Appleby’s property team is recognised as a market leader across luxury resort, commercial, residential, infrastructure, and financing matters, maintaining an impressive client base of developers, high-net-worth individuals, and public sector entities. Head of team Norman Klein focuses exclusively on real estate and finance, acting for leading banks and major developers, while Adam Johnson is noted for innovative structuring on large-scale development projects. Tim Swallow handles a broad spectrum of real estate transactions, including conveyancing, development, leasing, portfolio management, and investment sales.
Real estate in Cayman Islands
Appleby
Praxisleiter:
Norman Klein
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Adam Johnson; Tim Swallow; Kristina Ostertag
Referenzen
‘Appleby’s team in Cayman is very strong. We enjoy working with them a great deal.‘
‘Adam Johnson is exceptional. An excellent technical lawyer with very good analytical and interpersonal skills. He is a pleasure to work with, as is Tim Swallow. We find them on the other side of many complex transactions, and all such deals are handled very professionally and thoroughly. They take a commercial client-focused approach to deals.‘
‚A strong team led by Norman Klein.’
Kernmandanten
Royal Bank of Canada Group
Butterfield Bank Group
First Caribbean International Bank (Cayman) Limited
Scotiabank Group
Cayman National Group
Proven Group
NCB Group
Seafire Residences
Seafire Resorts
Beach Bay Land Ltd
Mandarin Oriental Hotel & Resort
Sterling Mortgage Income Fund, Ltd
Davenport Development
Tenn Capital
Dart Group
Aqua Bay Condominium Redevelopment Committee
Barkers Beach
Vida Ocean Adventure Lodge
Foster Group
Lacovia Condominium Redevelopment Committee
Strata Plan
ONE GT
Global Property Investments Ltd.
The Sands
Harbour Walk
Island Bliss Construction and Development
Boslil Bank (St Lucia)
DMS Organisation
Alien Investments
North Sound Views
EFG Bank (Cayman)
Cayman Property Investments Ltd.
Tailwind Capital
Cayman Rugby Football Club
Prosecco Group
First-Mid Bank Ltd.
CADS Holdings Ltd.
EON Consulting Ltd.
The Pearl Ltd.
Palm Suites Ltd.
Cornerstone Group
Marvel Holdings Limited
KWK Holdings Ltd.
IRG Development Ltd.
PRISMA Limited
FortCay Family Office Advisory
Process Lenders
Remington Hospitality Management
Marea Ltd
Republic Bank (EC) Ltd.
Republic Bank Granada Ltd.
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised The Proprietors, Strata Plan No. 62 (Lacovia) corporation with respect to its redevelopment project, comprising almost 100 new condominiums to be developed over 3 buildings on the site of the former Lacovia condominiums (originally developed in the early 1980s).
- Advised Cayman Islands Government in connection with the CI$45M project to construct a new High School in Cayman Brac.
- Advised the developer of ONE|GT, a landmark mixed-use project in George Town featuring a boutique hotel, residences, dining, and leisure spaces.
Bedell Cristin
Bedell Cristin’s real estate team is recognised for its comprehensive coverage of the market, advising on property transactions, UHNW residency and immigration matters, high-end residential matters, and property litigation. Practice head Ian Jamieson brings extensive experience across the sector, particularly in hotel transactions, while Michael Sharvin advises on financing and advisory matters across commercial, leisure, and residential properties. Richard Parry is another key team member.
Praxisleiter:
Ian Jamieson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Michael Sharvin; Richard Parry; Daniel Altneu; Oliver Byrne
Referenzen
‘Michael Sharvin and Daniel Altneu of Bedell Cristin form a highly effective legal team that excels in delivering exceptional results under tight time constraints. Michael’s expertise in navigating the sales side of complex transactions, with a keen eye for deal structuring and negotiation, complements Daniel’s proficiency in guiding clients through permanent residency processes with clarity and empathy. Their unique ability to integrate transactional and immigration services sets them apart.‘
What makes their practice stand out is their boutique-style attention combined with sophisticated expertise, surpassing larger firms that may lack personal engagement and smaller firms that struggle with complex deals. Their culturally sensitive approach, particularly in immigration cases, and their collaborative synergy ensure exceptional outcomes, making them a top choice for clients seeking reliable, high-calibre legal support.’
‘They were able to manage and help facilitate a challenging situation with groups from various parties (clients, bankers, agents, other local business needs) with ease and responsiveness.’
Kernmandanten
CIBC Bank (Cayman) Ltd
Highlight-Mandate
- Act as lead counsel for CIBC Bank in local residential and corporate financings, regularly advising on multi-million dollar transactions.
- Act for a very successful blockchain and cryptocurrency developer and investor on residency, property matters, and establishment of a consulting business.
