New York Real Estate Attorneys

Our firm provides full-service real estate representation across New York City's five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County, upstate New York, and New Jersey. From routine closings to complex commercial developments and high-stakes litigation, we handle it all.

Residential Real Estate Transactions

We represent buyers and sellers in all residential transactions — from co-ops, condos, and townhouses to single-family homes and multi-family properties. Our attorneys draft and negotiate contracts of sale, conduct comprehensive due diligence, review board packages and offering plans, and guide you through every step of the closing process. In New York, only a licensed attorney can legally negotiate and execute a real estate contract — and having the right attorney can mean the difference between a smooth closing and a costly dispute.

Commercial Real Estate Transactions

We counsel buyers, sellers, and investors in the acquisition, sale, and disposition of commercial properties, including office buildings, retail spaces, mixed-use developments, warehouses, and hospitality assets. Our attorneys handle complex purchase agreements, due diligence, title review, financing coordination, and closing logistics — ensuring your transaction closes on time and on your terms.

Lease Drafting, Negotiation & Disputes

We represent both landlords and tenants in commercial and residential lease negotiations, drafting, renewals, and disputes. For commercial tenants, we negotiate key provisions including rent escalations, tenant improvement allowances, exclusivity clauses, subletting rights, and personal guarantee limitations. For landlords, we draft enforceable lease agreements and protect against default, unauthorized subletting, and early termination exposure. When disputes arise, we pursue prompt and efficient resolution — in court or through negotiation.

Title Review, Due Diligence & Closing Representation

A thorough title search is the foundation of any safe real estate transaction. Our attorneys conduct detailed title examinations, identify and resolve encumbrances, liens, easements, and chain-of-title defects before closing. We coordinate with title insurance companies and underwriters to secure comprehensive coverage and ensure you receive clean, marketable title. We also provide complete closing representation — reviewing all closing documents, calculating pro-rations, and ensuring your transaction is recorded properly.

Real Estate Financing & Mortgage Matters

We assist buyers, borrowers, and lenders with residential and commercial real estate financing, including purchase money mortgages, construction loans, bridge financing, and refinancing transactions. Our attorneys review loan commitment letters, mortgage agreements, and security documents — ensuring terms are fair, compliant with New York law, and clearly understood before you sign.

Zoning, Land Use & Development

Navigating New York's zoning regulations, building codes, and land use approval processes requires experienced legal counsel. We advise developers, property owners, and investors on zoning compliance, variance applications, special use permits, environmental review requirements, and approvals from the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals, City Planning Commission, and local municipal bodies. Whether you are repositioning an existing property or breaking ground on a new development, we help move your project forward while minimizing regulatory delay and exposure.

Real Estate Litigation & Dispute Resolution

When real estate transactions go wrong, you need attorneys who can fight for your interests. Our litigators represent clients in a full range of real estate disputes, including breach of contract and failed closings, landlord-tenant proceedings (including HP actions, non-payment, and holdover cases), boundary and easement disputes, construction defect and contractor claims, partition actions, and specific performance and rescission claims. We pursue every available avenue — negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation — to achieve the most efficient and favorable outcome for our clients.

Investor & Developer Representation

We serve as trusted legal counsel to real estate investors, private equity funds, family offices, and development companies acquiring, financing, and managing New York real estate assets. Our services include joint venture structuring and partnership agreements, acquisition and disposition due diligence, 1031 exchange coordination, construction and development contracts, property management agreements, and ongoing portfolio counsel. We understand the business of real estate — and we align our legal strategy with your investment objectives.

Co-op & Condo Law

Co-op and condominium transactions in New York involve unique legal requirements — including board approval processes, proprietary lease review, offering plan analysis, and House Rules compliance. Our attorneys have extensive experience navigating the specific legal landscape of co-op and condo purchases, sales, subletting, and disputes, ensuring you fully understand your rights and obligations before you commit.

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At Pardalis & Nohavicka, we understand that real estate transactions represent some of the most significant financial decisions of your life or business. A single overlooked clause, unresolved lien, or missed deadline can derail a deal or expose you to substantial liability. We don't just review documents — we anticipate risks, negotiate better terms, and position every transaction for a successful outcome.

Our attorneys are involved from the earliest stages of a deal through post-closing and, when necessary, through dispute resolution and litigation. We coordinate with brokers, lenders, title companies, managing agents, and opposing counsel to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

For investors and developers, we go further — providing strategic counsel on deal structure, regulatory compliance, and portfolio management that supports long-term growth and protects asset value.

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• Full-Service Transactional & Litigation Capability: Unlike firms that handle only one side of real estate law, we provide seamless counsel across both transactions and disputes — so you never need to find a new attorney when a deal becomes contentious.

