Next Generation Partners

Real estate and construction in Luxembourg

Arendt & Medernach

With ‘excellent knowledge of the Luxembourg market’ gleaned over many years’ experience handling work at the very top end of the market, Arendt & Medernach provides a ‘very diligent and effective’ service for “bricks and mortar” mandates as well as corporate and finance work in the space. The ‘outstanding’ Christian Point has a wide-ranging offering which encompasses advice on leases, development of land and corporate real estate, as well as representation of clients in construction disputes. Working closely with its first-rate investment management offering, the team is also very adept at handling work for real estate funds on formation matters as well as their subsequent real estate investments. Claude Niedner is regularly engaged in structuring fund vehicles which invest in real estate assets, while Pierre Beissel, who co-heads the team alongside Point, is noted for his work on structuring and subsequent downstream investments and financing for private equity funds focusing on real estate assets.

Practice head(s):

Pierre Beissel; Christian Point


Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘Easily accessible and very responsive on short-term high-stake issues. They have excellent knowledge of the Luxembourg market.’

‘The team is capable of carefully listening to the outline of the situation at hand before identifying different ways of delivering the required legal support for framing the situation or solving a conflict by clearly presenting the pros and cons of each of the suggested paths. Eventually the team effectively and diligently implements the chosen path.’

‘Christian Point is an outstanding partner.’

Key clients

Aermont Capital


Allianz Re


AXA Real Estate Investment Managers


Besix Group


CBRE Group, Inc


Hines Interests Limited Partnership


Leasinvest Real Estate


Macquarie Group


Primonial Luxembourg Fund Services


Signa Holding GmbH


Work highlights


  • Assisted a leading global investor in sustainable infrastructure in all real estate and contractual law aspects of the conclusion of a nine-year lease agreement for an office space of approximately 2,500 sqm in a new building in Luxembourg.
  • Advised a major car manufacturer on the acquisition of a plot of land located in the South of Luxembourg in order to build a new garage, with the conclusion of a tripartite agreement between the municipality (former owner of the land), the operator of the plot of land and the client.
  • Advised Acron Group, which specialises in real estate club deals, on the acquisition of shares of WOODEN S.A. from BPI Real Estate Luxembourg and IKO Real Estate.

Dentons

With a strong domestic offering which is led by the vastly experienced Martine Gerber-Lemaire, and also well-placed to draw upon ‘valuable international insights’ by virtue of the firm’s vast global network, Dentons can provide ‘solutions-oriented and pragmatic advice’ to developers, investors and end users on both local and cross-border mandates. Gerber-Lemaire ‘knows the real estate sector inside out’ and is consequently able to provide ‘tailor-made and practical solutions’ for clients on the acquisition/disposal, funding and investment fronts of work relating to major domestic office space, in particular. Senior counsel Christel Dumont is praised for her ‘high level of responsiveness and quality of service’ on new money property mandates, as well as for debtors and creditors in real estate insolvency matters.

Practice head(s):

Martine Gerber-Lemaire


Other key lawyers:

Christel Dumont; Hélène Retière; Clémence Personne


Testimonials

‘The team provides solutions-oriented and pragmatic advice.’

‘The strength of the Dentons network provides valuable international insights.’

‘Martine Gerber-Lemaire is a leader in her field. She knows the Luxembourg property sector inside out.’

‘Martine Gerber-Lemaire knows the real estate sector inside out which is a huge advantage for tailor-made and practical solutions to complex problems.’

‘Christel Dumont and Hélène Retière bring their expertise, always marked by a high level of responsiveness and quality of service.’

Key clients

BPI and IKO Real Estate (Wooden Building)


Emile Frey Group


BPI Real Estate and Unibra (The Roots)


BPI Real Estate and Unibra (Gravity)


Work highlights


  • Advised co-developers BPI Real Estate and IKO Real Estate on the sale of the WOODEN building to ACRON Lux Real Estate I Holding.
  • Advised Emil Frey Group on the takeover of the Renault Luxembourg distribution network.
  • Advised a JV between two developers on a new real estate development in Luxembourg called “The Roots”, including on the acquisition of a plot of land and structuring.

