Real Estate Development

Throughout our history, the firm has concentrated a significant portion of its real estate practice on the representation of real estate developers in all aspects of their business. We have assisted clients with acquisitions and sales, financing, permitting, zoning and land use, leasing, management and tax planning.

On larger scale or multi-phase developments, we advise clients on subdivision of the project and planning for the future financing and sale of individual parcels, financing of infrastructure, allocation of development rights and entitlements among parcels, addressing issues as to maintenance of common areas and common facilities and implementation of methods to assure high quality standards are maintained throughout the development.

Real Estate Transactions

We represent clients of all types, including individuals, corporations, REITs, and other entities, in a wide variety of complex commercial real estate transactions across property sectors. Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive guidance on acquisitions, sales, and development of properties ranging from retail and office spaces to residential communities and resort developments both locally and nationwide.

Land Use and Zoning

Projects of all sizes, and in particular complex projects and redevelopments, require negotiation and documentation of the local approvals and development agreements. Our developer clients benefit from our experienced land use attorneys who have cultivated relationships with local governments, their elected officials and staff. 

Financing

With years of experience in traditional real estate lending, the attorneys on our team are able to thoroughly address underwriting questions, draft loan commitments, prepare loan documentation, perform due diligence reviews and close loans for banks, thrifts, life insurance companies, other financial institutions and REITs.

We also handle real estate acquisition loans, commercial or residential lot development loans, shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, restaurants and other single-user retail loans, “synthetic lease” transactions, single family home construction loans, as well as permanent loan commitments and tri-party agreements. Our attorneys also have significant experience in connection with “conduit” loans and their specialized issues and requirements.

Our attorneys also advise owners and developers as well as investors (whether individuals, entities or institutions) in connection with structuring, documentation and implementation of equity participation in real estate projects. We routinely handle various forms of equity investment including partnerships and joint ventures, limited liability companies, and other less traditional methods such as sale/leasebacks.

International

Many of our international clients own, develop and manage commercial real estate in Central Florida. In addition to providing general real estate transaction-related services, we also advise them on their particular needs in international taxation, governmental reporting/disclosures and choice of entity.

Title Services

Lowndes is an authorized agent for all of the major national title insurance underwriters. We routinely act as issuing agent with respect to any title insurance policies required by our clients in their real estate transactions, whether in connection with a purchase or sale of property, or as may be required in connection with financing.

Experience has shown that our clients consistently benefit from the firm acting as issuing title agent on a transaction. Not only does the client receive quality and efficiency in the delivery of the necessary title insurance, but also the assurance that our firm will handle all details of the closing, including recording of documents and disbursement of funds.