Housing
We advise developers, owners, investors, lenders, servicers, housing authorities, and public entities involved in market-rate, affordable, workforce, and specialized housing. Our team brings integrated experience across real estate, finance, tax, construction, land use, environmental, and dispute resolution — so clients can move from strategy to execution with clarity and control.
Housing subsectors and market segments
Housing is not a single market. Barnes & Thornburg’s team supports clients across multifamily, mixed-use, single-family rental portfolios, student housing, senior and supportive housing, manufactured housing, and condominium development. Our counsel is tailored to the subsector, jurisdiction, and risk profile, whether a project involves complex entitlements, layered incentives, specialized licensing, or coordinated stakeholder approvals.
Development, transactions, and operational risk
Housing projects succeed when deal terms, diligence, and delivery are aligned. We advise on acquisitions and dispositions, including portfolio transactions; joint ventures and equity investments; development and construction agreements; and post-closing operational matters that can affect performance.
When disputes arise — zoning challenges, construction claims, fair housing issues, contractual disputes, or enforcement actions — we provide practical, solutions-oriented guidance designed to protect value and keep projects moving.
Housing finance and capital structures
Housing often depends on capital structures that blend private investment with public programs and incentives across the housing capital ecosystem. Barnes & Thornburg supports housing finance transactions and related compliance with a focus on efficiency, risk allocation, and program requirements.
- Housing finance – Program-driven and capital markets-informed housing finance counsel.
- Housing bonds – Tax-exempt and taxable bond structures supporting housing and community development initiatives.
- GSE and FHA – Transactions involving Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac executions and FHA/HUD program frameworks (and related compliance and closing mechanics).
- Affordable and Community Development – Transactions involving LIHTC and other community investment tools, including program guidance and compliance considerations.
Tax credits, incentives, and community investment tools
Many housing initiatives rely on incentives and community investment programs that require careful structuring and ongoing compliance. Our team advises clients on housing-related tax credit and incentive strategies and helps coordinate the legal, tax, and financing considerations that often determine a project’s feasibility and long-term success.
A coordinated approach in a regulated market
Housing is shaped by public policy, local land-use controls, evolving tenant and consumer protections, and increasing expectations around sustainability and reporting. Barnes & Thornburg’s approach is collaborative and interdisciplinary, bringing together the right mix of real estate, finance, tax, construction, environmental, and litigation capabilities to match the realities of each project, portfolio and market.