Real Estate

In this section

The globalisation of the real estate market continues to change the face of the sector in Australia, providing both opportunities and increased competition for players in the industry.

There are also significant structural changes occurring as entities such as superannuation funds and private equity firms, including domestic and overseas players, enter the market. In a highly competitive environment for quality assets, the ability to execute complex deals swiftly and successfully is essential. 

How we can help

Successful transactions and project executions demand an innovative approach

Allens has a strong track record of advising on large-scale and innovative development projects, and has advised developers and public authorities on major integrated developments incorporating residential, retail, commercial and industrial projects, recreational facilities and other mixed-use developments.

Over the past decade, our team has been involved in some of the most innovative and complex fund-related transactions, covering a range of asset classes and industry sectors. We act for both listed and unlisted funds (including retail and wholesale funds, stapled groups, property and infrastructure funds, private equity funds and hedge funds) raising capital in the equity and debt capital markets.

Ensuring you are covered throughout the asset life cycle

We bring together a national team with end-to-end expertise across all legal issues relevant to the real estate sector, including acquisition, development, financing and sale of commercial, industrial, residential and retail properties.

Access to a network of specialists

The group's expertise is complemented by access to specialists in a range of other areas, such as taxation, construction and infrastructure, OH&S, environment and planning, funds management, M&A, finance, litigation and disputes, and capital markets.

Experience

Stockland

Advising on the formation of a joint venture capital partnership with JP Morgan Asset Management to acquire a portfolio of industrial and logistics properties.

Investa Commercial Property Fund

Advised Investa Commercial Property Fund on its $170 million green loan – Australia's first green loan verified by the globally recognised Climate Bonds Initiative.

Mirvac and NRMA

Advising Mirvac and NRMA on the sale of their Travelodge hotel portfolio. This is the largest-ever sale of a hotel portfolio in Australia.

Stockland

Advising on the $1.5 billion redevelopment of Stockland's Piccadilly Centre.

Aqualand

Advised on all aspects of a consortium-led bid to secure the rights to develop the $2 billion final stage of the 5.2 hectare Central Barangaroo site, the last site to be developed as part of the Barangaroo masterplan in Sydney's CBD.

Rest

Advised on the acquisition of a one-third stake in Sydney’s $2.7 billion Quay Quarter Tower redevelopment for approximately $900 million.

Unibail-Rodamco

Advised Unibail on its merger with Westfield - the largest Australian merger to create a global group with a portfolio value of over €62 billion.

Bank of China

Advised on the $1.65 billion facility to finance China Investment Corporation’s acquisition of the Investa Office portfolio. This transaction is the largest direct property acquisition in Australian history.

The GPT Group

Advised in relation to facilities in excess of $3.2 billion (and associated hedging and transactional facilities), including bilateral working capital facilities, USPP and (unused) acquisition facilities to fund its (ultimately unsuccessful) off-market takeover offer for Commonwealth Property Office Fund, and the subsequent acquisition of certain assets from that fund by its Wholesale Office Fund.