• Deep New York Market Knowledge: Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the legal and market dynamics across New York City's five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey — including the specific rules governing co-ops, condos, rent-stabilized buildings, and commercial developments.

• Strategic, Business-Minded Counsel: We align every legal recommendation with your broader financial and investment goals. Whether you're closing a single transaction or managing a growing portfolio, we think like your business partner — not just your lawyer.

• Responsive & Accessible: Real estate transactions move on tight timelines. Our attorneys are accessible, responsive, and prepared to act quickly when your deal demands it — without sacrificing thoroughness or quality.

• Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have successfully closed hundreds of transactions and litigated complex real estate disputes on behalf of clients ranging from first-time homebuyers to institutional investors and major developers.

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Do I need an attorney to buy or sell real estate in New York?

Yes — and in New York, this is not merely a recommendation. Only a licensed attorney can legally draft or negotiate a real estate contract in New York State. Unlike many other states where agents handle the paperwork, New York law requires attorney involvement in all real estate transactions. Your attorney protects you from unfavorable contract terms, unresolved title issues, and costly closing mistakes. Attempting to navigate a New York real estate transaction without counsel exposes you to significant legal and financial risk.

What does a real estate attorney do at closing?

At closing, your attorney reviews and explains all closing documents, confirms that title is clear and insured, verifies that all agreed contract terms have been fulfilled, calculates and reviews financial adjustments and pro-rations, coordinates with lenders and title companies, and ensures the transaction is properly recorded with the appropriate government offices. We are your advocate and your final safeguard at the closing table.

What is the difference between a buyer's attorney and a seller's attorney in New York?

A buyer's attorney focuses on due diligence — confirming clear title, reviewing the contract for favorable terms, identifying contingencies, and ensuring the buyer's financial interests are protected through closing. A seller's attorney focuses on limiting liability, enforcing the contract terms, and ensuring prompt and secure receipt of sale proceeds. At Pardalis & Nohavicka, we represent both buyers and sellers with equal skill and diligence.

What should I look for when reviewing a commercial lease?

Commercial leases in New York can be long, complex, and heavily skewed in favor of the landlord. Key provisions to scrutinize include the rent escalation schedule, tenant improvement allowances, operating expense pass-throughs (CAM charges), permitted use clauses, subletting and assignment rights, renewal options, personal guarantee requirements, and early termination penalties. Our attorneys negotiate these terms aggressively to protect tenants — and draft them precisely to protect landlords.

What happens if a title defect is discovered before closing?

Title defects — including liens, judgments, easements, boundary encroachments, or gaps in chain of title — must be resolved before a clean, insured closing can occur. Our attorneys identify defects early in the due diligence process and work with title companies, underwriters, and opposing counsel to cure them. In some cases, title insurance provides coverage for undiscovered defects that surface after closing. We ensure you understand your rights and protections before you commit.

Can you help with New York co-op and condo transactions?

Yes. Co-op and condo transactions in New York involve a distinct set of legal requirements not found in other property types. For co-ops, this includes reviewing the proprietary lease, the co-op's financial statements, House Rules, and the board application process. For condos, we review the offering plan, by-laws, and common charge history. We guide buyers and sellers through every step, including board approval and the specific closing procedures that apply to each property type.

What is a 1031 exchange, and can you help with one?

A 1031 exchange — named for Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code — allows real estate investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds from a property sale into a like-kind replacement property. The exchange must meet strict IRS timing and identification requirements. Our attorneys coordinate with qualified intermediaries and tax advisors to structure 1031 exchanges properly, protecting your tax deferral and ensuring your replacement property acquisition closes on time.

Do you handle landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings in New York?

Yes. We represent both landlords and tenants in New York Housing Court and Supreme Court proceedings, including non-payment and holdover eviction cases, HP actions (Housing Part proceedings for code violations and repairs), rent-stabilization disputes, illegal lockout claims, and commercial lease enforcement matters. New York's landlord-tenant laws are among the most complex in the country — experienced legal representation is essential for both sides.

How do you help real estate investors and developers?

We provide end-to-end legal support for investors and developers, from initial acquisition due diligence and financing through construction contracting, leasing, and eventual disposition. We structure joint ventures and partnership agreements, negotiate construction and architect contracts, advise on zoning and land use approvals, and provide ongoing portfolio counsel. Our goal is to be a long-term legal partner that grows with your real estate business.

What areas of New York do you serve?

We represent clients in real estate transactions and disputes throughout New York City's five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island), Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties), Westchester County, upstate New York, and New Jersey. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the regional legal requirements, market conditions, and regulatory frameworks that apply across these markets.

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