Comprehensive Commercial Real Estate Services
Our firm provides experienced and efficient legal assistance to clients in the purchase of commercial property, whether it be the acquisition of a commercial building, assets of a business or shares of a corporation. We will assist clients in providing a wide-range of services from the beginning to the end of a commercial transaction, including advising on financing, due diligence searches, ownership structures (partnerships, joint ventures etc.) and interpreting and advising on the Purchase and Sale Agreement. As well as the acquisition and disposition of commercial property, we will provide sound advice on commercial leasing, whether it be the drafting or the negotiation of commercial leases, acting for either landlords or tenants.
Our firm makes a great effort in ensuring that any advice is delivered is as straight-forward and simple as possible dedicated to finding the right solution for all parties involved in the transaction.
Our Winnipeg Commercial Real Estate Lawyers
Comprehensive Legal Support for Commercial Properties
To ensure your investment is fully protected, our firm offers end-to-end guidance on the complex regulatory and financial aspects of commercial real estate:
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Zoning and Land Use: Whether you are developing vacant land or repurposing an existing building, we help clients navigate municipal bylaws, zoning variances, subdivisions, and development permits in Winnipeg and the surrounding municipalities.
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Environmental Compliance: Commercial properties often carry hidden environmental risks. We advise on environmental site assessments (Phase I and Phase II) and help structure agreements to protect you from unexpected liabilities, remediation costs, and regulatory issues.
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Construction and Development: We assist developers, contractors, and property owners with drafting and reviewing construction contracts, managing builder’s liens, and negotiating complex property development agreements to keep your projects moving forward.
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Commercial Mortgage Refinancing: Our services extend beyond new acquisitions. We frequently assist existing property owners with commercial mortgage refinancing, ensuring that your financing agreements are sound when restructuring debt or leveraging equity for further investments.
FAQ For Commercial Real Estate Law
At what stage of a commercial real estate transaction should I hire a lawyer?
It is best to involve a lawyer before signing any binding documents, including a Letter of Intent (LOI) or Offer to Purchase. Early legal guidance ensures the contract is structured in your favor, outlines proper contingencies, and provides adequate time for necessary due diligence.
What does “due diligence" actually involve in a commercial property purchase?
Due diligence is the thorough investigation of a property before finalizing a purchase. Our firm handles critical searches, including verifying clean title, reviewing zoning compliance, checking for outstanding work orders or builder’s liens, and analyzing existing tenant leases or environmental reports to ensure there are no hidden liabilities.
What is the difference between buying a commercial building, business assets, or corporate shares?
Buying a building is a straightforward real estate transaction. Buying business assets means purchasing specific property (like equipment and the building) without taking on the existing company’s legal history. Buying corporate shares means acquiring the entire company that owns the property, which includes assuming all of its existing liabilities and tax history. We can advise on the best structure for your specific goals.
The landlord provided a “standard" commercial lease. Do I still need a lawyer to review it?
Yes. There is no true “standard" commercial lease, and most templates are heavily drafted to favor the landlord. We review and negotiate lease terms to protect your interests regarding hidden operating costs, repair obligations, personal guarantees, and subleasing rights, ensuring you are not locked into unfavorable long-term conditions.
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