--- title: "Real Estate and Construction" id: "2041" type: "expertise" slug: "real-estate-and-construction" published_at: "2026-01-26T09:16:10+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-28T14:32:19+00:00" url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/real-estate-and-construction/" markdown_url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/real-estate-and-construction.md" excerpt: "Strengthening your operations across all asset classes Investing, developing, or financing in the real estate sector requires anticipating market trends, integrating sustainability at the core of projects, and navigating an increasingly demanding regulatory environment. We advise investors, private equity funds,..." taxonomy_language: - "English" taxonomy_post_translations: - "pll_697730da47b49" taxonomy_tax_expertise: - "Real Estate and Construction" taxonomy_tax_famille_expertise: - "Transactional" --- ## Strengthening your operations *across all asset classes* Investing, developing, or financing in the real estate sector requires anticipating market trends, integrating sustainability at the core of projects, and navigating an increasingly demanding regulatory environment. We advise investors, private equity funds, asset managers, insurance companies, family offices, lenders, developers, sponsors, and occupiers in structuring and executing transactions across all asset classes, including offices, retail, logistics, residential, industrial facilities, hotels, senior and student housing, and alternative assets. Our multidisciplinary approach spans the entire project lifecycle: asset and share acquisitions and disposals, real estate corporate transactions, financing and debt restructuring, development and construction, promotion, planning and environmental matters, asset management and commercial leasing, fund structuring, tax, and pre-litigation and litigation strategy. ## *our*Capabilities ### (01) Real Estate Transactions and Investments Sale and leaseback transactions, complex corporate-driven operations, real estate–related mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships all require comprehensive support. For each engagement, we cover the full scope of the transaction. We assist French and international investors across all asset types, from initial legal structuring through to completion. ### (02) Corporate Real Estate We advise on complex real estate corporate transactions, including joint ventures, shareholders’ agreements, private equity transactions, and mergers and acquisitions involving real estate assets and real estate funds. Each structure integrates governance, liquidity, and control considerations inherent in real estate investments. Institutional investors, real estate funds, and family offices benefit from a pragmatic approach focused on performance and long-term value creation. ### (03) Financing and Debt Restructuring of Real Estate Assets Financial institutions and investors rely on our support in refinancing and restructuring real estate debt, whether relating to asset portfolios, single-asset transactions, or distressed situations. Each phase is secured, from financing negotiations through to the implementation of restructuring solutions. Our team works alongside investors in structuring complex financing arrangements and managing restructuring matters involving both debtors and creditors. ### (04) Development, Construction, and Redevelopment Construction and development projects involve multiple stakeholders and require rigorous contractual coordination. Development agreements, general contractor contracts, project management and owner’s representative agreements, engineering and supervision contracts, and architect agreements all demand careful structuring to mitigate execution risk. For land development and brownfield redevelopment projects, we also manage planning and public law aspects. This comprehensive approach supports the legal feasibility of projects. ### (05) Real Estate Taxation Tax optimization directly impacts the net profitability of real estate investments. We advise at every stage, including acquisition structuring, pre-transaction tax due diligence, financing arrangements, capital gains and rental income management, optimization of vehicles such as SCI, SIIC, and OPCI structures, and management of local taxes and real estate VAT. We also assist with specific regimes such as Malraux properties and historic monuments. By anticipating legislative developments, we calibrate our advice to maximize the tax efficiency of each transaction. ### (06) Asset Management Asset value enhancement depends on precise contractual management aligned with each owner’s objectives. We draft and negotiate commercial leases, forward funding leases, renovation contracts, and property management agreements to balance legal protection with operational flexibility. Whether acting for landlords or tenants, our approach supports rental income optimization while preserving contractual relationships. ### (07) Planning and Environmental Law Real estate projects must comply with a dense regulatory framework governing planning and environmental matters. Building permits, classified installation authorizations, asbestos and waste regulations, soil contamination management, and industrial site rehabilitation all require careful legal oversight. By intervening from the design phase onward, we secure authorizations and anticipate litigation risks, ensuring legal feasibility and accelerating implementation. Companies and public authorities benefit from guidance that facilitates decisive action. ### (08) Pre-Litigation and Litigation Real estate disputes require strategies that protect both asset value and operational continuity. Lease disputes, construction litigation, contractual liability, and warranty claims are addressed with a preference for amicable solutions whenever possible. When litigation is necessary, we defend our clients’ positions decisively before the courts. Our technical expertise, combined with a detailed understanding of market realities, enables us to deploy effective tactics and preserve asset value throughout the dispute resolution process. Collective excellence at the service of the *highest standards.