The team at A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP acts for international property funds on the whole range of commercial property advice in Northern Ireland, including acquiring, managing, financing, and property investments. Heading the department of real estate team, Gregory Martin is a key point of contact for London based and international funds, such as NewRiver REIT and La Salle Investment Management. Tracey Schofield is strongly experienced in advising on acquiring and selling student accommodations and hotels. James Pringle and John Tougher regularly act on a wide variety of real estate acquisitions, including healthcare facilities and offices.
Commercial property in Northern Ireland
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP
Practice head(s):
Gregory Martin
Other key lawyers:
Tracey Schofield; James Pringle; John Tougher
Testimonials
‘Greg Martin is a very experienced and detail orientated lawyer. However, what really makes a difference is his ability to cut through any of the complex issues and give clear and commercial advice.’
‘A sense of humour in good times and bad.’
‘The team at A&L Goodbody are quite simply that, a team. They work well together across their specialised fields and can draw on each other’s experience to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients. I feel like part of their team as they keep me involved and updated on progress, explain things in an understandable way and take my views, opinions and needs on board.’
‘Standout individual would be Gregory Martin. He explains things in a way that can be understood and of most value they actually give an opinion and recommendation on the best course of action.’
‘A very strong team who are experienced in all sectors of the property market. However, what really set them apart is the partner level access we get at every stage of our projects.’
Key clients
Castlebrooke Developments Ltd
Newriver REIT Plc
SBM Off Shore Limited
La Salle Investment Management
Vita Group
Ebrington Holdings Limited
McAleer & Rushe Group
Oakland Holdings Ltd
Northern Ireland Investment Fund
Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast Limited
Trustees of Dentons SIPP
McBurney Holdings Limited
Irish Football Association
Work highlights
- Acting for Castlebrooke Developments Ltd in the largest redevelopment project ever carried out in Northern Ireland, known as ‘Tribeca Belfast’.
- Acting for NewRiver REIT in a major expansion and redevelopment of this retail park which will hugely expand the offering of this park, which will include new retail units, restaurants, hotel and expanded car park.
- Acting for the Netherlands based developer SBM Off shore Limited in relation to the potential £1 billion development of the first offshore wind farm in Northern Ireland.
Carson McDowell
The Carson McDowell real estate team offers high value transactions for a wide range of clients, including landlords and those in retail, energy and education. The team is particularly well regarded for advising on large development agreements. The ‘exceptional’ Dawson McConkey leads the practice and serves as a key contact for clients in the renewable energy sector. Emma Cooper also holds a strong reputation in the energy sector, and often advises landowners and funds on property acquisitions. Richard Dickson assists clients in acquiring and financing private homes. Mary-Kim Doherty is well-experienced in completing site assembly and disposal mandates for both landlords and tenants.
Practice head(s):
Dawson McConkey
Other key lawyers:
Emma Cooper; Richard Dickson; Mary-Kim Doherty
Testimonials
‘I can confidently say that the team’s unique strengths and capabilities have been instrumental in meeting our legal needs. From the outset, it was clear that their deep industry knowledge and specialized expertise set them apart from other firms.’
‘Our experience with Carson McDowell Solicitors has been nothing short of outstanding. Their professionalism, expertise, and innovative mindset have made them a trusted partner for all our legal needs. We highly recommend Carson McDowell to anyone seeking unparalleled legal representation.’
‘Carson McDowell provided excellent service – knowledgeable in the sector, front-loaded much of the work and questions to avoid issues later, clear fees structure. Efficient wrap up.’
‘Richard Dickson was our primary contact and was very easy to work with. I had full confidence in the firm acting on our behalf throughout the process.’
‘The reputation of Carson McDowell in the local market is fantastic. They are renowned for their expert advice and for the professionalism that they exude at all times.’
‘Dawson McConkey is an exceptional lawyer who always provides reasoned commercial advice that we can trust.’
