SANDS‘ real estate department advises public and private clients across a varied stream of work, with activity in transactions, infrastructure projects, and development projects. Department head Børge Nygårdshaug is engaged by funds, developers, and corporate clients on acquisitions and disposals. Christian Hartmann chiefly focuses on commercial property transactions, property development, and commercial leasing, while Roger Engebretsen handles real estate M&A transactions. Sofia Bjørck offers a multi-faceted service in development projects, including regulatory assistance and execution.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Working with Sands is a positive experience because of the breadth of experts in the team. It is an advantage for us that we have a client partner and a team that understands us and can swiftly assist both when needed urgently and for analysis of different subjects.’
  • ‘The strength, as we experience Sands, is that they respond quickly, are knowledgeable, and have a strong business understanding when addressing issues.’
  • ‘In addition to being pleasant, Christian Hartmann, with whom we work the most, is knowledgeable, solution-oriented, and available.’
  • ‘SANDS delivers services of the highest quality, with a strong focus on cost-efficiency. Their approach combines in-depth expertise with practical solutions, ensuring that clients receive exceptional value without compromising on standards. SANDS consistently provides results that are both reliable and cost-effective.’
  • ‘Christian Hartmann is a highly competent professional, recognised for his strong expertise and ability to deliver results. He is an excellent negotiator who consistently finds common ground and creates value in every situation.’
  • ‘We have been very pleased with the overall service level and professionalism of the team. They combine strong legal expertise with a solid understanding of the commercial aspects that are important to us as a client. The practice stands out for its accessibility and commitment to delivering high-quality advice.’

Key clients

  • Det Norske Diakonhjem
  • Rebus Holding AS
  • REMA 1000 AS
  • Oslo Finans AS
  • Tress Fonds AS
  • Heffco AS
  • Nordic Investment AS
  • Deka Immobilien AG
  • Clarkson Project Finance AS
  • Løvenskiold-Vækerø AS
  • Carl Otto Løvenskiold
  • Allstad AS

Work highlights

Advised Det Norske Diakonhjem on the NOK 1.4bn sale of the residential section (12,000 m² / approx. 250 apartments) of its 100,000 m² mixed-use development in Oslo, involving a highly competitive multi-round bidding process won by OBOS.
Advising Tress Fonds AS on a series of commercial property acquisitions across Norway, with a total value of approximately NOK 600m, including retail, office, and mixed-use assets.
Advising Folksom AS on the development of a major mixed-use urban project in the center of Tønsberg, including residential, hotel, commercial, and retail components, with an estimated sales value of up to NOK 1bn.
Practice head

Børge Nygårdshaug

Other key lawyers

Christian Hartmann; Roger Engebretsen; Sofia Bjørck; Runar Brøske; Cicilie Sørum Gregoire