Real estate
Real estate lawyer in Luxembourg
The firm secures your real estate deals in Luxembourg: acquisitions and disposals, property SPAs, due diligence, commercial leases, development and structuring of ownership through a company.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
A real estate deal in Luxembourg involves substantial sums and lasting risks: the quality of the audit, the contract and the ownership structure determines the security of your investment over the long term.
Cerno Law Firm supports investors, developers and companies across the entire real estate chain, from acquisition to rental operation, including the corporate structure.
The need
You are buying, selling, developing or operating a property in Luxembourg and need to secure the contract, the audit and the ownership structure.
An acquisition without due diligence or a suitable structure exposes you to defects, easements and poorly managed taxation.
The risk
Hidden defects, easements, co-ownership disputes, badly drafted leases, a tax-inefficient ownership structure.
A property contract that is insufficiently audited shifts the risk onto the buyer or investor for years.
How the firm acts
Real estate due diligence, drafting and negotiation of the SPA, structuring of ownership through a company, drafting and securing of commercial leases, and support on development operations.
Cerno is a law firm admitted to the Luxembourg Bar: the digital tools serve only to simplify the gathering of documents, the qualification of the matter and the tracking of requests; they never replace the lawyer's advice, who audits and drafts every deed.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Acquire or dispose of a real estate asset in Luxembourg.
- Structure the ownership of a property through a company.
- Draft or secure a commercial lease.
- Support a property development operation.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • Title deed and notarial deed
- • Surveys, plans and planning permissions
- • Current leases and operating contracts
- • Investment and ownership objectives
Deliverables
- • Real estate due diligence report
- • Negotiated SPA or commercial lease
- • Ownership structuring scheme
Indicative timing
Due diligence and the drafting of deeds are organised over a few days to a few weeks depending on the nature and complexity of the deal.
Fees stated upfront
Consultation from EUR 175 excl. VAT; drafting of a commercial lease or scoping of an acquisition at a fixed fee from EUR 1,500 depending on the deal.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Should a property be held directly or through a company?
It depends on your wealth, tax and succession objectives. The firm compares the options and structures the most suitable form of ownership.
What is audited in real estate due diligence?
The title deed, easements, planning permissions, leases, disputes and the property's tax position. The aim is to avoid any nasty surprise after the purchase.
Does the firm draft commercial leases?
Yes, the firm drafts and negotiates commercial leases and supports their performance and any disputes.
Does Cerno replace the notary?
No. Cerno is a law firm admitted to the Luxembourg Bar that secures the legal side and coordinates the notary's involvement where relevant.
Member of
Affiliations & réseaux professionnels
Free guide · PDF
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- The common mistakes to avoid
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Choosing Cerno means choosing over 17 years of experience
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 7
- working languages
- 100+
- companies & SOPARFI structured
- 200+
- visas & residence permits obtained
- 170
- client nationalities served
- 300+
- due diligence reviews conducted
Around twenty M&A transactions supported · one of the best visa approval rates in Luxembourg.
Since 2009, we devote our expertise to your satisfaction: more than 85% of our clients renew their trust in us.
Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
Typical examples of engagements handled by the firm, presented in an anonymised and illustrative manner. Each matter is handled and validated by a lawyer registered with the Luxembourg Bar.
A holding company and a residence permit, in a single process
Incorporation of a SOPARFI for a non-resident investor, combined with obtaining their residence permit. A single point of contact across both fronts.
Permit obtained in 6 weeksA similar matter? Companies & governanceFounders protected before the funding round
Structuring a shareholders’ agreement and governance for a young company with several founders, ahead of a funding round.
Shareholders’ agreement signed before the roundA similar matter? Debt recoveryA debt recovered across borders
Cross-border recovery of unpaid debts for an SME, through an order for payment and coordination with a foreign colleague.
Receivable recovered in full (100%)A similar matter? Employment lawAn executive defended before the Labour Tribunal
Supporting an executive in a contested dismissal, from strategy to representation at the hearing.
Case argued at the hearingA similar matter? ContractsA secured international distribution
Negotiating and securing an international framework distribution agreement, from liabilities through to the competent jurisdiction.
Competent jurisdiction securedA similar matter?Typical, anonymised examples, for illustration only. They do not prejudge the outcome of a matter, which depends on each situation.
Entrust my matter to the firmExpertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
Testimonials
What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
They talk about us
The firm referenced and cited
Professional directories, business press and legal publications where Cerno Law Firm and Maître Cora Maglo are referenced.
Let’s talk about your matter
Describe your situation: you receive an initial analysis and a transparent quote, with no obligation. One dedicated lawyer, from start to finish.