The corporate real estate team at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP handles the gamut of real estate matters. The group advises on all aspects of commercial, residential, and mixed developments, and is equally strong in advising on complex real estate transactions, M&A deals, leases, collective sales, and developments and redevelopments. The practice is adept at representing sellers and purchasers, as well as developers, REITs and other public and private entities. Elsa Chai specialises in conveyancing matters, and co-heads the department with Ching Chou, who has considerable expertise in divestments and acquisitions. Practice deputy head Benjamin Tay is 'a seasoned legal adviser in the real estate domain.' Norman Ho and Gazalle Mok are also key names in the group.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The practice is unique as it has both breadth of experience as well as depth in all sub segments of real estate in Singapore. The team ise highly responsive, particularly in deals that are very time sensitive.’

  • ‘Norman Ho is a go to name for both regular work but particularly for complex and time sensitive matters. He is very responsive and a problem solver. He is backed by Gazelle Mok who imbues the same confidence and responsiveness as Norman.'

  • ‘The team is very experienced in handling real estate transactions. They are very well versed in all the legal issues and familiar with the requirements of the authorities. They also stay up to date on new legal developments and are commercially minded in their approach.’

  • ‘Norman Ho is widely known and respected in the legal industry. He has many years of experience and knows the ins and outs of the laws. He is available when needed and assisted by a very able team of lawyers.’

  • ‘Rajah & Tann has a fantastic, experienced team with know-how of the legal challenges concerning complex real estate transactions.'

Key clients

  • Link Real Estate Investment Trust
  • Lendlease Corporation
  • VIA IV (BVI) Holdco 8 Ltd
  • Extra Space Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd
  • Golden Paramount (BVI) Ltd.
  • Kheng Leong Company (H.K.) Limited
  • Nothernone Development Pte. Ltd.
  • Lucas Real Estate Singapore Pte. Ltd.
  • Parkway Hospitals Singapore Pte. Ltd
  • A4 Robinson Gold Pte. Ltd. and A4 Robinson Wealth Pte. Ltd.
  • ACREF SG 4 Pte. Ltd.
  • Hillcrest Investments Pte Ltd
  • UTAC Manufacturing Services Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advising on Link Real Estate Investment Trust's S$2.161 billion acquisition of suburban retail assets, Jurong Point and Swing By @ Thomson Plaza, from Mercatus Co-operative Limited.
  • Advising on the S$3 billion joint redevelopment of the Singtel Comcentre by Lendlease Corporation and Singtel.
  • Assisting Hywel Investments with the sale of the holding company of the region’s largest self-storage operator, Extra Space Asia, to a consortium comprising APG Asset Management N.V. and CapitaLand Investment Limited.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Elsa Chai, Chou Ching, Benjamin Tay

Other key lawyers

Norman Ho, Evelyn Wee, Gazalle Mok