

‘DLA Piper’s real estate department has sufficient team members and strong capabilities to cater to the needs of clients and provide comprehensive legal advisory services across many areas, such as real estate sales and loans.’

‘Most of the lawyers on the team have rich experience accumulated from previous transactions and can capture the key considerations of clients and provide corresponding countermeasures.’

Key clients

PGIM Real Estate


Work highlights


  • Advised PGIM Real Estate on the following matters the acquisition of the Travelodge hotel located in Central, Hong Kong, the acquisition of an enbloc hotel in Kowloon, and the acquisition of the Rosedale Hotel located in Kowloon, Hong Kong for HK$1.37bn.

King & Wood Mallesons

With deep bench strength and a strong presence across Mainland China, and strong international and PRC law capabilities, King & Wood Mallesons in Hong Kong is well-regarded for its work in the real estate sphere, acting for real estate funds and public authorities. Among recent highlights, the team continues to advise West Kowloon Cultural District Authority on the procurement of a PPP project to develop the West Kowloon Cultural District, one of the largest cultural projects globally. Siu Ngor Chow, a market veteran with over 30 years experience, co-leads the team alongside Harry Du, who specialises in M&A transactions, project finance, and foreign direct investment. Another key figure at partner level is Hayden Flinn, who has a particular focus on real estate sales and acquisitions, as well as real estate funds.

Practice head(s):

Siu Ngor Chow; Harry Du


Other key lawyers:

Hayden Flinn; William Jiang; Tao Zhangqi


Key clients

Ocean Park Corporation


West Kowloon Cultural District Authority


Urban Renewal Authority


Kam Sheung Property Development Limited


Sky Asia Properties Limited


Xiamen C&D Inc.


Link Real Estate Investment Trust


Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Construction and Development Group Co., Ltd.


Henan Railway Construction Investment Group Co., Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising the Ocean Park Corporation on the procurement of three new PPP projects as part of the Corporation’s strategy to redevelop as a multi-purpose retail, recreation, education and conservation complex.
  • Advising the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority on the procurement of a PPP project to develop the West Kowloon Cultural District, a commercial, entertainment, and cultural complex in Hong Kong.
  • Acting for Hong Kong’s Urban Renewal Authority as vendor on the pre-sale of 161 residential units at the ONE SOHO development.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and multinational corporations frequently turn to the expertise of Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's real estate team, which offers guidance related to their residential and commercial property investments, with a particular emphasis on the UK. The firm excels in international matters, with a focus on prime and super-prime London residential properties. Leading the practice is Simon Green, supported by Ian Devereux, who has been hailed by a client as ‘one of the few seasoned real estate practitioners in Hong Kong'.

Practice head(s):

Simon Green


Other key lawyers:

Ian Devereux; Twiggy Ho


Testimonials

‘International outreach in serving clients with comprehensive service offerings.’

‘My main point of contact is Twiggy Ho, who is an associate. She’s great with the clients, and very responsive to me and the clients I refer in to her.’

‘The firm has UK and HK real estate capabilities and can also advise on the holding structure. As such, it adds value to the services they provide.’

‘Ian Devereux is one of a few seasoned real estate practitioners in Hong Kong.’

Key clients

BC Mortgage Services Asia Ltd


BC Invest


One Global Property Services


MHM Invest


Regal London


CK Asset Holdings Limited


Galliard Homes


Lendlease


Work highlights


  • Advised BC Mortgage Services Asia Ltd on over 90 matters with a total aggregate purchase price/market value of over £47m and amongst those transaction, 45 matters involve properties in London with a total purchase price/market value of over £34m.
  • Advised One Global Property Services on residential Property Acquisition in the UK.
  • Advised a client on the latest launch of an exclusive prime development, Powerhouse, Chelsea Waterfront, alongside CK Asset Holdings, Knight Frank and Savills.

Clifford Chance

Often in collaboration with its robust M&A and banking and finance teams, Clifford Chance's real estate team stands as a key choice for a diverse range of vendors, purchasers, developers, and other market participants, primarily focusing on commercial property deals. In tandem with Mark Currell, who co-heads the group from Sydney, Amy Ho leads the team, specialising in advising on real estate M&A deals and the retail sector in Hong Kong. Other key standouts include syndicated finance specialist Dauwood Malik and Michael Pallaras, who has extensive experience advising commercial lenders on real estate projects across the Asia Pacific region.

