Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Real estate in South Africa

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr‘s prominent real estate practice houses a team ‘well-versed in property matters and able to provide holistic advice on transactions‘. Practice head Muhammad Gattoo has extensive experience in commercial property finance matters, and regularly acts for prominent financial institutions and international financiers in high-value transactions. Gattoo is also noted for his strength in advising on sectional title registers and property transfers. Simóne Franks stands out for her work in relation to property-related transfers, and Fatima Gattoo handles sectional title developments and the registration of complex securities. John Webber‘s extensive experience in the real estate sector includes advising on land use conversions and land developments. Samantha Kelly and Bridget Witts-Hewinson are also singled out for their contributions. Lucia Erasmus and William Midgley have retired from practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Muhammad Gattoo


Autres avocats clés:

John Webber; Simóne Franks; Fatima Gattoo; Samantha Kelly; Bridget Witts-Hewinson


Les références

‘The response time is swift and turnaround time on instructions is excellent.’

‘I have worked with Muhammad Gattoo, Fatima Gattoo and John Webber. They are respectful, hard working, knowledgeable and provide assistance whenever it is needed.’

‘No matter how busy they are, they always assist us.’

Principaux clients

Pinaroux International Holdco


Sun International


Attacq


Texton


Century Property Developments


Abland


Tsogo Sun Casinos


HCI Monte Precinct


Setso Property Fund


Sable Place Properties


King Air


Stedham Investments


Game Camp


Pioneer Foods


Galencia Properties


HBZ Bank


Vukile


MICC


Equites


Communicare


Albaraka Bank


Investec Commercial Bonds


Nedbank Commercial Bonds


First National Bank Commercial Property Finance


ABSA Commercial Property Finance


Busamed


FNB


Nedbank


Investec Bank


Bowmans

The commercial property team at Bowmans has ‘superior industry knowledge when it comes to real estate transactions, and certainly adds value to any real estate deal‘. Led by property finance expert Craig Schafer, the practice has an excellent track record in assisting developers, banks, listed and unlisted property funds, as well as mining and renewable energy companies, with a wide spectrum of real estate matters. Schafer acts for commercial property lenders in relation to the financing of property acquisitions and developments, and Samantha Saffy is well-versed in advising on the registration of notarial and mortgage bonds as security for project finance. Julia Power has experience in conveyancing matters. Philippa Sutherland also plays an important role in the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Craig Schafer


Autres avocats clés:

Julia Power; Samantha Saffy; Philippa Sutherland


Les références

‘Julia Power is an excellent lawyer, so responsive and helpful.’

‘Julia Power is always willing to assist her clients in understanding complex legal issues. Highly recommended.’

‘The team is pragmatic, solution oriented and has quick turnaround times.’

Principaux clients

First Rand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division)


The Standard Bank of South Africa (Commercial Property Finance)


Absa Bank Limited (CIB and CPF Divisions)


West Property Fund Limited


Vantage Data Centers South Africa


Growthpoint Healthcare Property Holdings (RF) Proprietary Limited


Zara Retail South Africa Proprietary Limited


Sanlam Life Insurance


African Rainbow Minerals Limited


Assmang Proprietary Limited


Grindrod Holdings (South Africa) Proprietary Limited


Capitec Bank Limited


SOM Group Proprietary Limited


Flanagan & Gerard


Barloworld Limited


Transnet Property


Coca Cola Beverages South Africa (Pty) Ltd


Regus Management Group Pty Ltd


Engen Petroleum Limited


Mpande Property Fund


West BG Properties Proprietary Limited


LSG Sky Chefs South Africa Proprietary Limited


ENSafrica

With experience in restitution law, land rights, and commercial property transactions, particularly those involving immovable and movable property issues, Andrew Bembridge leads ENSafrica’s multidisciplinary real estate and property team. The department has established expertise in handling a wide spectrum of real estate and property matters for traditional communities and prominent domestic and international banking, corporate and financial services clients. Len Vorster fields over three decades of experience in the space, and counts conveyancing, sectional title schemes, notarial matters and residential and commercial property transactions as key areas of strength. Fritz Schulz specialises in property law, and regularly advises on commercial property finance matters. Lee-Anne Hopley brings experience in conveyancing matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Bembridge


Autres avocats clés:

Len Vorster; Lee-Anne Hopley; Fritz Schulz


Les références

A team that knows how to handle difficult situations.’

They deliver consistent results.’

Always practical and approachable.’

Principaux clients

Sabi Private Game Reserve


Autumn Storm Investment 379 Pty Limited


Red Rocket


Kasada GP


First National Bank


Zeus Property Co Pty Ltd


The Niche development


FPG Group


Ceva Logistics


FirstRand Bank


Public Investment Corporation


Boschendal wine estate


Webber Wentzel

Led by the ‘knowledgeable and efficientSulani Jooste, Webber Wentzel’s real estate team assists with the full life-cycle of property matters, and has solid expertise in handling complex real estate transactions. Jooste advises prominent investors, financial institutions and property developers on commercial property transactions; Mark McIntosh has expertise in handling commercial finance notarial and mortgage bonds, and regularly acts for mining, hospitality and financial services clients. Venashrie Mannar is very experienced in handling the land-related aspects of renewable energy transactions, and Desiree Bayman assists with commercial development agreements and property transfers. Abdul Allie brings experience in advising on the real estate elements of M&A deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sulani Jooste


Autres avocats clés:

Mark McIntosh; Abdul Allie; Desiree Bayman; Venashrie Mannar


Les références

‘This team of very knowledgeable specialists can cover a very wide range of topics related to real estate and land development, proposing a large spectrum of services and complete solutions. They provide a strong and quality support in South Africa on these matters.’

