Christian Francis

I am a real estate finance lawyer with over 22 years' experience advising banks, debt funds, insurers, developers and investors on a wide range of real estate finance transactions.

I have particular expertise advising real estate lenders and borrowers on senior and mezzanine acquisition, development and refinance facilities in both domestic and continental European jurisdictions. I have extensive experience of tax efficient corporate structures and all real estate sectors including hotel and leisure, office, student accommodation, retail, logistics and large residential development and commercial schemes.

I have a reputation as a very commercial and proactive lawyer who understands the needs and concerns of clients and ensures transactions are progressed as seamlessly and quickly as possible. With a hands-on approach I provide swift and pragmatic advice throughout each stage of a transaction. I am ranked in both Chambers and the Legal 500 for real estate finance.

While I act predominantly for senior lenders in the real estate sector on acquisitions and refinancings, I have considerable experience financing large residential development schemes and also acquiring retail and leisure assets in central and eastern Europe.

I am passionate about marine conservation and an avid scuba diver. I have dived in many exotic locations from Zanzibar to the Maldives and taken part in local marine conservation initiatives.