Elvinger Hoss Prussen

Working on its own as well as often forming part of an integrated multi-disciplinary offering alongside other firmwide complementary practice areas, Elvinger Hoss Prussen's team is well-placed to provide the full spectrum of real estate services for a varied client base including investors and developers. Although the firm does handle its fair share of conventional asset deals and lease negotiations, it is best-suited to handling complex matters including work on the conversion of brownfield sites. Here the firm benefits from the ‘theoretical knowledge and practical experiences’ of Nathalie Prüm-Carré in relation to urban zoning, where she is able to guide clients throughout the life cycle of a project, including in relation to litigation if necessary. Prüm-Carré also handles public procurement work in the construction space (for public authorities and private sector bidders), and is a pivotal member of a team that also includes Stéphanie Pautot – who excels at handling large-scale real estate projects, often acting as a project manager and liaison point between the various stakeholders. Former practice head Léon Gloden became a minister for the Luxembourg government in November 2023.

Other key lawyers:

Nathalie Prüm-Carré; Stéphanie Pautot; Michel Nickels


Testimonials

‘Nathalie Prüm-Carré is very involved in the cases and tries to find the best win-win solutions, using her deep both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences.’

Key clients

Codic International SA


Red Cross Luxembourg Sàrl


Batipart Invest


Backstone/Revantage Europe


Work highlights


  • Advised Codic International SA on its acquisition (including the bank financing) from Nextensa NV/SA of GK5 S.à r.l., which owns the Titanium site in the newly developed Cloche d’Or district of the city of Luxembourg.
  • Advised Batipart Invest on the sale of the OBH office building in Kirchberg, Luxembourg, of around 15,000 sqm, to Real I.S.
  • Advised Red Cross Luxembourg on the construction of the new Red Cross Building, which will include new premises for blood transfusions and other services in Howald, for approximately 13,400 sqm.

KLEYR GRASSO

The ‘outstanding’ team at KLEYR GRASSO provides ‘responsive and accurate advice’ to real estate entities, including developers, throughout the life cycle of a transaction within the private, commercial and corporate real estate space, including advice on co-ownership matters, acquisition and sales agreements, public procurement issues, lease and rental agreements, and project management agreements. Appreciated for her delivery of a ‘timely and excellent service’, Yasmine Poos regularly advises private sector clients on lease negotiations/renewals, while her work on the construction front regularly sees her defending the Luxembourg state in public procurement disputes. François Collot co-heads the group alongside Poos and is best-known for his construction and real estate litigation prowess.

Practice head(s):

François Collot; Yasmine Poos


Other key lawyers:

Henry De Ron; Fanny Mazeaud; Melanie Trienbach


Testimonials

‘The outstanding team provides responsive and accurate advice.’

‘This team has longstanding experience in private, commercial and corporate real estate matters and helps clients throughout each project phase.’

‘Yasmine Poos always delivers timely and excellent service even in stressful situations.’

Key clients

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


FARE S.A.


Tracol Immobilier


Luxair


Fonds de Compensation Commun au Régime Général des Pensions


Linklaters

Leaning into the firm’s broader corporate, banking, tax and investment funds practices, Linklaters deploys a cross-disciplinary approach to real estate work, providing ‘flexible, technical and commercial’ advice to institutional investors, end users and developers across a range of downstream investment work relating to office, retail and logistics buildings. Corporate real estate counsel Anton Cox is the main contact for this work and provides ‘straightforward and deal-oriented advice’ on acquisitions and disposals through share deals, as well as being well-versed in commercial leases and environmental and town planning matters. Patrick Geortay and Melinda Perera also handle finance work in the sector for borrowers and lenders.

Practice head(s):

Anton Cox


Other key lawyers:

Patrick Geortay; Melinda Perera; Aurélie Mounier; Thibaud Muller; Louis-Eudes Giroux; Laurent Benoit; Adrian Danciu


Testimonials

They are flexible, technical and commercial.’

‘Anton Cox is respectful, humble and sharp. His mastery of the subject ensures that he is able to provide straightforward and deal-oriented advice.’

‘Anton Cox is very passionate and hands-on.’

Anton Cox has extensive technical and commercial knowledge; I would definitely recommend Anton to any peers in the real estate industry in Luxembourg.’

Key clients

Allianz Benelux


Allianz Life Luxembourg


DEREIF Luxembourg Bronze Gate S.à.r.l.


UBS REAL ESTATE GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising Allianz on the sale (through share deal) and financing of important commercial real estate in Luxembourg of 4,500 sqm located in the heart of Luxembourg’s business district.
  • Advising Allianz Life Luxembourg on the sale to BPI Real Estate Luxembourg S.A. of an office building to be redeveloped, located in Luxembourg, and on existing major co-ownership issues.
  • Advising DEREIF Luxembourg Bronze Gate S.à.r.l., acting as lessor, in negotiating a lease with international law firm CMS Luxembourg as lessee.