Key clients
The Belfast Harbour Commissioners
McAleer & Rushe (MRP)
The Queen’s University of Belfast
Ulster University
Belfast International Airport
Newpark Developments
South Bank Square
Renewable Energy Systems
Belfast International Airport
Alskea
Work highlights
- Advised MRP Weavers Cross Limited on its development agreement for Belfast’s transformational Weavers Cross Development.
- Advised the Belfast Harbour Commissioners as landlord and estate owner on the development agreement, funding agreement and lease arrangements pertaining to Loft Lines, Belfast.
- Advised the Belfast Harbour Commissioners on the disposals of the property SPVs that owned Forestside Shopping Centre, Belfast and Foyleside Shopping Centre, Londonderry.
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s strong presence in the local real estate market is reflected through mandates which it often receives from London and international firms to act as Northern Ireland counsel in multi-jurisdictional transactions, a notable example includes the recent acquisition of over two hundred KFC-branded restaurants, which were operated by the EG Group. Joe Marley heads the practice, and regularly acts for a wide range of clients, including those in the healthcare, retail, and leisure industries. Kathryn Collie continues to advise Dalradian Gold Limited on acquisitions of land for its gold mine project. Patrick O'Hanlon is well regarded for his work in supporting housing associations in property securitisations.
Practice head(s):
Joe Marley
Other key lawyers:
Kathryn Collie; Patrick O’Hanlon; Shane Conlan
Testimonials
‘Patrick O’Hanlon is a stand-out individual. He is very knowledgeable, pragmatic, commercial and responsive. ’
‘Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s property team are truly experts in this field. They provide prompt, accurate and easily understood advice which is always anchored to commercial pragmatism. ’
‘Patrick O’Hanlon is a pleasure to work with. Nowadays, solicitors can be difficult to contact via phone to talk through transactions. But Patrick’s always makes time for that to ensure we fully understand the property we are buying.’
‘The team were extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the particular field that they represented me in. Their uniqueness lies in the diversity of their specialists fields within law. ’
‘Joe Marley was beyond excellent. Extremely professional, very quick to respond to all forms of contact, and accommodated my schedule by meeting with me outside of business hours on several occasions.’
‘Excellent communications with ongoing matters, feedback and responses back in an efficient manner.’
‘Communication is perfect. To be constantly updated throughout the process and collaborated with consistently, I feel less stressed throughout the process.’
Key clients
Clanmil Housing Association
Dalradian Gold Limited
Arbour Housing Association
Target Healthcare Limited
T. J. Morris Limited (t/a Home Bargains)
River Island Fashion Limited
Invest Northern Ireland
Victa DP Ltd
KFC/Linklaters
BT
Wren Kitchens
Welcome Break
Specsavers Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Clanmil Housing Association on receiving £100m investment from three UK and North American investors.
- Acting as Northern Irish Counsel in the multi-jurisdictional for KFC in their acquisition of c220 KFC branded restaurants operated on a franchise basis by the EG Group.
- Acting for Target Healthcare in the £22m sale of all of its Northern Irish care homes.
Tughans
The ‘fantastic’ Tughans real estate team is a market leader in commercial real estate. The practice was appointed as lead development partner by the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company for the Weavers Cross regeneration project, a complex infrastructure project, surrounding Belfast Grand Central station. David Jones leads the team. The 'extremely personable' Chris Milligan leads on complex development matters, such as the Weavers Cross mandate. Rebecca Moffett is a well-trusted advisor for clients in the retail sector, while Joe Moore regularly advises insolvency practitioners regarding distressed property. At the associate level, James Mulligan is a key name to note.
Practice head(s):
David Jones
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Moffett; Joe Moore; Chris Milligan; James Mulligan
Testimonials
‘The combination of the personal touch, combined with the multidiscipline expertise, makes this practice unique for our business.’
‘Joe Moore stands out for his discipline, integrity and expertise.’
‘Solid knowledge and understanding of the industry and local market. Very professional and provide astute advice.’