‘Venashrie Mannar has coordinated the support to us and has been great in gathering the right team to answer our specific needs each time we asked for help, including topics mobilizing other practices. She has shown her strong expertise in land matters in South Africa and assisted us in the negotiation of several contracts.’

‘Mark McIntosh is always available to me and my colleagues for queries and questions.’

Principaux clients

Investec Bank Limited


ABSA Bank Limited


FirstRand Bank Limited


Amrich Property Group


Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Nedbank Limited


Anglo American Platinum Limited


TERRAGRN Private Limited


Sanlam Limited


Stefanutti Stocks Proprietary Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Investec and ABSA Bank on taking over a diverse commercial property portfolio owned by Cubisol Holdings (Pty) Ltd and its subsidiaries.
  • Advised ABSA and the Amrich Property Group on a further acquisition of an undivided share in the Willowbridge Shopping Centre by Amrich from its partner and co-owner, Interurban.
  • Advising Anglo American Platinum Limited on the real estate aspects of the disposal by Bokoni Platinum Holdings of its interest in BPM to an indirect subsidiary of ARM for R3.5 billion.

Adams & Adams

Adams & Adams‘ real estate and property law practice ‘possesses a wealth of knowledge across various complex real estate transactions‘. The ‘highly skillful and knowledgeable‘ group is very experienced in advising on commercial real estate mandates, and the department is equally strong at advising on conveyancing work; the two teams work in tandem to assist property developers, REITs, property and asset managers, investment companies, and major South African financial institutions with a broad spectrum of matters. Roelof Grové specialises in property law; he co-heads the department with commercial real estate expert Helgard Janse van Rensburg.

Responsables de la pratique:

Roelof Grové; Helgard Janse van Rensburg


Les références

‘The service, knowledge and dedication of the team is fantastic.’

‘Helgard Janse van Rensburg is an approachable, kind and professional individual and it is always a pleasure working with him.’

‘Experienced people who stay calm and are not afraid to take on a challenge.’

Principaux clients

Moolman Group


Feenstra Group


Benchmark Group


Lynx Real Estate


Attacq Limited


Atterbury Group


Fairvest Investments


Mile Investments


Setso Property Fund


Nedbank Limited


Investec Bank Limited


FirstRand Bank Limited


Standard Bank of South Africa


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Lynx Real Estate Holdings on its the acquisition of the “East Rand Value Mall” from Acucap Investments (Pty) Ltd.

Lawtons Africa

With extensive experience in assisting developers, town planners and project managers with property development mandates, Penny Chenery leads Lawtons Africa’s real estate practice. The team’s recent workload includes handling mortgage bond registrations, high-value acquisitions, and conveyancing matters. Melissa Leibowitz is the key name for advising on the drafting and registering of mortgage bonds for residential, development and commercial finance matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Penny Chenery


Autres avocats clés:

Melissa Leibowitz


Les références

‘Good level of trust and reliance.’

‘Incredible wealth of experience and a deep passion for the real estate sector. Excellent operational capabilities and strong communication with clients.’

‘Penny Chenery is a leader in her field, and has exceptional knowledge and experience in real estate law and conveyancing. She is always willing to help, and no problem or request is too small. She is an exceptional lawyer.’

Principaux clients

Truzen 104 Trust


Imperial Group


Clarion Investments 49 Pty Ltd


Enate Properties 4 (Pty) Limited


First National Bank


Zenprop Holdings


Absa Bank Limited


Nedbank Limited


Telkom SA SOC Limited


One Property Holdings


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on the conveyancing aspects of the half share transfer of the Cape Town Petrol terminal to the Strategic Fund Association NPC.
  • Assisted BP Southern Africa with implementing a property transaction in Ventershof.
  • Advised the Save the World Foundation on the acquisition of a farm, as well as vineyards in Langverwacht in the Western Cape, for ZAR33.5 million.

Werksmans Attorneys

At Werksmans Attorneys, high-value property transactions have been prominent in the team’s recent workload. The property and real estate department is well-known for representing private and individual property developers, REITs, investors and banks in commercial property transactions and development mandates, as well as acting for clients in the hotel and leisure and retail sectors. Fátima Rodrigues‘ practice includes property finance, acquisitions and disposals; she co-leads the group with Johan Lubbe, who assists with the registration of mortgage bonds and transfers of property ownership, among other areas. Khathu Neluheni is also singled out for her contributions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Johan Lubbe; Fátima Rodrigues


Autres avocats clés:

Khathu Neluheni


Les références

‘Highly skilled and good communication.’

‘Johan Lubbe is very knowledgeable.’

‘Very good understanding of our business and efficient processes to address all requests in a timely manner.’