Property finance

Overview

Our property finance team act for both lenders (senior and mezzanine) and borrowers (developers, investors and purchasers) in structuring transactions involving debt and equity financing.

Recognising the challenging market for property sector operators and their funders, we continue to remain involved in some of the most complex property financing transactions in New Zealand.

We have significant experience in large residential property developments (including community and affordable housing projects), residential apartment developments and prominent investment asset acquisitions by both local and off-shore purchasers.

We act for major New Zealand banks and credit funds, off-shore banks and other international financial institutions, New Zealand and overseas corporates and government entities.

Our clients benefit from our strong, integrated New Zealand team which brings together lawyers experienced in banking, real estate, capital markets, property trusts, Overseas Investment Act, managed investment schemes, environmental issues, funds and tax.

We provide a high quality, partner-led service with a focus on clear commercial advice and innovative solutions to guide lenders and borrowers through transactions of all sizes and levels of complexity.

Our experienced finance and property teams work together to deliver a full range of services to both lenders and borrowers including planning and structuring transactions, negotiating and documenting loan and security packages, intercreditor arrangements, documenting and advising on building and construction aspects, operating agreements and joint ventures, providing comprehensive due diligence reporting for pre-sales, leasing, sale and construction contracts, developing and maintaining standard loan documentation to aid a streamlined and cost-effective approach for lenders, advising and negotiating with regulatory and local authorities, and establishment of listed and unlisted property trusts and structuring managed investment schemes.

“Strong transactional ability. Willingness to discuss key points to ensure the best outcome is achieved. Commercial thinking with regard to what's needed rather than a 'let's ask for everything' approach. Well thought through and reasoned recommendations provided when questions are raised rather than just outlining all individual options without recommendation."

Project finance, IFLR1000

“Good communications, organised, good reporting systems, listens to, and understands client's needs."

Project finance, IFLR1000

Tier 1, Banking and Finance - IFLR1000
Band 1, Banking and Finance - Chambers Asia-Pacific
Tier 1, Banking and Finance - Legal 500
Member of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development (NZCID)
Member of Property Council New Zealand

Experience

Sector / Expertise

Work highlights

Advising the finance parties

in respect of syndicated facilities made available to a long-term joint venture between Tainui Group Holdings and global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management

Advising Bank of New Zealand

on funding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade tenanted office development with estimated value of NZ$250m at 61 Molesworth Street, Wellington

Advising Bank of New Zealand

on funding the development of Mount Cardrona Station which has been described as 'one of a kind' alpine village development

Advising Syndicate

on its funding of the NZ Super Fund, Russell Group and Lockwood Property Group's $300m Hotel Portfolio

Advising the lender

on refinancing the existing funding provided to Willis Bond in relation to the development at Catalina Bay Precinct (being residential and commercial development of 1.8 hectares)