Real estate

Acting for the Sultanate’s real estate industry's leading players, we advise on the full range of real estate-related transactions. With an integrated team of lawyers, we have the commitment, resources and know-how to get your deals done, whatever and wherever they are. Forward thinking and commercial in our approach, with a recognized ability to deliver complex deals, we handle the entire property 'life-cycle' from the initial acquisition, development, leasing, joint venturing and financing through to the final disposal.

Much of the complex work we carry out requires a multi-disciplinary approach and we regularly work closely, as a single team, relying on our firm wide expertise in corporate finance, risk management functions, construction and engineering. Our lawyers have in-depth knowledge of all issues relating to planning, construction and engineering, direct and indirect investment, funds, real estate and property finance, taxation, development, securitization, dispute resolution, environment and regulatory matters.

We strive to be at the forefront of new developments and initiatives and are active participants in stimulating thought and discussion on issues affecting the sector. We played a crucial role in the development of the “Usufruct Agreement” in the Sultanate. Our proactive approach has enabled us to help shape and develop some of the most prestigious initiatives in the Sultanate.

Whether the clients are seeking to expand or streamline their real estate portfolio, our seasoned lawyers have the experience crucial to helping them to achieve their commercial objectives. Buyers and sellers of commercial property benefit from our knowledge of the local market and advice beyond basic legal requirements. We advise on every stage of an acquisition or sale, from structuring, documenting and negotiating joint ventures to the development or divestment of real property.

SASLO’s key strengths are:

• Preparing development arrangements including joint venture and partnership agreements, shareholders agreements, corporate structures and exclusivity non-disclosure and collaboration agreements;
• drafting and negotiating contracts (including performance-based contracts) and other project documents with contractors and investors;
• advising on standard form contracts and bespoke forms of contract and other project documentation, such as consultant agreements, bonds, warranties and guarantees, and conducting risk-based due diligence reviews for clients proposing to purchase development opportunities or completed developments;
• reviewing, drafting and negotiating project agreements, EPC/EPCM contracts, design and build contracts, operation and maintenance contracts, construction management contracts, partnering and framework agreements;
• reviewing industry-standard forms and amending, updating and restructuring agreements / documents in line with the relevant provisions, applicable laws and international best practice rules
• Strategic/long term sites - options and conditional contracts;
• Secured profit sharing arrangements between financiers and/or landowners and developers;
• Mortgage and funding documentation in the context of interim finance, forward funding and general project finance;
• Integrated approach to planning and environmental issues arising out of the development process;
• Landlord and tenant matters including the negotiation of occupational leases to meet institutional/funding requirements;
• Procurement (including competitive dialogue led development projects), construction, tax and corporate structuring; and
• Claims and Litigation.