A wealth of expertise and experience in providing commercial real estate advice.


Described as “first-class” by commentators, Burness Paull's real estate lawyers have a reputation for getting deals done.

We cut to the chase and focus on what matters to you.

The team's expertise includes advising on:

  • Complex development projects
  • Multi-unit investment purchases and sales
  • Real estate management for large landlord clients
  • High-value real estate finance transactions
  • Looking after the occupational requirements of a wide variety of retail, leisure and hotel businesses
  • Advising on real estate disputes

We are active across all commercial real estate sectors including:

  • Retail & Leisure
  • Business Space (offices and industrial)
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Renewable Energy
  • Housing
  • Public sector
  • Student Accommodation
  • Care Homes
  • Build-to-rent
  • Agriculture & Rural Business
Investor

Our real estate property lawyers are regularly involved in high-profile real estate investment deals across Scotland and are instructed by an impressive mix of investor clients from high net-worth individuals (from the UK and overseas), private equity-backed buyers, institutional investors and discretionary fund managers.

Occupier

We regularly act for blue-chip corporate occupiers on their ongoing asset management, and office relocations. These deals span all sectors including oil & gas in Aberdeen, the public sector and finance in the central belt. We also have a first-class pedigree in the retail & leisure sector acting for some of the best known and most active retailers and restaurant operators in the market who are taking space in the major shopping centres, high street locations and retail destinations across Scotland and we continue to regularly represent new entrants into the Scottish market.

Developer

Our skilled and experienced development team work on projects that are changing the face and skyline of our towns and cities. We understand the issues that are important to developers and work closely with other advisers. Looking at the bigger picture comes naturally to our multi-disciplinary teams, who are prepared to make commercial recommendations on the basis of full analysis and understanding of the risks. We acted for the developer on the first commercial-scale PRS (Private Rented Sector) deal in Scotland.

Sector engagement

Our real estate division is actively involved in working with the Scottish Government, and with industry bodies such as the Scottish Property Federation (SPF) to help shape policy and to drive forward positive change for our clients and the real estate sector in Scotland. We are active members of various SPF groups and boards including the Residential Investment and Management Committee and the Policy Board who are responsible for making industry representations to the Scottish Government to try to shape policy in Scotland and driving forward change.

"The team are savvy and spot key issues, understanding well their client's drivers and timelines."
- Chambers UK, 2024