Practice head(s):

Amy Ho; Mark Currell


Other key lawyers:

Matthias Feldmann; Dauwood Malik; Benjamin Lohr; Michael Pallaras


Testimonials

‘The Clifford Chance real estate team is known for having a wide range of experience in real estate work across asset classes, including industry, logistics, self-storage, commercial, retail, data centres, technology infrastructure and many others.’

‘Clifford Chance ensures that it has a group of lawyers from different practice areas with substantial expertise and experience on real estate transactions working together with clients managing issues across the real estate cycle.’

‘The team acts for the whole marketplace, including international, Chinese and regional banks, asset managers, private equity funds, corporates and international property developers and institutional investors.’

The CC real estate team is led by corporate partner Amy Ho, an expert in Hong Kong and Chinese corporate real estate transactions, and she is supported by corporate partner Matthias Feldmann, who focuses on real estate fund formation, Dauwood Malik, who handles financing work, and Michael Pallaras with expertise in projects, infrastructure and real estate financing.’

Key clients

Chelsfield Asia


Kai Tak Sports Park Limited


HOPU Investments


Work highlights


  • Advised Ares SSG Capital Management Limited on the establishment of a joint venture with listed property developer New World Development Company Limited for the construction, development, marketing and sale of a commercial complex located at Wing Hong Street in Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
  • Advising partners of a global consulting firm on their capacity as receivers appointed over China Evergrande Group’s Hong Kong headquarters building.
  • Advised Shanghai LEGOLAND Co., Ltd. as borrower on a loan granted by lenders comprised of China Construction Bank, Bank of China, Bank of Communications, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China for the purpose of construction and development of LEGOLAND themed resort in Jinshan District, Shanghai.

Proskauer Rose LLP

With a deep commitment to the hospitality and leisure sector, Proskauer Rose LLP's Hong Kong team is often sought after to handle cross-border transactions. This often includes negotiating hotel deals, from the sale of brands to advising on management contracts and regulatory issues. Splitting his time between Hong Kong and Beijing, Yuval Tal leads the team. Tal is supported by recommended associate Cynthia Cheng, who specialises in issues relating to hotel project developments.

Practice head(s):

Yuval Tal; Jeffrey Horwitz


Other key lawyers:

Cynthia Cheng


Testimonials

‘Well-balanced execution capability is the most notable strength of this team.’

‘Yuval Tal is the most efficient lawyer that I have ever worked in my life.’

Key clients

Accor


Grand China Overseas Investment Management


Hoteles City Express


CDH Investments


Galaxy Entertainment Group


Mori Building Real Estate Advisory Co., Ltd


Cindat Capital Management


Work highlights


  • Represented Accor in the sale of its remaining interest in H World Group Limited, formerly Huazhu Group Limited, for $460m.
  • Advised Grand China Overseas Investment Management on the liquidation of its US real estate investments and the formation of a joint venture to reinvest in two real estate projects in the US.
  • Advised Accor on entering an exclusive negotiations to sell a 10.8% of its stake in Ennismore to a consortium of Qatari investors led by Qatar First Bank for a total amount of $195m.

Withers

Withers‘ real estate practice is led jointly by Mabel Lui, a veteran lawyer with over 40 years’ experience specialising in transactional work in Hong Kong and Mainland China, and Polly Chu, an expert in all aspects of real estate-related transactions, from financing to joint venture and conveyancing. In addition to acting for major corporates and financial institutions, the team is particularly active in hotel and office development projects.

Practice head(s):

Mabel Lui; Polly Chu


Zhong Lun Law Firm

The real estate offering at Zhong Lun Law Firm is co-headed by land specialists Allen Yam and Louis Pe, who focus on conveyancing, probate, and commercial law, and Howard Wong, a seasoned lawyer representing clients in land related litigation and arbitration matters. The team handles a broad range of real estate transactions, from land acquisitions to sales, while also advising on the leasing of completed developments. Recently promoted as a partner, Iris Choi regularly advises Hong Kong-based developers and state owned PRC enterprises.

Practice head(s):

Allen Yam; Louis Pe; Howard Wong


Other key lawyers:

Iris Choi; Christy Ip


Testimonials

‘The team can provide professional advice on time on potential problem cases.’

‘The solicitors are friendly yet professional. They can analysis the problems from different angles and advise the best possible solution to tackle problems.’

Key clients

Henderson Land Development Company Limited


Centralcon Properties Company Limited


Hong Kong Housing Authority


Bonjour Holdings Limited


Unicorn Stores (HK) Limited


Haifu International Finance Holding Group Limited


Goodear Development Limited


Central Treasure Lake Seafood Restaurant Limited


611 Bread of Life Christian Church Limited


Hill Prime Group Limited