What We Do

Practice Area

Commercial Property

"A go-to firm, its lawyers are technically excellent and fight tenaciously for their clients."
Chambers Europe 2011

At Matheson Ormsby Prentice, we have one of the leading commercial property practices in Ireland. Notwithstanding the current challenging economic conditions, we continue to act in some of the largest and most high profile and significant property transactions occurring in the Irish market.
We bring extensive experience and resources to the full spectrum of real estate transactions. We have an in-depth understanding of the complexity of all property-based transactions. We work closely with our client base of owners and occupiers, developers and purchasers, and lenders and borrowers in managing all manner of acquisitions, reconstructions, disposals and property refinancing in the current period of economic recovery. The current climate demands tailored solutions to challenging issues and we continue to structure client-focused solutions in line with our proven track record.
We play a key role in supporting new and existing international clients with their ongoing investment into Ireland, in tandem with our Tax, Corporate and Litigation Departments.

Commercial Leases

We have extensive experience in lettings of all types of commercial property, acting for both landlords and tenants. We have particular expertise in the area of retail lettings and represent a significant number of the leading Irish and UK retailers.

Planning and Environmental Law

Far reaching Irish planning and environmental legislation can be a minefield and the firm has considerable experience in guiding its clients through the intricacies of these areas of the law.

Property Development

We provide a full service for landowners, developers and funding institutions in relation to property development; from site assembly, the obtaining of planning permission to the finalisation of funding agreements, joint venture development agreements, income sharing leases and other profit sharing mechanisms.

Property Investment

We have extensive experience of tax-based property investments. We are experienced in advising on the most appropriate structures for investment; ranging from corporate vehicles to co-ownerships, partnerships, limited partnerships and investment limited partnerships.

Property Lending

In conjunction with our Banking and Financial Services Department, we have been to the forefront in devising innovative solutions to overcome the complex problems which can arise in lending situations. In concert with our Corporate Recovery and Insolvency Group, we also offer a full service to mortgagees, receivers, liquidators and examiners in dealing with property in default.

Property Litigation

We have one of the largest property litigation practices amongst Irish law firms. We have a broad range of experience in advising clients on property related disputes and have advised landlords, tenants, developers, local authorities and other public bodies. We have considerable experience in acting in all kinds of dispute resolution, including arbitrations, mediations and judicial review proceedings, and we regularly advise on property disputes before the Commercial Court.

Taxation

Taxation has considerable bearing on Irish real estate issues not only in the field of property related taxes such as stamp duties, value added tax and capital gains tax, but also tax incentives such as capital allowances and rent deductions. In tandem with our Taxation Department, we offer an unparalleled service aimed at achieving the optimum result from a tax perspective.

Lawyers in our Commercial Property Department have advised on the following selection of transactions:

acting for a major distribution company in the development of a bespoke facility in North County Dublin for rent of approximately €2 million per annum
acting for an investment syndicate in the provision of a major extension to a private hospital
acting for a leading US software company in the lease of HQ premises in Dublin 2
acting for a leading semi-state body in the disposal of several properties nationwide
acting for DDDA (Dublin Docklands Development Authority) in disposal of two major development sites in the Dublin Docklands
advised on the development, sale and leaseback of a major student accommodation facility at one of Ireland's leading universities
advised on the sale of the city centre headquarters of Ireland's largest news and media company for in excess of €25 million
advised on the acquisition of a city centre retail portfolio for in excess of €47 million
advised on the highest value retail letting ever on Grafton Street(Dublin's premier shopping street) of a flagship store of a leading UK retailer
advised on the acquisition, development and pre-letting of a 350,000 sq ft logistics building to a major European logistics company in Blanchardstown, Dublin
advised on the lease of a 130,000 sq ft department store by the anchor tenant in the new Dundrum Town Centre in South Dublin

The “impressively efficient” Matheson Ormsby Prentice has a “good understanding of its clients and their needs”.
Real Estate: European Legal 500 2011

"A go-to firm, its lawyers are technically excellent and fight tenaciously for their clients."
Real Estate: Chambers Europe 2011

Matheson Ormsby Prentice "responds well and is very client focused" with lawyers praised for their "flexibility, adaptability and knowledge".
Real Estate: European Legal 500 2010

"The firm knows all the nuances of Irish property law, and gives clients the knowledge and insight that can be taken to the next deal.”
Real Estate: Chambers Europe 2010

“It's an extremely personalised service that is solutions-driven and always of a high standard,” say clients.
Real Estate: Chambers Europe 2009

Matheson Ormsby Prentice fields lawyers with "excellent industry knowledge".
Real Estate: European Legal 500 2009

The commercial property team at Matheson Ormsby Prentice is particularly strong in the retail sector.
Real Estate: European Legal 500 2008

This impressive property practice continues to command a significant market share. As well as handling the full gamut of commercial property work, the team works closely with the banking, corporate and tax departments on property financing and corporate property deals with a strong property flavour.
Real Estate: Chambers Global 2008