Our real estate team combines deep transactional experience with specialist knowledge in planning, construction, and tax. We advise on the most complex property matters in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia.

€51.8B+

transaction volume (2024)

650+

deals closed

3,000+

leases negotiated

385+

permits obtained

Real Estate Transactions

Acquisitions, disposals, and portfolio management. Share deals, asset deals, and complex structuring.

  • Due diligence
  • Sale & purchase agreements
  • Vendor finance

Commercial Leasing

Drafting and negotiating leases for offices, retail, logistics, and industrial space. Landlord and tenant representation.

  • Office & retail leases
  • Turnover rent clauses
  • Lease renewals & terminations

Planning & Permitting

Environmental permits, zoning appeals, and regulatory compliance. Assistance with Flemish/Brussels/Walloon authorities.

  • Building permits
  • Environmental impact assessments
  • Heritage & urbanism

Construction & Development

Development agreements, turnkey contracts, and construction management. Coordination with architects and contractors.

  • Development agreements
  • Turnkey contracts
  • Contractor appointments

Real Estate Finance

Secured lending, refinancing, and mezzanine finance. Advice on loan documentation and security packages.

  • Acquisition finance
  • Development finance
  • Loan restructuring

Real Estate Tax

VAT on property transactions, registration duties, REIT structures (GVV/SIR), and cross‑border tax planning.

  • VAT optimisation
  • REIT structuring
  • Transfer tax planning

Asset class expertise

Offices & mixed‑use CBD Brussels, Antwerp, major business parks
Retail & leisure High street, shopping centres, hospitality
Logistics & industrial Warehouses, distribution centres, last‑mile
Residential Multi‑family, student housing, senior living

Real estate team

Elena Ceulemans – Partner, head of real estate
Jan Pauwels – Corporate real estate, JVs
Luc Van den Bossche – Real estate tax & VAT
Karim Alami – Construction litigation
+ 6 dedicated real estate lawyers

"Pauwels Law Group advised on the acquisition and development of our €120m mixed‑use project in Brussels. Their integrated approach – planning, tax, and construction – was invaluable."

— Development Director, international real estate investor

Cross‑border real estate

We advise international investors on Belgian property acquisitions and work with leading firms in neighbouring jurisdictions for cross‑border portfolios.

Foreign investment REIT structures EU real estate funds Cross‑border leasing

Recent real estate insights

Brussels rental reform: what landlords need to know
Flemish planning code update 2025
VAT on demolition and reconstruction: new rules
ESG in real estate: legal implications for owners