‘The individual I primarily work with is Joe Moore. I find Joe extremely hard-working and always make a big effort to conclude transactions in a timely manner. I like that Joe is efficient and provides detailed advice which is to the point and helps save time in needless negotiations. ’
‘A fantastic team at Tughans, all matters dealt with in a courteous and professional manner, would highly recommend to any client.’
‘They are extremely responsive to queries and offer a full service. They understand the client they are advising and therefore can provide bespoke advice to every situation. ’
‘Chris Milligan is a market leader. He is extremely personable and gets to understand the business to enable him to tailor his advice.’
‘Chris Milligan’s team as a whole are great to work with, they are knowledgeable which is especially important as we work in an emerging area of law, engaged and reliable. ’
Key clients
Diageo
Tesco
Weev.ie
Cooperative Rabobank UA
Apple
Deloitte
Associated British Foods plc
Corbo Ltd
Randox
Legal & General
Work highlights
- Acting for the GAA in relation to the redevelopment of Casement Park which will be the largest sports stadium in Northern Ireland.
Arthur Cox Belfast
Arthur Cox Belfast regularly acts for clients in the banking, energy and healthcare, among other sectors. Some of the firm’s most well-known clients include Barclay’s Bank, Citibank, and the Crown Estate. Alastair Todd leads the team and holds a particular focus on the renewable energy and social housing sectors. Mark Jameson is a key point of contact for retail and leisure industry clients. Kathryn Forde is active in advising financial institutions that regularly lend to the social housing sector. At the associate level, David Greatorex and Ceardha Morgan provide strong support to the practice in drafting various lease agreements for the recreational sector.
Practice head(s):
Alastair Todd
Other key lawyers:
Rowan White; Mark Jameson; Kathryn Forde; David Greatorx; Ceardha Morgan
Testimonials
‘David Greatorex and Ceardha Morgan are both efficient and capable.’
‘Very knowledgeable, great ability to simplify legal issues.’
Key clients
NantHealth, Inc.
Ann’s Care Homes
Crown Estate
Heron Energy
Endeavour Investments
Barclays
Hastings Hotel Group
Matagorda2 Ltd
Black and White Acquisitions
Bank of Ireland
Work highlights
- Advised NantHealth in relation to the re-gear of the lease of their office accommodation in Belfast.
- Advised Ann’s Care Homes in relation to the acquisition of an additional seven nursing homes from Larchwood Care in October 2023.
- Acting as sole legal advisor to the Crown Estate in relation to all its Northern Irish law governed matters for over a decade.
DWF
DWF Belfast’s real estate team acts for a wide range of clients on large transactions, such as the sale of shopping centres and hotels, and the development and redevelopment of retail buildings. Julie Galbraith leads the practice; she specialises in the retail, food, and hospitality sectors. Kirsty Mairs, holding ‘exceptional knowledge and experience of the real estate market’, is well experienced in agreements for land acquisition and site assembly for development and redevelopment. Both Mark Tinman and Mark Blair are experts in advising on commercial and residential development agreements.
Practice head(s):
Julie Galbraith
Other key lawyers:
Kirsty Mairs; Mark Tinman; Mark Blair
Testimonials
‘Mark Tinman has in-depth knowledge and practical experience within his sector, strategic thinker and commercial attitude to concluding transactions.’
‘Professional and also approachable. Clear understanding of our sector and regulatory framework we operate within.’
‘Mark Blair is extremely knowledgeable and a great problem solver. He brings innovation and a solutions focused approach. Understands issues, but also any unintended consequences that could arise by actions. ’
Key clients
Herbert Group
Titanic Quarter Limited
Lidl Northern Ireland Limited
Marks and Spencer plc
BT plc
Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL)
Poundland
SØstrene Grene
Kilmona Holdings
Clanmil Housing Association
Hubflow Limited
Lotus Homes
PWD Developments
Chancery House Investments/Valor Homes
MMD Communications
Sea Eagle Properties
Allied Irish Bank plc
Mayfair Group
Work highlights
- Advised Grant Thornton as administrators on the sale of Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon
- Advised the Herbert Group on the acquisition of Forestside Shopping Centre, Belfast
- Advised Titanic Quarter Limited on completion of a Development Agreement with Lacuna Developments and Watkin Jones for the construction in Titanic Quarter of a mixed use/mixed tenure residential development comprising 778 units.