Carey Olsen
Carey Olsen’s property team works seamlessly with the firm’s corporate, finance, disputes, and private wealth teams on property acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures. A key port of call for major developers, lenders, investors, landlords, and purchasers, the team is led by Richard Sykes , who represents leading developers, lenders, and investors on high-profile transactions. Richard Munden brings notable expertise in real estate finance and structuring, while Harriet Mills supports substantial deals, advising prominent clients on complex and market-leading transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Richard Sykes
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Richard Munden; Harriet Mills; Brittany Parsaligan
Referenzen
‚Because of Richard Sykes‘ experience in-house, Richard brings a level of expertise on complex and novel transactions that is rare in private practice in this market, and coupled with the „start-up“ nature of the firm’s real estate practice, allows him to be flexible, creative, responsive, and effective.’
‘Richard Sykes has been a good hire. He is very experienced, knowledgeable, and is good to work with. He is well respected on the island as a safe pair of hands.’
‘Carey Olsen has been an excellent partner for navigating sophisticated real estate finance structures, particularly where cross-border or fund-related elements are involved. Their Cayman team delivers the right mix of local insight and offshore expertise, which is incredibly useful when structuring high-value deals that span multiple jurisdictions. I have found them to be highly responsive and commercially minded.‘
Kernmandanten
Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd.
269 West Bay Road Ltd.
NCB Group
Cayman National Bank
Butterfield Bank
Cayman Islands Government
Calma Holdings
Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising 269 West Bay Road Ltd, the developer of the new Hyatt Centric hotel and residences on their site acquisition, planning, operating agreements, licensing, financing, strata considerations, and sales.
- Advising Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd., the developer of the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Residences on structuring, hotel agreements, sales, easements, and project financing.
- Advised NCB Group on a number of new developments in Cayman, including The Waves, Sundance, Aura, and Bayside.
Collas Crill
Collas Crill’s real estate team is well regarded for its expertise in residential, commercial, development, leasing, and lending matters, acting for a broad client base that includes leading banks and financial institutions. The group regularly advises on complex security transactions, major acquisitions and disposals, and development projects. Practice head Gina Berry has a strong track record of advising international and local financial institutions, securing panel positions for key banks in the jurisdiction, while Alistair Wade complements the practice with extensive experience advising major commercial landlords and developers. Wade is knowledgeable of residential property acquisitions, disposals, and developments.
Praxisleiter:
Gina Berry
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alistair Wade
Referenzen
‘Highly competent and accommodating team members that provide superb service.’
‘Flexibility and responsiveness, with the ability to meet demanding timelines.’
‘Very conscientious, timely, responsive, and knowledgeable.’
Kernmandanten
Proven Bank (Cayman) Limited
First Rock Real Estate Investments Limited
CIBC First Caribbean International Bank
CICSA Credit Union
Cayman National Bank
Cricket Square Group
Scotiabank Group
Royal Bank of Canada Group
Butterfield Bank
Public Service Pensions Board
National Commercial Bank
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising First Rock Real Estate Investments Limited on the purchase of 16 commercial units and a communication tower at Crown Square Plaza in central George Town.
- Advising on a Cayman probate application and sale of assets (including a mammoth $218million real estate portfolio across the three Cayman Islands) in accordance with the will of a late Caymanian multi-millionaire.
- Advising a leading Caribbean retail bank on a $35million syndicated loan to owner/developer of a hotel now in receivership and acting in relation to the court ordered sale of the property.
Hive Law
Hive Law is a boutique Cayman firm with a strong focus on real estate and construction, providing high-end advice to local and international clients, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. The practice, which is led by George Loutas, covers complex real estate, construction, and infrastructure projects. Loutas specialises in residential and commercial property sales, hotel developments, strata projects, and construction agreements.
Praxisleiter:
George Loutas
Referenzen
‘George Loutas consistently impresses with his knowledge, but also with his thoroughness.‘
‘Hive Law’s real estate practice stands out for its exceptional professionalism, responsiveness, and deep understanding of the Cayman Islands real estate market. What makes this team truly unique is the way they combine legal excellence with a commercial mindset, offering not just legal advice but strategic guidance tailored to clients‘ broader goals.’
‘The staff at Hive Law are outstanding. Every interaction reflects deep subject matter expertise, strong communication, and genuine care for the client’s outcome. What sets them apart is their calm under pressure, attention to detail, and solution-focused approach.‘
Kernmandanten
Bronte Development Limited
Cayman Islands Government
Proximity Fund
The Agency
Queensgate group (Ugland group of companies)
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Himalaya Group of Companies
Highlight-Mandate
Ogier
Ogier’s real estate team is highly active in residential transactions, regularly advising on some of the jurisdiction’s largest property deals. The practice is particularly noted for its expertise in strata and volumetric development matters and frequently acts for HNWIs and UHNWIs on confidential commercial and residential deals, often tied to permanent residency applications and relocations. The team also advises on major infrastructure, commercial, and residential projects. Practice head James Bergstrom brings extensive experience in corporate and real estate matters, while Cline Glidden and Jon Hughes bolster the practice with expertise spanning securitisation, large-scale developments, strata issues, and leasing.
Praxisleiter:
James Bergstrom
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Cline Glidden; Jon Hughes
Referenzen
‘Key strength is permanent residency-related real estate transactions and private client work.’
