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Real Estate

Our real estate lawyers understand the complexities of the Canadian real estate market.

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Changing economic conditions and different tenant preferences are having a considerable impact on the commercial real estate market. Transformational shifts are taking place in how buildings are used, valued and transacted.

Increasing financing costs have made it challenging for real estate companies to raise capital and move projects forward. Construction and labour costs also have been on the rise. These factors have contributed to project delays and, in some cases, cancellations. Both lenders and investors have become more cautious in this environment. Some owners have taken their property off the market, awaiting more favourable conditions.

The focus of most tenants continues to be on flexible office space, including robust and versatile electronic and virtual connectivity to facilitate hybrid working arrangements while landlords prioritize environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues to meet regulatory and stakeholder demands. Real estate companies must have good processes in place to produce reliable data in these areas.

How we can help

Osler’s team of dedicated real estate lawyers and law clerks offer unparalleled knowledge and understanding of the complex needs of the Canadian market’s retail, office, industrial, multi-res, hospitality, development and seniors housing sectors. We have the experience and the capability to successfully manage complicated, multi-property deals across Canada with multiple participants and lenders. The group has a wide range of domestic and international clients, including REITs, pension funds, manufacturers, retailers, institutional lenders, seniors housing operators, hospitality operators, developers and mortgage lenders.

We regularly work with teams from other groups in the firm, including capital markets, tax, alternative investment, corporate, construction, environmental, ESG, infrastructure, insolvency, artificial intelligence and litigation, allowing us to spot issues and collaboratively provide practical solutions. Osler has represented a diverse set of clients in litigation related to such areas as construction, franchising and real estate leasing.

Our clients increasingly need specialized help, whether with complex transactions, government funding initiatives, commercial lease disputes, bankruptcy matters, expropriations or planning and development matters. We are proud of our reputation as successful negotiators and creative problem solvers who provide excellent service. The long-term relationships we build with our clients are based on trust and a thorough understanding of our clients’ needs and the complexities of the Canadian real estate sector.

Areas of Focus

Key Contacts

Paul Morassutti

Partner, Real Estate, Toronto

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Awards and Recognition

  • Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Real Estate (Nationwide; Ontario; Alberta, Quebec)
    • “The lawyers at Osler stand out for their responsiveness, expertise, and ease to deal with, as well as their ownership of issues.”
    • “They are good in all areas, and the quality advice that they have offered is very impressive.”
    • Sources point to Osler’s growing presence in the Alberta market and [clients] are particularly impressed by its ability to advise on development and planning, continuing, “The service is very strong. We were looking for support on planning and development, and Osler was one of the only firms with that specific area of expertise.”
  • The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Recognized in Property Development (Toronto, Ontario);  Property Leasing (Toronto, Ontario)
  • Legal 500: Recognized in Real Estate

In the Media

  • Osler News Oct 1, 2024

    Jay Geers joins Osler’s Real Estate Group in Calgary

    Osler is excited to welcome Jay Geers to our Real Estate Group as a partner. He joins Real Estate partner Bryce Kustra as a member of the Calgary...

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  • Osler News Aug 2, 2023

    Stefan Fews joins Osler’s Real Estate group as a partner

    Osler welcomes new partner Stefan Fews to the firm’s Real Estate group in Montréal.

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  • Osler News Apr 5, 2023

    Osler bolsters Financial Services Group in Calgary with the addition of four partners

    Osler is pleased to welcome Edward Wooldridge, Paul S. Taylor, Patrick Mah and Sameena Sarangi to the Financial Services Group as partners in the...

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  • Media Mentions Feb 11, 2023

    Ban on foreign homebuyers hits commercial real estate deals – The Globe and Mail

    Canada’s foreign homebuyer ban is inadvertently impacting commercial property deals, says Osler's Paul Morassutti.

    Read more
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Osler is a leading business law firm practising internationally from offices across Canada and in New York. Our clients include industry and business leaders in all segments of the market and at various stages in the growth of their businesses. We have built our reputation on our commitment to our clients' success and the experience, expertise and collaborative approach for which we are recognized. We believe that our success is a reflection of our clients' success.