Real Estate

Franklin’s Real Estate department offers its clients the sheer range of skills required to handle the most complex issues.

We advise our clients on all legal and tax aspects of their real estate transactions, from acquisition, development and leasing to executing complex, structured transactions involving portfolios of companies or the financing, restructuring and creation of regulated or unregulated investment funds. Our expertise spans all types of properties.

Transactions & Real Estate Investment

Our department leads work on the full range of transactions linked to the acquisition or sale of real estate assets. This includes auditing, leading negotiations, drafting agreements, deal structuring and more. We also offer experience in the establishment of partnerships and other partner-linked structures.
Real Estate Management & Leasing

We advise investors, developers or users in the negotiation and drafting of all types of leases, including leases for future completion, linked real estate assets. We also assist asset managers in the management and development of their real estate investments.
Real Estate Finance

We lead work for lenders, sponsors and borrowers in the structuring, implementation, negotiation and drafting of the full range of real estate financing structures, including bond issuances.
Real Estate Acquisition Structuring & Restructuring

We provide counsel on the legal structuring of French or overseas real estate transactions, including the structuring of regulated entities. We provide strategic guidance on cash flow and financial modeling throughout the restructuring process, including advising on contributions; mergers; obtaining tax approvals; and more.
Real Estate Fund Formation

We lead work for managers and investors in the structuring, management and marketing of their real estate investment funds. Our experience includes OPCI, SCPI, FPCI and SIIC structures. We also assist management companies in complying with the full range of regulatory issues, including approvals, organisation and passports.
Real Estate Development & Construction

We assist promoters and investors at all stages of the real estate development process. We lead work in the full range of agreements including CPI, VEFA, MOD, BEFA, project management assistance, project management contracts, company contracts and more.
Environment, Sustainable Development & Compliance

We assist our clients on all of the environmental law aspects of their real estate projects, particularly with regard to audits.
Real Estate Litigation

We lead work on a range of real estate disputes, acting principally for investors. We have particular strength as advisers with regard to conflicts of interest.

What they say

Legal 500 EMEA 2026 – Franklin is ranked in the “Real Estate” category
Franklin is home to a well-experienced real estate team, whose wide-ranging practice spans acquisitions, leasing, structured transactions, and the financing, restructuring and creation of regulated and unregulated investment funds. François Verdot, who spearheads the practice, demonstrates proficiency in disposals and purchases, acting for asset managers and developers. Géraldine Machinet specialises in redevelopment contracts for both investors and corporate end-users, while Philippe Riglet excels in commercial lease agreements for properties in future state of completion. Jérémy Chiche is a name to note for asset management mandates.
« A team with extensive expertise in the real estate sector, and a particular reference for us on all matters relating to commercial leases and management mandates. They helped us find the right structure for a complex transaction after identifying the risks. »
« Philippe Riglet has been assisting us for many years with commercial leases and management agreements. He has extensive experience with a wide variety of structures. »
« The team are well positioned compared to the competition on certain types of real estate cases: leases including BEFA and logistics real estate. »
« Jérémy Chiche – very good responsiveness. Good understanding of the issues and topics. »
« Excellent command of real estate law. The team distinguishes itself through its responsiveness, pragmatism, and consistently high-quality support. »
« Vincent Martinet stands out for his strategic vision and his perfect mastery of complex real estate operations. »
Leaders League 2026 – Gold award « Tenancy law »
Leaders League 2026 – Silver award « Real Estate transactions »
Option Droit & Affaires 2026 – The team is ranked in Real estate (3 stars) and Construction (3 stars)
Leaders League 2025 – The team is ranked in the Real estate Guide:
- Tenancy law (Leading)
- Real estate litigation (Excellent)
- Real estate transactions – investment (Excellent)
- Real estate transactions – financing (Highly recommended)
- Real estate tax (Highly recommended)
Leaders League 2025: The team is ranked in the Promotion, Construction & Infrastructures Guide:
- Real estate development (Leading)
- Construction litigation (including insurance) (Highly recommended)
- Advising and contracts (markets and construction) (Highly recommended)