Allen & Overy Luxembourg

Closely aligned to the firm’s corporate/M&A function, Allen & Overy Luxembourg is particularly well-placed to advise real estate funds on downstream transactional work relating to the acquisition and disposal of real estate assets. Jacques Graas spearheads much of this and is noted for his ‘precise insight on matters’. Senior associate Philippe Eicher provides ‘solutions-driven and creative advice’ on share and asset transactions, development work and lease negotiations. Andreas Hommel is also a key member of the multi-disciplinary offering, handling real estate financing work for a lender-focused client base.

Practice head(s):

Jacques Graas; Philippe Eicher


Other key lawyers:

Andreas Hommel


Testimonials

‘The team has solid experience and availability, as well as benefiting from state-of-the-art legal and market knowledge.’

‘They have a wide knowledge of the industry, the key players, trends and upcoming important changes.’

‘The team is easily accessible and provides accurate and efficient advice. In addition, they provide support/advice with foresight, experience and sufficient pragmatism.’

Work highlights


  • Advised one of the lenders in a club deal on a real estate facility.
  • Advised an asset manager on the sale of 25% to, and the formation of, a joint venture regarding an investment in and the development of a real estate asset which will meet the highest sustainability standards.
  • Advised an asset manager on the Luxembourg aspects of the structuring and acquisition of a real estate investment fund for the acquisition of three residential buildings.

Baker McKenzie

The ‘experienced’ team at Baker McKenzie provides ‘pragmatic and well-coordinated advice’ for end users, investors and developers, particularly on the acquisition and disposal of large office space in Luxembourg. The ‘top-notch’ Jean-François Trapp is at the forefront of much of this transactional work, including on behalf of family offices and real estate funds. In addition, Trapp assists clients with lease agreements and redevelopment projects. Jean-François Findling co-heads the team alongside Trapp and has some experience in advising on real estate transactions as an offshoot of his broader corporate/M&A practice.

Practice head(s):

Jean-François Trapp; Jean-François Findling


Other key lawyers:

Elodie Duchêne; Ana Vazquez; Manuela Dias Marques; Aline Koenig


Testimonials

They take a rational approach to cases, with the sole aim of finalising the transaction.’

‘The experienced team provides professional, pragmatic and well-coordinated advice.’

‘They are a pleasure to work with and provide sympathetic, very experienced and solutions-driven advice.’

Clifford Chance

Combining ‘deep real estate and local market knowledge’, as well as drawing upon international know-how and best practice, Clifford Chance is particularly well-placed to advise international funds and developers across a broad range of major Luxembourg-based development projects, hotels, commercial and office buildings, and co-living projects. Recently promoted to senior counsel, Sébastien Schmitz has broad coverage across the sector, and regularly provides advice on sale and lease agreements for office and residential properties, as well as for Belgian developers on Luxembourg real estate projects. Schmitz heads the team alongside Albert Moro.

Practice head(s):

Albert Moro; Sébastien Schmitz


Other key lawyers:

Alma Custovic; Elena Zinovieva


Testimonials

‘They combine deep real estate and local market knowledge.’

‘The team provides pragmatic and succinct advice.’

Key clients

Societe de l’Aeroport de Luxembourg S.A. (Lux-Airport)


TotalEnergies


ICN Developement


Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)


Grossfeld PAP S.A. SICAV-RAIF


Münchener Hypothekenbank EG


Work highlights


  • Advised LuxAirport on the installation of a famous brand hotel belonging to Marriott International group, “Moxy Hotel Luxembourg Airport” within the future Skypark Business Center.
  • Advising Abu Dhabi Investment Authority on various legal aspects linked to the development of one of the current most significant development projects in Luxembourg, the so-called “Place de l’Etoile” in Luxembourg city centre.
  • Advised TotalEnergies on its exclusive negotiations with Alimentation Couche-Tard for the setup of a partnership in Belgium and Luxembourg and the sale of its retail networks in Germany and the Netherlands.

DSM Avocats à la Cour

Leveraging ‘excellent real estate knowledge’, DSM Avocats à la Cour provides ‘very practical advice’ to investors, developers, banks and construction companies throughout the life cycle of a real estate transaction – from securing acquisition of the land and advice on zoning/environmental issues through to lease negotiations and divestment of the property. Team head Mario Di Stefano‘s wide-ranging expertise covers transactional, litigation and financing matters, including advice on development projects and lease agreements.

