Real Estate Law Practice Area

Commercial Real Estate Services

Commercial transactions carry commercial risk. We act for buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and investors on retail, industrial, office, mixed-use, and multi-residential properties throughout Peel Region and the GTA.

Strategic Transaction & Risk Protection

On commercial purchases and sales we draft and negotiate agreements of purchase and sale, conduct extended due diligence (zoning and permitted use, environmental reports and Phase I and II considerations, existing leases and estoppel certificates, rent rolls, service contracts, licences, and municipal compliance), and handle HST registration and elections.

Share purchase versus asset purchase is one of the first questions in any commercial deal, and the answer changes your tax exposure, your liability for existing obligations, and your closing mechanics. We work through that analysis with you and, where appropriate, with your accountant.

Modern commercial real estate office building

Commercial Real Estate Legal Services

Purchases & Sales

Drafting and negotiating purchase agreements for retail, industrial, office, mixed-use, and multi-residential properties.

Extended Due Diligence

Reviewing zoning, environmental reports, existing leases, estoppel certificates, rent rolls, and municipal compliance.

Share vs. Asset Purchase

Analyzing tax exposure, existing liability, and closing mechanics in collaboration with your accountant.

Commercial Leasing

Drafting and reviewing commercial leases and offers to lease for both landlords and tenants across all commercial sectors.

Commercial Financing

Handling commercial financing, vendor take-back mortgages, and complex multi-lender transaction structures.

Corporate Holding Structures

Establishing corporate holding structures for real estate assets, managing holdbacks, and escrow arrangements.

4-Step Commercial Representation

01

Agreement & Structuring

Drafting agreements and evaluating share versus asset purchase structures.

02

Comprehensive Due Diligence

Auditing Phase I/II environmental reports, zoning, rent rolls, and leases.

03

Tax & Compliance

Managing HST registration, municipal compliance, and landlord/tenant estoppel certificates.

04

Financing & Closing

Executing financing, vendor take-back mortgages, holdbacks, and escrow closings.

Leasing & Commercial Financing

We draft and review commercial leases and offers to lease for both landlords and tenants: term and renewal rights, additional rent and CAM reconciliation, use and exclusivity clauses, assignment and change-of-control provisions, fixturing periods, tenant allowances, indemnities and personal guarantees, and default and remedy provisions.

We also handle commercial financing, vendor take-back mortgages, corporate holding structures for real estate assets, and closings that involve multiple lenders, holdbacks, or escrow arrangements.

  • Comprehensive Lease Protection: Addressing CAM reconciliations, exclusivity, assignment, and renewal rights.
  • Environmental & Zoning Audits: Evaluating Phase I and II reports, permitted uses, and municipal status.
  • Flexible Financing Solutions: Structuring vendor take-back mortgages, holdbacks, and multi-lender arrangements.
  • Corporate Asset Structuring: Establishing robust corporate holding entities to minimize liability.
Lawyers reviewing commercial leasing agreements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a share purchase and an asset purchase in commercial real estate?

Choosing between a share purchase and an asset purchase impacts your tax exposure, your liability for existing property obligations, and your closing mechanics. We guide you through this analysis alongside your accountant to select the optimal strategy.

What elements are reviewed during commercial lease negotiations?

We review and draft term and renewal rights, additional rent and CAM reconciliations, use and exclusivity clauses, assignment/change-of-control provisions, tenant allowances, personal guarantees, and remedy provisions for both landlords and tenants.

What due diligence items are required for commercial property purchases?

Due diligence includes verifying zoning and permitted use, reviewing environmental reports (Phase I and II), auditing existing leases, obtaining estoppel certificates, and inspecting rent rolls, service contracts, licences, and municipal compliance.

Ready to Discuss Your Commercial Property Transaction?

Commercial transactions carry commercial risk. Contact our commercial real estate team to protect your investment across Peel Region and the GTA.