* Team [Guillaume Aubatier ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/guillaume-aubatier/) [Antonia Raccat ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/antonia-raccat/) [Catherine Mintégui ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/catherine-mintegui/) [Dorian Scemama ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/dorian-scemama/) [Malvina Dahan ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/malvina-dahan/) [Mathilde Cagnato ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/mathilde-cagnato/) [Aboubacar Diawara ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/aboubacar-diawara/) [Alix Kianpour ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/alix-kianpour/) Précédent Suivant ## Contact Us ## our References Real Estate and Construction #### Generali – Logistics real estate financing Advised Generali as the borrower in the senior financing of its unlisted logistics real estate investment fund, PARCOLOG INVEST, through a credit facility of approximately 200 million euros. Real Estate and Construction #### SEGRO – XXL logistics development Advised SEGRO on the planning and construction aspects of a XXL AAA-certified logistics platform of 160,000 sq.m, including its partial forward lease (circa 60%) to a major international logistics operator. Real Estate and Construction #### Altarea Cogedim – Data center projects Advised the Altarea Cogedim Group on the development of several data center projects, including a 90 MW data center in Bondoufle (Paris region) and its sale to an international data center operator. **Rankings**& Recognitions m - (01)Best Lawyers 2027 – France Public Regulatory / Environment / Real Estate - (02)Best Lawyers 2027 – France Public Regulatory / Environment / Real Estate - (03)Le Point 2026 – France Real estate law [More distinctions](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/distinctions/?search_tax-expertise%5B%5D=real-estate-and-construction) ## *Latest* News [20/07/26 Deal 1 min August Debouzy Advises Icade on Regaining Sole Ownership of the Eqho Tower in Paris La Défense August Debouzy advised Icade on its acquisition of the remaining 49% stake in the Eqho Tower from an OPPCI managed by Amundi, making Icade once again the sole owner of one of the landmark office towers in Paris La Défense.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/deal/august-debouzy-advises-icade-on-regaining-sole-ownership-of-the-eqho-tower-in-paris-la-defense/) [09/07/26 Deal 2 min August Debouzy Advises WDP on Three Strategic Logistics Real Estate Transactions in France August Debouzy advised WDP on three strategic logistics real estate transactions in France, involving sites near Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Toulouse and Montpellier. These operations, totalling approximately 120,000 sq m, strengthen WDP’s French platform and include significant development and sustainability ambitions.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/deal/august-debouzy-advises-wdp-on-three-strategic-logistics-real-estate-transactions-in-france/) [19/06/26 Deal 1 min August Debouzy advises Andera Partners on the strategic combination of Immo City and Homeland](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/deal/august-debouzy-advises-andera-partners-on-the-strategic-combination-of-immo-city-and-homeland/) [24/04/26 Legal Article 14 min The Law on the Simplification of Economic Life and its Impact on Commercial Leases](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/the-law-on-the-simplification-of-economic-life-and-its-impact-on-commercial-leases/) [02/12/25 Deal 1 min August Debouzy advises Sogelym Dixence on the sale of a light industrial asset to Barings We advised Sogelym Dixence on the forward sale (VEFA) of an 18,788 square meter light industrial complex located in Roissy-en-France, within the Demi-Lune business park and close to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/deal/august-debouzy-advises-sogelym-dixence-on-the-sale-of-a-light-industrial-asset-to-barings/) 01 05 Précédent Suivant [Find our latest news](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/le-hub/) News ## *FAQ* ### (01) How does a law firm specializing in real estate structure your transactions and corporate real estate operations? Asset and share deals, sale and leaseback, club deals, joint ventures: each real estate transaction requires a legal framework that secures the investment while optimizing economic terms. We advise investors, private equity funds, asset managers, insurance companies and family offices on transactions across all asset classes (offices, retail, logistics, residential, hotels, industrial premises, alternative assets). Our work covers legal due diligence, SPA and shareholder agreement negotiation, investment vehicle structuring and tax and regulatory coordination. ### (02) How should you structure the financing and debt restructuring of a real estate asset? Real estate financing involves significant amounts and requires legal documentation tailored to the specifics of each asset and transaction. We structure acquisition financing, mortgage loans, development finance and refinancings, negotiating terms with lenders and securing collateral. In the event of distress, we assist both lenders and borrowers in debt restructuring: covenant renegotiation, standstill agreements, conversion and constrained asset disposals. Each structure aims to preserve asset value and project continuity. ### (03) What legal precautions govern real estate development, construction and rehabilitation? Development and construction operations involve complex contractual chains (works contracts, project management, subcontracting, off-plan sales) and strict liability regimes. Article L. 261-10-1 of the French Construction and Housing Code requires the seller of a building under construction to provide a financial completion guarantee. We intervene from the structuring phase: drafting and negotiating construction contracts, implementing guarantees (completion guarantees, first-demand guarantees, bonds), monitoring works reception and managing defect reserves. ### (04) How can you optimize the tax treatment of your real estate transactions and asset management? The profitability of a real estate investment depends largely on its tax structuring and the quality of lease management. Article L. 145-4 of the French Commercial Code sets the minimum commercial lease term at nine years and grants the tenant a right to terminate at each three-year interval with six months’ notice. We advise on all tax aspects (transfer duties, real estate VAT, capital gains regimes, fund structuring) and support asset managers in negotiating commercial leases, managing renewals and optimizing rental returns. ### (05) How can you anticipate planning and environmental constraints in a real estate project? Every real estate project operates within a planning and environmental regulatory framework that determines its feasibility: local planning schemes, administrative permits, impact assessments, ICPE obligations and environmental standards. We audit projects for regulatory compliance, support applications for planning and building permits, analyse environmental constraints and structure transactions to integrate energy performance and sustainability requirements. In the event of third-party challenges or administrative disputes, we defend projects before the competent courts. ### (06) Why choose August Debouzy as your law firm for real estate and construction in France? Our multidisciplinary approach covers the entire real estate project lifecycle: acquisitions and disposals, corporate real estate, financing, development and construction, planning, asset management and commercial leases, tax, litigation and pre-litigation. Investors, funds, developers, lenders and occupiers rely on our ability to manage complex transactions across all asset classes, integrating legal, tax, environmental and regulatory dimensions at every stage.