Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Real estate

Linda DaCosta heads up HSM’s real estate practice, which is noted for advising local and overseas purchasers, vendors, investors and developers on a mix of residential and commercial property transactions.

Real estate in Cayman Islands

Appleby

Appleby is a leading choice in the market for luxury resort, commercial, residential, infrastructure and financing mandates, regularly advising a diverse roster of clients ranging from large developers and high-net-worth individuals to utility providers, the Cayman government and several major banks. The practice is led by the ‘highly knowledge and very responsiveNorman Klein, who routinely acts for Cayman lending banks, hotel and resort owners, and large property developers. Praised by clients for being an ‘expert problem solver’, Adam Johnson focuses his capabilities on tourism, large-scale development and infrastructure projects. Transactional expert Tim Swallow is noted for his in-depth knowledge of conveyancing matters, developments, leasing work and portfolio management issues.

Practice head(s):

Norman Klein


Other key lawyers:

Adam Johnson; Tim Swallow


Testimonials

‘Appleby have a very strong team that have always been able to provide services for a variety of transactions and matters to a very high standard. As a firm, they consistently respond quickly to all requests even those at short notice, which is very much appreciated. All members of staff that I have dealt with are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Norman Klein – Highly knowledge and very responsive and co-ordinates well on which team can assist. Tim Swallow – responsive, very knowledgeable in the industry and can provide pro-active solutions where required.’

‘The Real Estate team are bar none, their knowledge and expertise allows them to work on the most complex transactions. Their responsiveness and amazing client service is unparalleled.’

‘Adam Johnson is by far the best, most knowledgeable and most responsive real estate attorney. He is phenomenal at providing solutions to the most complicated transactions. He is immensely loved and trusted by our team and our clients. Professional, responsible and an expert problem solver.’

‘The Appleby real estate team has the necessary experience, knowledge and commercial acumen to expertly deal with the most complex and novel transactions. The team provides impeccable client service and responsiveness. ‘

‘Adam Johnson – Adam has a wonderful ability to anticipate our needs before we do and deliver exemplary results on all, including the most complex, transactions. He has a strong grasp on the commerciality of any deal, understands our requirements and his in-depth knowledge of Cayman real estate law and practice is unrivalled.’

‘Tim Swallow – Tim is professional, responsive and knowledgeable. He provides excellent client service and is well versed in Cayman real estate law.’

Key clients

Royal Bank of Canada Group


Butterfield Bank Group


FirstCaribbean International Bank (Cayman) Limited


Scotiabank Group


Cayman National Group


Proven Group


NCB Group


Seafire Residences/Seafire Resorts


Beach Bay Land Ltd/Mandarin Oriental Hotel & Resort


Sterling Mortgage Income Fund, Ltd.


Davenport Development


Dhown Homes Development


Dart Group


Aqua Bay Condominium Redevelopment Committee


Barkers Beach/Vida Ocean Adventure Lodge


Foster Group


Lacovia Condominium Redevelopment Committee/Strata Plan


ONE GT


Global Property Investments


The Sands


Harbour Walk


Island Bliss Construction and Development


Boslil Bank (St Lucia)


DMS Properties


Tailwind Capital


Cayman Rugby Football Club


Prosecco Group


First-Mid Bank Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Advised the Lacovia strata corporation with respect to its redevelopment project, comprising almost 100 new condominiums to be developed over 3 buildings on the site of the former Lacovia condominiums.
  • Represented RBC House Limited (the purchaser of) and RBC Royal Bank (Cayman Limited) (the provider of real estate financing for) Royal Bank House, a significant office building in the centre of the capital.
  • Represented the developer on an ongoing basis with respect to the Mandarin Oriental flagged hotel & resort (and residences).

Bedell Cristin

Bedell Cristin fields a ‘very efficient and responsive real estate team’, which routinely advises major retail banks, high-net-worth investors and institutional lenders in Cayman on high-profile commercial and residential projects. Highly praised by clients for being a ‘fantastic attorney’, Ian Jamieson leads the real estate practice, handling multi-million dollar commercial and residential real estate deals with Michael Sharvin, whose focus spans commercial leasings, high-value residential and commercial acquisitions and disposals, and real estate financing work. Particularly active in property-related disputes, Richard Parry is also highly recommended. Immigration and residency specialist Daniel Altneu and associate Mellissa Thomas also add value to the team.