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland Belfast, supported by the firm’s wider network, is able to act for large UK wide and international clients on real estate financial transactions. Gareth Planck heads the practice. Planck often advises on investment transactions and commercial development matters in the retail, office, and housing sectors. The ‘extremely proactive and determined’ senior associate Corrina Cassidy specialises in development and commercial leasing, while Stephan Mullan is adept at asset management in the retail and office industries. Mullan joined the firm in January 2023 from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.
Practice head(s):
Gareth Planck
Other key lawyers:
Corrina Cassidy;
Testimonials
‘Great teamwork, even between the different departments, each person has an accurate handle on the instruction at any point in time.’
‘Gareth Planck and Corrina Cassidy are exceptional at what they do, by providing in depth knowledge and expert advice on the matter in hand. I find these individuals extremely proactive and determined, which allows completion of transactions in a timely manner.’
‘Exceptional real estate legal team with first class commercial delivery you can always rely upon.’
Key clients
Belfast International Airport Limited/Vinci Airports
Cash Access UK
Choice Housing Ireland
Domino’s Pizza UK and Ireland
Grafton Street Projects
Kildare Projects
McDonalds Restaurants
New Elden UK
Olympian Homes
Slate Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advised Vinci Airports – operator of over 70 airports globally – on real estate, NI banking and commercial contracts affected by the £100m refinancing of Belfast International Airport.
- Advised on the acquisition and development of a number of sites across Northern Ireland that would ensure that Choice again delivered on the social housing targets set for them by government.
- Retained instructions from Slate Asset Management Limited on a major refinancing with a large PLC Bank, before advising on the disposal by way of share sale to The Realty Corporation in September 2023.
Millar McCall Wylie LLP
The Millar McCall Wylie LLP commercial property team holds ‘a very proactive and commercial view on client matters’. Peter McCall heads the practice and is experienced in a wide range of complex property acquisitions, including shopping centres and retail parks. The ‘very commercially minded’ Simon Fleming is a key contact for retailers, investors, and developers. Associate Neil McCreadie often acts for developers concerning acquisition of sites for development. Associate Luke Thompson joined the firm from DWF in April 2023, and Chris Phillips joined from Carson McDowell in 2024.
Practice head(s):
Peter McCall
Other key lawyers:
Simon Fleming; Michael Wilson; Neil McCreadie; Luke Thompson; Chris Phillips
Testimonials
‘Speed and accuracy of service combined and always treat me as if I was their only client. ’
‘Peter McCall is exceptional in maintaining the high standards I have come to expect from Millar McCall Wylie.’
‘The team are passionate and client-facing, providing expertise of the highest calibre.’
‘Millar McCall Wylie take a very proactive and commercial view on client matters. They are one of the very few practices in Belfast who present clients with only the very few final points of a negotiation of a commercial property lease.’
‘Simon Fleming is a very commercially minded property lawyer who is able to cut through non-issue points.’
Luke Thompson recently negotiated a new office lease for our business and was easy to talk to with the commercial points and always available with an update.’
‘Simon Fleming is high quality and reliable ’
Key clients
MRP/McAleer and Rushe Group of Companies
Fairfield Real Estate Finance
Consolidated Property Group (CPG Wallop)
LCC Group of Companies
NFU Mutual
Monsoon/Accessorize
MJM Group of Companies
Peacocks/Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group of Companies
Card Factory
Hays Travel
Work highlights
- Advised KIllahoey Limited, a local JV in relation to the acquisition of Rushmere Shopping Centre and Retail Park.
- Acted for MSC AM 1 Limited a local JV, client in the acquisition of the entire issued capital of Foyleside Acquisitions Limited the company which owns Foyleside Shopping Centre in Derry City Centre.
