Property Finance

How we can help

As well as legal and technical excellence, we offer genuine knowledge of the industry and its key players.

Providing an innovative approach to structuring and delivering transactions in the real estate sector.

We advise on the acquisition, development, financing and sale of commercial, industrial, residential, student accommodation and retail properties, and all legal issues relevant to the sector.

Understanding the complex matrix of legal, tax and regulatory issues that clients face

We act for borrowers and lenders alike, and have particular experience in matters involving debt raising by funds, in particular Real Estate Investment Trusts and other managed investment schemes, and funding by alternative debt providers as non-bank lending becomes increasingly prevalent in the Australian market.

Dealing with 'firsts' in the market

This year we have advised a range of Australian superannuation funds on their first forays into property lending, as well as the first green bond and loan for property financing transactions, and the first social and affordable housing bond.

Experience

Investa Commercial Property Fund's green loan

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

Refinancing of the Australian Prime Property Fund Commercial (APPFC)

Advised the syndicate of financiers to Lendlease (CBA, NAB, WBC, SMBC, ANZ and HSBC) on the A$800m refinancing of APPFC, the owner of Lendlease's cornerstone assets of its portfolio including the Barangaroo development.

Parkridge Noosa financing

Advised ANZ on a A$44,030,000 (increasing to $76,800,000) senior debt loan to Altum Properties, No. 4 Pty Ltd, as trustee of the Altum No. 4 Property Trust, for the
development of 'Parkridge Noosa', a residential townhouse, villa and apartment complex.

Financing for the acquisition of 'K1'

Advised a global insurance company as the senior financier to the purchaser of 'K1', an office tower building in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The purchasing vehicles were formed through a joint venture arrangement between Abacus Property Group and Heitman.

Acquisition of South Wharf Tower, Victoria

Advised CBRE Global Investors and Universal-Investment (off-shore pension funds) on the property financing of their acquisition of South Wharf Tower in Victoria (reported project value of A$150 million).

Acquisition of the Sofitel Hotel in Sydney

Advising on the financing for the acquisition of the Sofitel Hotel in Sydney (reported deal value approx. A$230 million).

Acquisition of an interest in 420 George Street, Sydney

Advising Investa Commercial Property Group on the ~A$450 million financing of the acquisition of an interest in 420 George Street, Sydney.

Acquisition and development of 333 Kent Street

Advising China Cinda (developer) its loan to an SPV structure in relation to the acquisition and development of 333 Kent Street, Sydney.

Construction and development financing of the Melbourne Square project in South Bank

Advising an offshore developer client on the construction and development financing of the Melbourne Square project in South Bank (reported project value of A$2.8 billion).

Student accommodation projects

Advising Goldman Sachs and Blue Sky Private Equity Real Estate (joint venture developer) on a series of four joint venture construction financings of student accommodation projects in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria to the total value of approximately A$200 million.

Development and divestment of a mixed use development at 111 Canning Street, North Melbourne

Advising Woolworths on the development and divestment of a mixed use development in North Melbourne. The sale comprises a complex development and lease arrangement and consists of 300 high rise apartments, SOHO terrace apartments and a ground floor retail precinct.