Saul Ewing's Multifamily Real Estate Practice represents clients involved in building housing developments of all types. We represent national, regional, and local builders in development projects throughout the U.S., ranging from hundreds of units to ten or fewer homes, including:
- Apartments
- Condominiums
- Townhouses
- Single-family homes
- Retirement communities
- Assisted-living communities
Jumping Hurdles: Assistance at Key Phases of a Project
Our Multifamily Practice attorneys have experience in assembling parcels of land into viable tracts, and we offer valuable counsel and research at the due diligence stage. We help clients take projects through the various phases of development, including:
- Land acquisition
- Zoning
- Approvals and permitting
- Construction
- Homeowner association documentation
- Sales
- Ongoing management
Depending on governmental requirements, geography, and the characteristics of each development, we create customized homeowners’ associations to clearly assign ongoing responsibility for maintenance as well as environmentally sensitive matters, such as storm runoff, conservation areas, and sewer service. Experience is especially relevant for delivery of these services, as environmental and consumer-oriented regulatory compliance issues grow in complexity.
Meeting Multiple Needs: Geographic Reach and Legal Disciplines
When our clients' business crosses county and state lines, our attorneys provide seamless service paired with legal knowledge particular to each locale, including New Jersey, one of the country’s most challenging environments for zoning and land use issues. We have a thorough understanding of the relevant legal issues and statutory requirements to complete projects, addressing an array of legal concerns with the client's particular needs in mind. Through consultation across complementary firm practices, we can also provide assistance with issues such as tax, environmental, bankruptcy, and other areas of law real estate law.
Active Involvement: Gaining Insight
Active involvement in their respective communities gives our attorneys an "insider's" perspective on residential development trends. Our attorneys also serve as members of several industry organizations throughout our footprint.
Market Trends: Legal Agreements
In recent years, regional and local builders have increasingly formed joint ventures in order to compete effectively with large, national builders. Similarly, many projects begin when several builders and landowners join neighboring tracts of land, which often lack the infrastructure necessary for development. Our Multifamily Real Estate Practice attorneys provide legal assistance in these complex relationships, including careful documentation that protects each party’s rights and clearly assigns responsibilities.
