Real Estate

Whether you are a developer of an urban mixed-use project or an investor considering real estate, you need sound guidance and advice in all aspects of the transaction.

Major real estate development projects require a broad range of expertise for issues arising from zoning and environmental considerations to financing, construction, leasing and structuring. Farris lawyers have extensive knowledge of the market and regulations, strong relationships with municipal and provincial regulators and officials, and they provide sound negotiation skills and careful due diligence to help see a project through to successful completion.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) comprise one of the most dynamic sectors of our capital markets. Our lawyers are experienced in structuring and advising our REIT clients on all aspects of the REIT life cycle, from setup and organizational matters of the REIT to navigating the complex regulatory, financial and tax challenges. We have significant experience advising REITs in connection with the formation of various forms of investment vehicles, including completion of public and private debt and equity offerings, advising on securities compliance as well as governance and management matters.

Our team draws on the expertise of experienced practitioners in complementary practice areas, including trusts, tax, corporate finance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, banking, real estate and environmental law.

Real Property Development

We advise on all aspects of real estate development, routinely acting for developers on large-scale projects including office, mixed-use, multi-family, retail and industrial. Our lawyers assist with site acquisition, structuring investment vehicles, air space subdivisions and strata titling, ensuring compliance with project marketing regulations and obtaining land use entitlements, municipal approvals and permits.

Real Property Finance

We assist developers in securing acquisition and construction financing using an array of financial tools including commercial loans and mortgages, credit facilities, syndications, restructurings and securitized loans. We work closely with major banks, credit unions and mortgage investment corporations to structure a deal that meets our clients’ goals.

Property Assessment and Taxation

Farris has acted as counsel on cases before the Property Assessment Appeal Board and the Musqueam Indian Band Board of Review, as well as on appeals before the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Our lawyers present and comment regularly on matters related to property assessment and taxation, as well as advising on property transfer tax-related matters.