- Acted for Magmel (Ballymena) Limited, the Landlord of Fairhill Shopping Centre, Ballymena in putting in place an Agreement for Lease pursuant to which Primark will relocate within Ballymena from the Tower Centre to Fairhill.
Mills Selig
Mills Selig acts for a variety of acquisitions or developers, landowners, and funders. Anne Skeggs leads the team and specialises in acting on acquisitions for investors and sales of property for landlords and insolvency administrators. Anna-Marie McAlinden leads the climate and energy team, and regularly acts on the acquisition and refinancing of energy infrastructure, such as wind farms. Senior associate Nick Nolan acts for clients in a wide range of sectors, including retail, hospitality, and telecommunications.
Practice head(s):
Anne Skeggs
Other key lawyers:
Anna-Marie McAlinden; Nick Nolan
Testimonials
‘Strong team, wide range of knowledge’
Key clients
Ducales Capital
Alpha Real Renewables/Elm Solar Limited
Bamford Bus Company
Euro Garages
Hagan Homes
Lotus Homes
Galliard Homes Limited
Dole Belfast Limited
Waterways Ireland
ITV Group plc
BSI Wind Limited
Natural World Products Limited
Sonder
Ortus Secured Finance
Hidden Hearing (N.I.) Limited
Vision Express
Hafele Ireland Limited
Work highlights
Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP
Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP regularly collaborates with the firm’s offices across the UK to provide domestic and international clients with commercial property advice across the UK. Andrea McIlroy-Rose and Joanna Robinson lead the practice. Mcllroy-Rose is experienced in advising retailers in relation to their stores in both Northern Ireland and England, while Robinson focuses on property development and investment work. At the associate level, Leanne McKeown regularly supports the practice of property acquisitions across the UK.
Practice head(s):
Andrea McIlroy-Rose; Joanna Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Leanne McKeown
Testimonials
‘A first class team who always provide excellent legal and commercial advice. Consummate professionals who absolutely understand our business, and as such they are able to take a pragmatic view and there is no need to provide constant instruction on every point.’
‘Andrea McIlroy-Rose is a stand-out partner who leads a brilliant team that it is clear she mentors at all stages. Her breadth of knowledge is excellent, and her advice is always commercial and sensitive to the needs of our business. Her listening skills are second to none.’
Key clients
TTYM
Saint-Gobain
Uniqlo
BP
Dobbies
US Government
HSBC
Larne Harbour Limited
Kennedy Wilson
Commerz Real
Work highlights
TLT
The TLT real estate team provides ‘professional and helpful legal advice’ in a wide range of areas, with a particular focus on residential development, renewable energy, and high street retail. Judith Hewitson leads the team and regularly acts for retailers in acquiring stores and offices. Kevin Murphy has strong experience in the energy and natural resources sector, often advising on the acquisition and disposal of infrastructure, including wind farms, battery storage projects, and solar batteries. Associate Mary-Jane Byrne supports the practice on various matters, including counselling landlords on ongoing management of their properties.
Practice head(s):
Judith Hewitson
Other key lawyers:
Kevin Murphy; Mary-Jane Byrne
Testimonials
‘Professional and helpful legal advice that you can always rely upon.’
Key clients
Pret a Manger (through their franchise partner Carebrook Partnership Limited)
Pets at Home
Zeus Packaging
Cardzone
Mayfair Group
Braidwater Group
Song Capital
Statkraft Ireland Limited
Roxy Leisure Limited
David Samuel Properties
Barry’s Bootcamp
Hugo Boss Retail
Work highlights
- Advised the acquisition and disposal of Staycity Aparthotel, Dublin.
- Advised Carebrook Partnership Limited in relation to the first Pret a Manger café to open in Northern Ireland.
- We have been instructed by Statkraft Ireland Limited in relation to their first greenfield renewable development in Northern Ireland in County Londonderry.
Davidson McDonnell
The ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ commercial property team at Davidson McDonnell regularly acts on various mandates for property investors and owners across both Northern Ireland, and England and Wales. Ross Davidson and David McDonnell lead the team. Davidson brings ‘good, tailored advice which reflects both the commercial and legal challenges’, and supports real estate clients with required dispute resolution and commercial counsel. Michaela Kilpatrick regularly acts on property sales for investors.
