Real Estate
Global Guide 2024 : South Africa
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+27 11 269 7600About
Provided by ENS
Property transactions in Africa and beyond have become increasingly complex and advanced as a result of changes in legislation, multi-party foreign investment and cross-border sales and purchases.
ENSafrica’s dedicated property and real estate team is able to respond effectively to these challenges due to our extensive experience in advising on property developments and projects, including resort building, land restitution claims, mining villages, oil, energy projects, water projects, student accommodation and contractual issues.
Several of our lawyers have worked together as a team for more than 15 years and our clients, many of whom are long-standing, recognise that we are dedicated to providing practical and commercial advice which is always solution-driven.
We handle a wide variety of real estate transactions and our strong track record of working on some of the most high-profile and innovative real estate matters allows us to bring solutions that add value at all stages of property investments and development transactions.
Our clients represent a broad range of industries, including the public and private sector, energy and natural resources, hospitality and leisure, property developers, banks and other financial services.
Chambers Review
ENS boasts a notable real estate department with a strong team of experienced lawyers who are well versed in handling general real estate issues as well as those related to the commercial, industrial, residential and retail sectors. The firm demonstrates particular adeptness handling real estate financing matters. The team services an array of domestic and international clients, including banks, investment institutions and REITs, as well as manufacturers, community associations and nature reserves. The practice benefits from the firm's commercial strength, frequently acting on the real estate components of significant commercial transactions.
Work Highlights
- ENS represented Sabi Private Game Reserve in a settlement agreement with Kruger National Park.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The ENS team is very knowledgeable and forward-thinking."
"The ENS team is very knowledgeable and forward-thinking."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Bembridge is a recognised authority in the real estate market, impressing sources with the breadth and depth of his experience, which covers transactions and disputes, as well as land rights and administrative law issues. Based in Johannesburg, he continues to lead the firm's real estate department.
"Andrew Bembridge is knowledgeable and an excellent practitioner in real estate."
Key partner Len Vorster is particularly active assisting banks, financial institutions and other investors in long-term lease agreements. He has further experience of zoning and urban development.
"Len Vorster is a senior and knowledgeable lawyer, as well as one of the most experienced practitioners in the area."