Property and real estate law covers buying, selling, leasing, financing and developing land and buildings. Whether you’re completing a home purchase, negotiating a commercial lease, funding a development or resolving a boundary dispute, the right lawyer protects your investment and keeps deals on track.
Fantastic Lawyers™ connects individuals, investors and businesses worldwide with trusted property solicitors and real estate attorneys. We highlight firms known for practical advice, meticulous title work and efficient deal management.
What Property & Real Estate Lawyers Do
- Residential Conveyancing – purchases, sales, remortgages, leasehold flats, new-builds
- Commercial Transactions – acquisitions/disposals, heads of terms, due diligence and completion
- Leases (Landlord & Tenant) – negotiating new leases, renewals, assignments, subletting and consents
- Real Estate Finance – lender due diligence, security/collateral, certificates of title
- Development & Planning – site assembly, options/overage, planning permissions, infrastructure agreements
- Construction Interface – building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties
- Property Disputes – boundaries, easements/rights of way, title defects, dilapidations, rent/service charge issues
- Retail, Industrial & Office – portfolio management, pre-lets, rent reviews, break options
- Environmental & ESG – contamination, energy performance, sustainability covenants
- Tax & Structuring – transaction taxes (e.g. stamp/land transfer duties), SPVs and joint ventures
Why Choose a Recommended Lawyer?
Great property lawyers combine clear communication with rigorous title checks, proactive timetabling and strong negotiation. Firms highlighted by Fantastic Lawyers™ are recognised for smooth completions, responsiveness and transparent fee estimates.
Browse by Location
We’re building city and country guides so you can compare firms by experience (residential, commercial, development) and turnaround times. In the meantime, tell us about your transaction and we’ll point you to suitable options.
Property & Real Estate FAQs
Answers to common questions on conveyancing timelines, surveys, leases, financing and costs.
How long does a residential purchase or sale take?
Simple chains can complete in 6–12 weeks; new-builds or leaseholds often take longer due to management packs and lender requirements. Early ID/AML checks, mortgage offers and searches help keep timelines tight.
What searches and surveys do I need?
Typical searches include local authority, drainage/water and environmental; location-specific searches may apply (e.g. mining, flood). A survey (homebuyer or full structural) identifies physical issues not visible from legal checks.
What’s the difference between exchange and completion?
On exchange, contracts become binding and a deposit is usually paid; completion is the transfer of funds and keys. Your lawyer coordinates lender drawdown, completion statements and registration.
I’m taking a commercial lease—what should I negotiate?
Heads of terms should cover term length, rent and review mechanics, break rights, repairing obligations, service charge, alterations, user/alienation, fit-out and incentives. Seek clarity on reinstatement and dilapidations.
How are real estate deals funded and what will lenders require?
Lenders typically require valuations, title due diligence, construction/consultant documents and reliance letters, insurance and security over the property (and sometimes shares). Expect conditions precedent and post-completion filings.
What taxes apply to property transactions?
Transaction taxes vary by country (e.g. stamp duty or land transfer taxes) and by buyer status and property value. Your lawyer will flag applicable rates, reliefs and filing deadlines in your jurisdiction.
What if title defects or disputes are found?
Options include remedial deeds, easements, variations, management information or indemnity insurance. For active disputes (e.g. boundaries or rights of way), your lawyer can pursue settlement, ADR or court remedies.
⚖️ Tip: instruct your lawyer early, provide ID/source-of-funds promptly, and line up survey/finance at the outset to avoid delays.