Strategic Counsel for Investors, Developers, and Lenders
The multifamily real estate market is competitive and capital-intensive, requiring precise investment structuring, financing strategies, and regulatory compliance. Investors must navigate shifting market conditions, evolving tax laws, and complex financing structures to maximize returns and mitigate risk. Barnes & Thornburg’s multifamily real estate team provides strategic legal counsel across the entire investment lifecycle, from acquisition and financing to tax planning, fund formation and portfolio management.
We advise first-time syndicators, institutional real estate funds and private equity firms on investments across virtually every deal type, including core plus, value-add, workforce housing, mixed-use and student housing. Our clients manage thousands of units and billions in investor assets, with transactions ranging from one-off syndications to large-scale portfolio acquisitions.
Smart Tax Structuring for Long-Term Gains
Multifamily transactions require carefully structured tax strategies to protect investor returns and maximize long-term value. Our attorneys work closely with the firm’s tax team to design investment structures that optimize tax efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance. We advise on 1031 exchanges, including reverse and construction exchanges; tenancy-in-common (TIC) transactions; sale-leasebacks; and depreciation strategies. Our experience also includes partnership allocations and estate planning integration, ensuring stability for institutional and private investors.
Financing Solutions for a Competitive Market
Access to capital is critical in multifamily real estate. We represent borrowers, sponsors, and lenders in structuring financings that align with market standards and investment strategies. Our team works with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lenders to secure agency-backed loans and advises on commercial financings, loan structuring, refinancing, and loan assumptions. We also provide regulatory and compliance guidance, including local counsel, non-consolidation opinions, and zoning opinions for institutional lenders. For emerging borrowers, we offer strategic guidance on preparing for, structuring, and executing financing transactions, helping clients anticipate lender expectations and avoid common pitfalls.
Strategic Oversight for Seamless Transactions
Multifamily real estate transactions require strategic oversight at every stage. We advise on real estate development, land use, and entitlement processes, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs), and easement requirements. Our attorneys also negotiate and structure construction contracts, vendor agreements, and asset management strategies, ensuring seamless execution from development through operations.