Practice head(s):

Mario Di Stefano


Other key lawyers:

Renaud Le Squeren; Vanessa Lomoro; Quentin Martin


Testimonials

‘They have excellent real estate knowledge and provide very practical advice.’

Key clients

Landimmo Real Estate


EuroCaution


Tralux


Wagner Group


ICN


Guy Rollinger Group


IKO REAL ESTATE


P&P Promotions


Optim-Solutions


Work highlights


  • Provided day-to-day advice to EuroCaution, an insurance broker specialised in providing a broad range of real estate guarantees to real estate sector professionals in Benelux.
  • Advised ICN on its real estate development projects including acquisitions, development, construction and leasing contracts, structuring of financing and securing of group financing through various entities, real estate acquisitions and setting up partnerships with various actors in the real estate sector.
  • Assisting several developers with urban developments and legal disputes with subcontractors.

Loyens & Loeff

Loyens & Loeff provides a ‘high-quality level of work’ to investors and developers on the acquisition and disposal of commercial real estate assets, as well as advice on forward-funding and forward-commitment transactions, and on real estate management issues. Recently promoted to partner, Julien Lecler is gaining a strong reputation in the market, on both Luxembourg and Belgian mandates, as a result of his ‘business-oriented and deal-making’ attributes. Audrey Jarreton has enhanced the firm’s real estate finance capabilities since joining from Stibbe in January 2023, and both she and banking and finance head Anne-Marie Nicolas have handled work for lenders and borrowers on new money and refinancing transactions in the sector. Véronique Hoffeld co-heads the team alongside Lecler.

Practice head(s):

Julien Lecler; Véronique Hoffeld


Other key lawyers:

Audrey Jarreton; Tom Hamen; Anne-Marie Nicolas


Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive, reliable and produces a high-quality level of work.’

‘The firm is developing its real estate practice in Luxembourg, but with quality partners who have a keen sense of business and a wealth of experience.’

‘Julien Lecler is a business-oriented and deal-making lawyer. He perfectly understands what his clients need and finds solutions to meet those needs. He is also a very talented negotiator and has a deep knowledge of the real estate industry both in Belgium and Luxembourg.’

Key clients

AG Insurance


Atenor


Blackstone


Blue Colibri Capital


Brookfield Asset Management


Ivanoé Cambridge


Morgan Stanley Asset Management


Primonial REIM France


Real I.S. AG


SwissLife Asset Management


Work highlights


  • Advised AG Real Estate, on behalf of its parent company AG Insurance, on the closing of the acquisition in the forward sale of 100% of the shares of the company B-9 S.A., owner of the office building ICÔNE in Belval, Luxembourg.
  • Advised Atenor on the sale of a participation of Square 42, which will develop a 20,000m² office building on the fast-growing Belval site (in Luxembourg).
  • Advised Ivanhoé Cambridge on its entry into the capital, alongside Belfius Insurance and the real estate arm of the Belgian Sovereign Fund (SFPIM – Real Estate), of Cohabs, a Brussels-based company specialising in co-living in five cities.

PwC Legal Luxembourg

Since Serge Hoffmann‘s arrival in March 2022 from Allen & Overy Luxembourg, PwC Legal Luxembourg has gained heightened market visibility across a range of large domestic commercial real estate transactions involving retail, office, logistics, industrial and residential properties. Recognised as a ‘deal maker’, team head Hoffmann is ‘very constructive in legal negotiations’ for owners, developers, funds and investors, ensuring that clients’ interests are adequately protected throughout the process.

Practice head(s):

Serge Hoffmann


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Baflast


Testimonials

‘The very competent team provides clear and concise legal advice.’

Serge Hoffmann is a deal maker, he is very constructive in legal negotiations while working in the interest of protecting his client.’

SJL Jimenez Lunz

Although in comparison with some of its ranked peers SJL Jimenez Lunz‘s real estate capability is relatively small, it is ‘incredibly able’, advising both lenders and borrowers on new money and refinancing transactions in the sector. Antoine Fortier Grethen‘s ‘ability to grasp complex matters very quickly is impressive’, ensuring he is the principal contact for the most challenging secured lending matters. Michel Jimenez Lunz co-heads the team alongside Grethen.

