Overview

The terms on which land is acquired, developed, financed, leased and disposed of determine long-term asset performance and exposure. Planning frameworks, tax settings, foreign investment regulation and infrastructure policy all carry direct consequence for value and viability. The work demands precise structuring, jurisdictional depth and clear judgment on risk.

Thomsons advises institutional investors, developers, government agencies, property funds, family offices, community housing providers and occupiers across the full property lifecycle, from acquisition and development through leasing, repositioning and portfolio realisation. The practice covers capital transactions, major precinct developments, social and affordable housing, build-to-rent and industrial and logistics assets across residential, commercial, retail and precinct-scale settings, operating across all Australian jurisdictions.

Areas of expertise

Our experience

Infrastructure NSW – Central Barangaroo

Advised Infrastructure NSW on the legal framework and transaction documents for the Central Barangaroo mixed-use precinct, a State Significant Development comprising residential, retail and commercial buildings, cultural spaces and a Sydney Metro station on Sydney Harbour.

Infrastructure NSW – The Cutaway, Barangaroo

Advised on the property and transaction framework for The Cutaway, an underground and above-ground pedestrian connection linking the Sydney CBD to Barangaroo Reserve, incorporating retail, arts and cultural facilities.

Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation (JOIN) – Rozelle Village investment

Acted for the Japanese Government agency on its first Australian investment, advising on the acquisition of an interest in the Rozelle Village apartment development in Sydney. The assignment involved joint venture structuring with co-investors Mitsubishi Estate, Toho Gas and Meitetsu City Design, FIRB approval and ongoing governance advisory for JOIN's Australian operations.

Dexus – Industrial property acquisition

Acted for Dexus, managing a property portfolio valued at A$51.5 billion, on the acquisition of two industrial properties in Dandenong South for A$47.5 million, advising on due diligence, contract negotiation and settlement.

COR Partners – Purpose-built student accommodation facility

Advised COR Partners on the acquisition, development, construction and operation of a purpose-built student accommodation facility in central Melbourne, with complex corporate and property structuring alongside funding arrangements with Nuveen Investment Management.

Mobil – Oil refinery site sale

Acted for Mobil, part of global oil and gas giant ExxonMobil, on the sale of the 230ha former oil refinery site in Lonsdale, Adelaide, to property developer MAB. The developer plans to build a new neighbourhood on the site with about 3600 dwellings.

The Salvation Army – Partnership for co-living apartments

Advised The Salvation Army on its partnership with real estate investment manager Investa on a landmark A$230 million redevelopment in the heart of Sydney to create 245 co-living apartments. Thomsons advised on drafting, negotiating and execution of the project delivery agreement and other ancillary agreements.

St George Community – Housing apartment acquisition

Advised St George Community Housing, a major Australian community housing provider, on acquiring apartments in Sydney's prestigious Barangaroo Residential Development for key worker housing and the Arncliffe Central Development for affordable housing.

Lendlease – Real estate transactions and developments

Advising ASX-listed developer Lendlease on a wide range of real estate transactions and developments across Australia, from prestigious housing projects to industrial and warehouse transactions.

ICD Property – Market Square development

Advising ICD Property, the developer leading the A$400 million redevelopment of Adelaide's iconic Central Market precinct that will create new offices, apartments and a hotel.