REAL ESTATE

The real estate practice of the Firm is deep and extensive. It includes assisting its clients in the purchase, leasing, licensing arrangements, sale and lease-back arrangements and joint development agreements of commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential property. The Firm also advises clients on the applicable local levies including stamp duties, registration procedures, land use regulations, zoning regulations and property management. The Firm has regularly assisted real estate developers, institutional lenders, borrowers and investors in all phases and aspects of real estate development such as financing, acquisition, investment, disposition matters as well as in restructuring real estate related debts.
The Firm, as a part of any transaction, whether a merger, acquisition, joint venture or infrastructure project, regularly advises on related land and real estate issues. This includes advice in relation to procurement of suitable premises for business operation and/or residence of its employees, drafting, reviewing and negotiating appropriate agreements in this regard.
The Firm has advised leading Indian banks, financial companies and private equity funds in setting up onshore as well as off shore funds with the objective of investing in real estate sector in India. The Firm has experience in all stages of real estate investment including in structuring of the funds, advising on applicable laws, drafting and reviewing of fund documents, contribution agreements and other related documentation.
The Firm has advised a large number of private equity funds and foreign companies in relation to their joint ventures in India with Indian developers in construction development projects. These projects include residential townships, commercial complexes, shopping malls mixed use projects, etc. The Firm has also advised investors investing in development and construction of special economic zones.
There are certain sector specific policies of the Government of India regarding foreign direct investment in the real estate sector. The Firm has advised its clients in structuring transactions in India to comply with the regulatory framework. Typically, the Firm renders advice on entry strategy, structuring of investment instrument, water fall structures and exits and assists its clients in the conduct of title diligence of the underlying property. In this regard the Firm maintains effective working relationships with local real estate lawyers all over India, enabling the Firm to address client requirements in a cost efficient and timely manner. The Firm also undertakes the drafting, reviewing and negotiating of shareholders agreements, project management contracts and services contracts.
The Firm has also conducted title diligence of various residential/ commercial lands.