Practice head(s):

Ian Jamieson


Other key lawyers:

Michael Sharvin; Richard Parry; Daniel Altneu; Mellissa Thomas


Testimonials

‘The customer service is beyond fantastic, they are always there when you need them and they give excellent advice.’

‘Ian Jamieson – Ian is a fantastic attorney, has a wonderful manner and his clients love him.’

‘Very efficient and responsive real estate team.’

‘Michael Sharvin and Ian Jamieson are well regarded lawyers. Michael Sharvin is incredibly responsive and thorough and goes above and beyond for our clients.’

‘Daniel Altneu is outstanding, he goes above and beyond for his clients and should be recognised for his outstanding service.’

‘Very satisfied with Bedell and have not looked elsewhere. Very knowledgeable team and always on the ball. Value their advice and expertise in their field.’

‘Mostly work with Ian Jamieson. Outstanding individual and very happy to have him deal with our real estate matters. Very experienced and most importantly always available for us. Gives us the right advice to make sound decisions. Have now worked with him for over a decade and consider him one of the best in his field.’

‘Daniel Altneu is most affable and offers great attention to high-net-worth clients, he is familiar with all aspects of our small island and is a delight to talk to and work with. He goes above and beyond the scope of his work and is an ambassador for the Cayman Islands in every way.’

Key clients

Golden Foundation


Harbour Walk Ltd


RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Limited and Royal Bank House (Cayman) Limited


Morne Botes


Birch Tree Hill Properties


FirstCaribbean International Bank Cayman Limited


Cayman National Bank Limited


Deloitte & Touche LLP


Cayman Islands Bankers Association


Work highlights


  • Represented Cayman Islands Bankers Association in relation to its opposition of proposed new legislation that if adopted will dramatically alter the process for residential secured lending and enforcement in the Cayman Islands.
  • Acted for Harbour Walk Ltd in relation to the drafting of sale agreements, by-laws and closing documents.
  • Acted for Birch Tree Hill Limited & KY MEP LTD, drafting documents and coordinating sales for a new development on Grand Cayman.

Collas Crill

Praised by clients for offering ‘exceptional value with high-quality legal services in real estate’, Collas Crill fields a team with impressive bench strength and routinely advises leading banks and high-net-worth individuals on a wide range of real estate transactions. The practice is led by Gina Berry, who is noted for her ‘outstanding track record’ in advising international and local financial institutions on complex security transactions. Alistair Wade is sought out by major commercial landlords and also has expertise in real estate litigation.

Practice head(s):

Gina Berry


Other key lawyers:

Alistair Wade


Testimonials

‘Collas Crill offers exceptional value with high-quality legal services in real estate, dealing with varied and complete leases and property acquisitions. Their international experience offers unique solutions to local problems and processes.’

‘Gina Berry and Alistair Wade are the most responsive attorneys we have ever worked with. The combination of local experience and relationships, along with attention to detail, proactive advice and expertise is exceptional.’

‘The team is well-led by Gina Berry who has an outstanding track record in this space.’

Key clients

Cayman National Bank


Cricket Square Group


Scotiabank Group


Royal Bank of Canada Group


Butterfield Bank


Public Service Pensions Board


National Commercial Bank


CICSA Co-operative Credit Union


Proven Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised a high-net-worth client via a foreign LLC on the re-registration, structuring, financing, acquisition, and development of units in a new upscale residential strata development in South Sound, Cayman.
  • Advised the Cricket Square group of companies on all aspects of its expansion, property acquisitions, service agreements and leasehold arrangements.
  • Advised the Public Service Pensions Board on all aspects of its leasehold properties in Cayman Brac and at the Appleby tower in Grand Cayman.