‘Cline Glidden is excellent in permanent residency by investment, and James Bergstrom in corporate real estate.’
‘This is one of only two teams on the island that I intentionally choose to partner with as a local luxury realtor. The level of expertise, care, experience, and responsiveness consistently demonstrated is very valuable to both me and my clients.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the purchaser on the off-plan purchase of a to-be-constructed luxury condominium on Cayman’s prestigious Seven Mile Beach.
- Acting for numerous purchasers and developers in respect of the acquisition and development of commercial development sites in the Cayman Islands.
- Acting for a variety of financiers, drafting and registration of security documents for loan secured over several Cayman Islands properties.
Priestleys
Priestleys is well-regarded in the real estate market, particularly for its involvement in landmark development projects and its innovative work on property purchases using cryptocurrency. The team is led by Daniel Priestley, who is recognised for his expertise in commercial property and his role advising on major infrastructure projects across the jurisdiction. Supporting him, Nick Hemus plays a central role in the practice, working closely with the firm’s large developer clients and leading on all aspects of their real estate transactions.
Praxisleiter:
Daniel Priestley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Nick Hemus
Referenzen
‘A boutique law firm that has strong knowledge about the island and the real estate industry.’
‘Daniel Priestley and Nick Hemus are my go-to people at Priestleys.’
Kernmandanten
NWPR Group, Ltd.
Dolphin Point Developments Ltd
Cayman Enterprise City Ltd
Adare Holdings Ltd
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited
Cayman National Bank Limited
Proven Bank (Cayman) Limited
RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Limited
Caribbean Property Management Limited
Smith Development Limited
90 North Church Street Ltd
Build (Cayman) Limited
High Point Residences Ltd
Heritage Holdings Limited
Xianglong Development Co Ltd.
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising new client High Point Residences Ltd on a suite of development documentation.
- Advising Heritage Holdings Ltd and creating bespoke suites of documents for their upcoming commercial property development.
- Acted for cryptocurrency investors on the only cryptocurrency real estate purchases in the Cayman Islands.
HSM
HSM’s real estate team advises local and international developers and institutions on all stages of commercial and residential projects, from land acquisitions and pre-construction contracts through to completion. The practice also handles retail, landlord and tenant, financing, planning, and strata corporation matters. Team head Linda DaCosta brings over 25 years of Cayman property experience and notable litigation expertise.
Praxisleiter:
Linda DaCosta
Referenzen
‘HSM are willing to take on difficult and challenging tasks and work around the clock to get them completed.’
‘Linda Da Costa completes the job in a timely manner.’
‘HSM continuously and consistently provides exceptional client service for all the real estate deals they have advised me on. The team is very responsive and provides practical solutions to any challenges faced in any transaction. Highly recommended team.’
Kernmandanten
CIBC Caribbean Bank (Cayman) Limited
PROVEN Bank (Cayman) Limited
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited
Cayman National Bank Ltd.
RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Limited
JN Cayman
Highlight-Mandate
Stuarts Humphries
Stuarts Humphries advises on a broad range of matters, from residential and commercial sales and purchases to complex development projects. Practice head Buck Grizzel brings over 20 years of specialist local experience and is highly regarded for his work on hotels, large commercial buildings, and multi-unit residential developments.
Praxisleiter:
Buck Grizzel
Referenzen
‘The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in getting the best results. It’s a modern, client-focused firm with great communication.’
‘Buck Grizzel was responsive, knowledgeable, and provided great advice during multiple real estate transactions he assisted me with.’
Kernmandanten
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Ltd.
Cayman National Bank
GTED
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Ltd. on the financing of a residential property in Prospect, Grand Cayman.
- Advised Cayman National Bank on the financing of a residential property in South Sound, Grand Cayman.
- Advised a client on the acquisition and consolidation of 29 land parcels in Grand Cayman for the development of the Cayman Islands’ first indoor arena and entertainment district.
McGrath Tonner
McGrath Tonner’s real estate team is experienced across a range of Cayman property matters, often acting on high-profile transactions. Team head Stuart Rowe specialises in real estate and banking transactions, and is well-versed in acquisitions, disposals, leasing, and major hotel, retail, commercial, and residential developments.
Praxisleiter:
Stuart Rowe
Referenzen
‘The team’s depth and breadth of knowledge in Cayman Islands real estate law is top-notch, as is their commercial awareness.’
‘I work closely with Stuart Rowe, who is my trusted real estate counsel in the Cayman Islands. I advise clients to consult with Stuart on any real estate matter that crosses my desk, and do not hesitate to bring him in on any matter that has a real estate element. He has excellent legal and market knowledge and consistently delivers practical advice to clients in a user-friendly manner.‘
‚Stuart Rowe’s ability to advise on transactions which have never been done in the Cayman Islands is of note. Stuart’s depth and breadth of knowledge of Cayman Islands real estate law allow him to navigate these uncharted waters with confidence and precision.’