Insight

Maximizing Your Investment in Real Estate Development with Legal Expertise

Best Lawyers evaluates the various types of real estate development projects and why hiring legal expertise could maximize the outcome of your investment.

Wooden house cut outs in a shopping cart with a blue backdrop
Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers

June 26, 2023 09:00 AM

Similarly to any other investment, choosing to invest in new or upcoming real estate development projects can yield substantial returns, but not without a shortage of challenges and risks. To properly navigate today’s often complex real estate landscape, individuals should consider leveraging their goals by seeking sound legal expertise.

By consulting with a legal professional experienced in real estate development, individuals preparing to invest can learn how to effectively protect that investment, all while ensuring legal compliance with local regulations and maximizing returns. In this article, Best Lawyers will evaluate how hiring a lawyer can assist in making rational, informed legal decisions and fully optimize an individual’s investment in any development project of their choosing.

What Exactly Is Real Estate Development Investment?

Real estate development investment refers to any significant financial commitment made by an individual or organization to obtain and develop properties to generate profits. From employing strategic tactics for property acquisition to leasing real estate assets, real estate developers, with help from a knowledgeable real estate lawyer, can identify potentially successful investment opportunities through market research, analyzing current real estate trends and gauging the overall viability of a project.

The scope of real estate development projects for investors varies, ranging from residential housing developments and commercial business complexes to office buildings, retail spaces and industrial facilities or warehouses. To successfully navigate this continually growing landscape, investors must possess a certain level of financial acumen, knowledge of property markets, management skills and an acute understanding of local laws, regulations and provisions.

What Type of Real Estate Investment Is Most Profitable?

Ascertaining the most profitable form of real estate investment depends entirely on current market status, the location of the property and an individual’s overall investment goals. Residential real estate consistently shows high profits and returns. Furthermore, residential properties are usually more accessible to a wider range of tenants, ensuring high demand. The most profitable real estate investment will ultimately depend on the extent of an individual’s market research and personal investment objectives.

How Legal Expertise Can Maximize Your Investment?

The goal of any investment is to maximize overall profits and increase capital gains, which can also apply to real estate. Hiring a skilled real estate attorney is crucial, as they can provide clients with invaluable legal advice from the beginning to the end of the acquisition process. Using their expertise, real estate attorneys can examine the property’s title, zoning restrictions and other potential legal issues that may arise from that particular investment.

Additionally, real estate attorneys can assist with negotiations and draft foolproof contracts that protect their clients’ interests and potential investments. With that, a legal expert can also interpret and help clients navigate landlord-tenant laws and lease agreements. By having access to this knowledge, individuals can protect their investments, avoid running into legal risks and optimize returns in a fluctuating real estate market.

Headline Image: Adobe Stock/adragan

Related Articles

House Trap


by Heidi E. Storz

Special districts are often being used as profit centers that leave residents to foot the bill. These homeowners deserve protection from unscrupulous developers who attempt to fleece them and avoid accountability.

Image of a suburban home at nighttime with a window illuminated

Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions


by Bryan Driscoll

Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.

Wooden model houses connected together representing homeowners associations

What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Living Trust?


by Bryan Driscoll

A practical guide to wills, living trusts and how to choose the right plan for your estate.

Organized folders labeled “Wills” and “Trusts” representing estate planning documents

Do You Need a Real Estate Attorney to Refinance?


by Bryan Driscoll

When and why to hire a real estate attorney for refinancing.

A couple sitting with a real estate attorney reviewing documents for refinancing their mortgage

How to Get a Power of Attorney


by Bryan Driscoll

Learn the steps to set up a power of attorney, the risks of DIY forms and how to choose the right person to act on your behalf.

A couple discussing power of attorney paperwork with a lawyer

IN PARTNERSHIP

Things to Consider When Choosing a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Ontario


by Igor Vilkhov

Choosing the right lawyer when faced with sexual assault charges is important. Here are a few things to consider.

Vilkhov Law attorney sits in the dark with a black and white filter

IN PARTNERSHIP

Breaking Down Criminal Conviction in Canada


by Mass Tsang

Statistics Canada’s annual breakdown of adult criminal court data provides an eye-opening review of how the country’s court system resolves its hundreds of thousands of cases annually.

Silhouettes of Officer walking with two men on a strip of concert

Alimony Explained: Who Qualifies, How It Works and What to Expect


by Bryan Driscoll

A practical guide to understanding alimony, from eligibility to enforcement, for anyone navigating divorce

two figures standing on stacks of coins

Should I Get a Prenup? A Guide for Couples


by Bryan Driscoll

Prenuptial agreements aren’t just for the wealthy. Here’s what they do, when you might need one and how to decide if it’s right for your relationship.

Prenuptial agreement with pen

How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect


by Bryan Driscoll

Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.

Group of people holding papers with speech bubbles above them

How to Get a Patent


by Bryan Driscoll

A comprehensive guide to understanding patents, the application process and strategies to protect your invention in the U.S.

Illustration of a person with an idea next to a lawyer holding patent documents

How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask


by Laurie Villanueva

A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer

Three professional lawyers walking together and discussing work

How Best Lawyers Connects You With Trusted Legal Counsel


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

IN PARTNERSHIP

Coffey Burlington's Legal Expertise


by John Fields

Service. Integrity. Results.

Coffey Burlington 2025

IN PARTNERSHIP

Elevating Our Cases Into Causes


by Justin Smulison

Two female attorneys

Trending Articles

2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States


by Jamilla Tabbara

The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.

Map of the United States represented in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 awards

Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.


by Bryan Driscoll

It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.

Firearms application behind jail bars

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence


by Jamilla Tabbara

Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.

Shining Canadian map marking the 2026 Best Lawyers awards coverage

Revealing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria


by Jamilla Tabbara

These honors underscore the reach of the Best Lawyers network and its focus on top legal talent.

map of Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria

Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain


by Jamilla Tabbara

A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.

Map highlighting the 2026 Best Lawyers honorees across Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Sp

How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect


by Bryan Driscoll

Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.

Group of people holding papers with speech bubbles above them

Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking


by Jamilla Tabbara

How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.

Abstract web of connected figures symbolizing online networking among legal professionals

Algorithmic Exclusion


by Bryan Driscoll

The Workday lawsuit and the future of AI in hiring.

Workday Lawsuit and the Future of AI in Hiring headline

Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections


by Jamilla Tabbara

How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.

Lawyer typing blog content on laptop in office

Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You


by Justin Smulison

Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.

Reddit Anthropic Lawsuit headline

How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask


by Laurie Villanueva

A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer

Three professional lawyers walking together and discussing work

The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico


by Jamilla Tabbara

The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.

Map highlighting Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico for the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards

Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?


by Laurie Villanueva

Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.

Married Indiana couple in their home

Why Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk Want to 'Delete All IP Law'


by Bryan Driscoll

This Isn’t Just a Debate Over How to Pay Creators. It’s a Direct Challenge to Legal Infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey standing together Infront of the X logo

AI Tools for Lawyers: How Smithy AI Solves Key Challenges


by Jamilla Tabbara

Understand the features and benefits within the Best Lawyers Digital Marketing Platform.

Legal professional editing profile content with Smithy AI

Alimony Explained: Who Qualifies, How It Works and What to Expect


by Bryan Driscoll

A practical guide to understanding alimony, from eligibility to enforcement, for anyone navigating divorce

two figures standing on stacks of coins