Carey Olsen

Carey Olsen‘s real estate practice is sought out by major developers and lenders, landlords, vendors, investors and purchasers for its in-depth knowledge of commercial and residential real estate and development projects. The team includes practice head Richard Sykes, who focuses on complex real estate transactions and structuring work; Richard Munden, who handles real estate financing, hotel issues and other M&A transactions; and hospitality project expert Nick Bullmore. Alistair Russell concentrates on development work and issues involving ultra-high-net-worth individuals, while Kristina Ostertag is a key contact at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Nick Bullmore; Jarrod Farley


Other key lawyers:

Richard Sykes; Richard Munden; Alistair Russell; Kristina Ostertag


Key clients

Regen


NBC Group


Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited


Cayman National Bank


The Grove


Royal Bank of Canada


Grand Hyatt Hotel and Residences/Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd


London and Regional


Work highlights


  • Advised Regen (Waste Solutions Cayman Ltd and related companies) as Cayman’s first public private partnership established to design, build, finance and operate critical solid waste infrastructure in Cayman.
  • Advised NCB Group on real estate development project work for several NCB developments – Aura, The Waves, and Sundance.
  • Advised Grand Hyatt Hotel and Residences (Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd) on the development of the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Residences, Grand Cayman.

Ogier

Ogier‘s real estate practice routinely acts for an array of high-net-worth individuals who rely on the team to handle commercial and residential real estate transactions including involving permanent residences, developments, large infrastructure assets, residential land, commercial buildings and condominiums. Practice head James Bergstrom is noted for leading on a range of high-value commercial real estate matters, while Cline Glidden‘s expertise is concentrated on funding issues, the conveyancing of large residential and commercial developments, and high-value real estate acquisitions. The team also fields Sophie Warburton, who handles due diligence investigations, commercial and residential leasing issues, and title work.

Practice head(s):

James Bergstrom


Other key lawyers:

Cline Glidden; Sophie Warburton


Work highlights


  • Advised a purchaser on the off-plan purchase of a to-be-constructed luxury condominium on Cayman’s prestigious Seven Mile Beach.
  • Acted for numerous purchasers and developers in respect of the acquisition and development of commercial development sites in Cayman.
  • Acted for a variety of financiers handling the drafting and registration of security documents for loans secured over several Cayman properties.

Priestleys

Priestleys is notably active in high-quality real estate developments and transactions, including residential projects, luxury resort developments and real estate transactions involving cryptocurrencies. Founding partner Daniel Priestley is praised by clients for his 'outstanding customer service’; core workflows of his practice include handling major infrastructure projects in Cayman, such as port redevelopments, hospital projects, and retail and office developments. Noted for his ‘pragmatic’ attitude, Nick Hemus is the go-to choice for developers and has also advised cryptocurrency investors.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Priestley


Other key lawyers:

Nick Hemus


Testimonials

‘I can always rely and trust the team at Priestleys to get the task completed in a prompt and professional manner.’

‘Nick Hemus is a very competent attorney and a pleasure to work with. He is commercial, intelligent, technically excellent and has a very good manner.’

‘The two individuals I work closely with are Daniel Priestly and Nick Hemus. They stand out as they are always professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive via telephone, text, or email. These two provide outstanding customer service and are very personable. I highly recommend both to all my clients, friends, and family.’

‘I have found Nick Hemus to be very helpful, collaborative and knowledgeable. Nick is very easy to deal with and has an excellent knowledge of the Cayman real estate market.’

‘The associates I have dealt with have been approachable and willing to take the extra time to ensure legal queries are communicated well.’

‘I have dealt with Nick Hemus – he has answered all my queries efficiently in a straightforward, easy to understand manner for someone who does not have a legal background.’

‘Nick Hemus is a pragmatic lawyer who is able to think outside of the box. He is capable of preparing bespoke documents that reflect the novelty of the deals he works on for our mutual clients. He is quick to respond and doesn’t shy away from a challenge.’

Key clients

CP Land Co, Ltd.


NWPR Group, Ltd.


Dolphin Point Developments Ltd


Cayman Enterprise City Ltd


Adare Holdings Ltd


Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited


Cayman National Bank Limited


Proven Bank (Cayman) Limited


Ocean Cabanas Ltd


Lyfestyle Holdings Ltd


90 North Church Street Ltd


Build (Cayman) Limited


City Services ‘Cayman’ Ltd


Heritage Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for CP Land Co, Ltd on the closing out of a development and the sale of 74 canal-side units in the Seven Mile Beach corridor of Grand Cayman.
  • Advised NWPR Group, Ltd in respect of two new developments in West Bay, Grand Cayman.
  • Acted for cryptocurrency investors on the first three cryptocurrency real estate purchases in Cayman.