Practice head(s):

Michel Jimenez Lunz; Antoine Fortier Grethen


Testimonials

‘The small team is incredibly able.’

‘Antoine Fortier Grethen’s ability to grasp complex matters very quickly is impressive.’

Key clients

Airbus Bank


Amro Partners


ARA


INFRARED Capital Partners


Berlin Hyp


CAERUS


CODIC


DEA Capital Real Estate SGR


Falco Group


Genesta


Global Gate Capital


Hemisphere


Natixis


Nykredit Realkredit A/S


PBB


Postbank


Resolution Property


SEB


Silverback/Ogima


Vornado


Work highlights


  • Advised a financial institution on the default and opening of bankruptcy of the Cenaro construction and real estate group.
  • Advised Amro Partners on its negotiation of a €12.5m facility agreement with a UK-based financial institution in relation to the development of a student housing project in Salamanca (Madrid).

Thewes & Reuter

Although it does handle some transactional and advisory work, Thewes & Reuter‘s undoubted sweet-spot remains as handling real estate litigation for both public and private sector clients. Marc Thewes spearheads most of this work, with a diverse workload that runs the gamut from real estate related public procurement litigation through to high-profile landlord and tenant disputes. Pierre Reuter co-heads the team alongside Thewes.

Practice head(s):

Marc Thewes; Pierre Reuter


Other key lawyers:

Anne Charton; Laurent Welter; Hicham Ressafi-Guibal


Testimonials

‘The firm stands out due to its exceptional expertise in various fields, including real estate where they have been really great at defending me.’

‘The team includes highly qualified lawyers with outstanding track records. They have done wonderful work and I highly value the time they take to clearly explain to me all the judiciary processes and procedures in my particular case.’

They have an excellent knowledge of the institutional and political environment.’

Key clients

National Reception Office


Samuel Ruben


Lamy


University of Luxembourg


Emile Mayrisch Hospital


SNHBM


Post Luxembourg


CFL


Work highlights


  • Advising Luxembourg’s second largest hospital group on building a new hospital campus on the outskirts of the southern city of Esch-sur-Alzette.
  • Obtained a landmark judgment strengthening tenants’ rights in relation to rent increases imposed by landlords on the sole basis of an increase in the market value of the property (as opposed to investments made to improve the property).
  • Advising Belgian hotel operator Lamy Group on building a resort in the North of Luxembourg. Crucially the firm successfully persuaded the authorities to drop plans for listing a building in the vicinity of the proposed resort which would have jeopardised the entire project.

Luther S.A.

Drawing upon ‘excellent knowledge of the real estate market’, Luther S.A. provides ‘innovative, solutions-oriented and cost-effective advice’ to investors, developers, owners, multinational groups and funds on work through the entire property life cycle, from acquisition, structuring and financing, to planning, construction, leasing, property management and sale. Team head Aurélien Latouchebrings clarity on the legal and commercial aspects’, combining corporate/M&A skills alongside real estate industry knowledge to good effect across a range of commercial property transactions.

Practice head(s):

Aurélien Latouche


Other key lawyers:

Emilie Cartier


Testimonials

‘The team provides very pragmatic advice.’

‘They have excellent knowledge of the real estate market and provide innovative, solutions-oriented and cost-effective advice.’

‘Aurélien Latouche brings clarity on the legal and commercial aspects, providing constant feedback in a clear and efficient way.’

Aurélien Latouche is very professional and pleasant to work with.’

Work highlights


  • Advising Technopolis on the deployment of its Technopolis concept and all aspects related to the management of its building (flexible office space in Gasperich, Luxembourg city centre).
  • Advising Intesa San Paolo, Italy’s biggest bank, on the development of its new brand headquarters in the city centre of Luxembourg (approx 10,830 sqm and eight floors).

MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL

Resourcing matters with practitioners offering core real estate/construction knowledge, as well as often collaborating with M&A and litigation experts, MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL provides ‘the most appropriate advice regarding both context and needs’ for private and public sector stakeholders across a wide array of commercial property matters. As well as her transactional expertise, Stéphanie Juan regularly handles lease negotiations and contractual matters for tenants and landlords. Juan co-heads the team alongside litigator Paulo Lopes Da Silva.

Practice head(s):

Stéphanie Juan; Paulo Lopes Da Silva


Testimonials

‘The team listens carefully to its customers and provides the most appropriate advice regarding both context and needs.’

‘Partners and associates are very responsive and always take time to provide clear answers to our questions.’