Practice head(s):
Ross Davidson; David McDonnell
Other key lawyers:
Michaela Kilpatrick; Emma Robertson
Testimonials
‘The team at Davidson McDonnell are very experienced and knowledgeable at what they do. They are very focused on getting the work done and in the easiest and quickest way possible.’
‘Every member of the team that we have dealt with are very experienced in their individual capacity and deliver excellent service.’
‘Michaela Kilpatrick was very efficient and nothing was a hassle to her and everything was completed to a very high standard. I would have no issue in recommending this firm to everybody and cant speak highly enough of them for the job they done. ’
Key clients
Affidea Diagnostics Ireland Ltd
Donard Real Estate
Dunluce Healthcare
Errigal Contracts Group
Lacuna Developments
Poundstretcher
Travis Perkins Plc
Watkin Jones Plc
Wirefox Group
Work highlights
- Acted for Lacuna Developments Watkin Jones plc in respect of the first institutional forward-funded build to rent scheme in Northern Ireland (Loft Lines) which will deliver 778 waterfront homes at Titanic Quarter.
- Advising a property investor on the acquisition of a prime city-centre office development – Bedford House, Belfast.
- Advising a UK service station operator on their Northern Irish property portfolio in relation a multi-million pound group refinancing.
Wilson Nesbitt
The ‘fantastic’ Wilson Nesbitt real estate team focuses on acting for developer and real estate financiers. Drew Nesbitt leads the team, often acting for housing associations on acquisitions and transaction structuring. Max Nesbitt, head of the corporate team, often provides clients with support regarding design and build transactions.
Practice head(s):
Drew Nesbitt
Other key lawyers:
Max Nesbitt; Izabela Treacy
Testimonials
‘The team is very flexible and commercial in their approach.’
‘Drew Nesbitt is a key adviser to us on Northern Ireland property issues. Drew will work beside you to provide excellent, timely advice that is commercial in nature.’
‘Wilson Nesbitt have a fantastic team of individuals from the top to the bottom. The team is exceptionally diverse in skill set, but they very clearly can all work together for the common goal.’
‘Drew Nesbitt heads of the real estate team and Max the corporate team. Both are exceptional solicitors with a great all round knowledge within the commercial property market. They are solution focused and always give straight talking practical advice with common sense applied.’
Key clients
Radius Housing Association
Tealstone Developments Limited
Killultagh Properties Limited
Artemis Technologies
Triangle Housing Association
NB Housing Association
Round Tree Development Limited
Kerr Property Holdings Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Kerr Property Holdings on site assembly to include the relocation of a siting tenant to create a 45-dwelling city centre development site.
- Provided Artermis Technologies strategic advice on the development and funding of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
- Advised Radius Housing on the negotiations with the landowner on the structuring of a subject to planning transaction involving the acquisition of a site for 80-plus dwellings.
Worthingtons
Worthingtons provides retailers and investment funds with numerous advice regarding lease negotiations and acquisitions. Graham Pierce leads the practice. Pierce has over thirty years of experience in property-related transactions and acts as a key contact for UK retailers in Northern Ireland.
Practice head(s):
Graham Pierce
Key clients
Golf Holdings Group
Currys plc
Virgin Media O2
Whistl UK
The Recruitment Co
SABA Investments
Derevoya Holdings Limited
AIB Group (UK) plc
Quiz Clothing (Zandra Retail Limited)
Extern Northern Ireland
Hotel Chocolat
Boux Avenue (Theo Paphitis Retail Group)
Belfast YMCA
JRL Group
Work highlights
- Acting for Currys in relation to all its Northern Ireland property law requirements
- Acting for the Golf Holdings group in relation to its portfolio of pubs, venues, off-licenses and convenience stores
- Acting for Virgin Media / O2 in relation to its Northern Ireland retail store portfolio