Ritch & Conolly

Ritch & Conolly is noted for handling high-value purchases and sales, residential development projects, and high-end luxury town house developments. The practice houses a team with 'unmatched skill and dedication' which draw superlative praise for being ‘at the forefront of the market’. The real estate department is chaired by Angus Charlton, ‘an exceptional professional’ who regularly advises high-profile developers and commercial real estate owners on all aspects of real estate transactions. David Collier works closely with Charlton, and has focused his expertise on contentious real estate work.

Practice head(s):

Angus Charlton


Other key lawyers:

David Collier


Testimonials

‘It is a cohesive team of very well experienced attorneys who have practised in the various aspects of law in the Cayman Islands and provide a complete and comprehensive service. Their conveyance team is at the forefront of the market for both existing properties and new developments.’

‘Angus Charlton is the partner who leads the local conveyance work. He has a tremendous amount of experience and I have worked with him for many years in Grand Cayman. Working with him simplifies the process, due to his vast experience in all aspects of the local real estate market.’

‘I had the pleasure of working with the exceptional team at Ritch & Conolly in their Real Estate practice, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the experience. From the outset, their expertise and professionalism were evident, and they guided me through every step of the real estate process with unmatched skill and dedication.’

Key clients

The Watermark Limited


Stone Island Limited


Cayman Islands Airports Authority


Port Authority of the Cayman Islands


Cayman Grand Harbour Development Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised The WaterMark Limited in relation to a circa $400m 52 unit condominium project on Seven Mile Beach.
  • Advised Stone Island Limited in relation to a development of 48 high end waterfront town homes in the Cayman Islands Yacht Club.
  • Advised the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands in relation to all property related matters including the renewal of 30 leases at Royal Watler Terminal (George Town).

Campbells

Campbells‘ real estate practice regularly acts for developers, realtors, financial institutions and commercial managers on purchases of undeveloped land, project financings, security loan documentation and joint venture agreements. Practice head Lily Lee is noted for handling refinancing matters involving both residential and commercial properties, commercial lending issues, and other real estate development and planning issues in Cayman, while Alan Craig focuses on M&A transactions.

Practice head(s):

Lily Lee


Other key lawyers:

Alan Craig


Testimonials

‘Very good partner led practice which very efficiently and competently deals with matters without a fuss.’

‘Lily Lee was very efficient and knowledgeable on all aspects of the transaction. Highly recommend.’

‘This practice truly stands out for its exceptional team and innovative approach. Their strengths lie in their deep expertise and collaborative mindset.’

‘Lily Lee is a standout professional in every sense. Her ability to seamlessly navigate cross-border and corporate complexities is truly remarkable. What sets her apart is her insightful suggestions and unwavering patience. Lily’s expertise and dedication make her an invaluable partner.’

‘They are a medium size law firm but give a personal service to clients.’

‘Lily Lee is an excellent lawyer who takes client client instructions and follows them in a timely manner.’

‘They are a no-nonsense team with a logical approach to transactions, treating the clients with care and handling their needs before the client knows what they need.’

‘They are able to deal with the transactions in a timely manner and with the least amount of red tape and make it a pleasure to do business with them. Lily Lee is Amazing!’

Key clients

FirstCaribbean International Bank (Cayman) Limited


FS Inc.


Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted as primary counsel to FirstCaribbean in numerous lending and refinancing matters related to Cayman property and involving both residential and commercial property matters.
  • Assisted a client with all matters relating to the acquisition of properties, commercial lending, real estate development and planning in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
  • Acted as regular counsel to Butterfield Bank Cayman on numerous lending and refinancing issues related to properties, which range from residential to commercial property matters.

Stuarts Humphries

Stuarts Humphries routinely advises leading banks, real estate developers, brokers and agencies on the lease, purchase, sale and development of commercial and residential properties in Cayman. Head of the team Buck Grizzel specialises in matters involving hotels, large commercial buildings and multi-unit residential developments, while Jonathan McLean is noted for his expertise in residential and commercial property finance matters and lease agreements.

Practice head(s):

Buck Grizzel


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan McLean


Key clients

Silver Thatch Heights Ltd.


International Investment Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised as local counsel  for a global real estate investment company – International Investment Partners – on various corporate transactions in Web3.
  • Advised as local counsel on a number of commercial real estate transactions for Silver Thatch Heights Ltd.