Craig is the head of our Commercial Property Practice. He specialises in commercial property and property finance.

Craig’s practice encompasses all aspects of commercial property law, property development and property finance. Craig has been actively involved in the establishment of numerous freehold and sectional title, commercial, industrial and residential developments throughout South Africa. He represents the interest of various listed property funds, property developers as well as representing various commercial property lenders in financing property acquisitions, developments, restructures and refurbishments.

Craig has been actively involved in advising on both lenders and developers on land issues arising from renewable energy projects under rounds 1, 2 and 3 of the South African Department of Energy’s renewable energy program – such projects include solar PV, hydro, landfill gas and wind projects.

Craig has sat as an elected national councillor for the South African Property Owners Association and is recommended by the Legal 500 which describes him as “a leader in real estate”.

Craig was admitted as an attorney, notary public and conveyancer in 2001 and holds a BA LLB from Rhodes University and an LLM from Unisa.

Relevant Experience

• Acted for FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) and Investec Bank Limited in relation to the development and term finance of ZAR 2,6 billion made available to Azrapart Proprietary Limited to fund the re-development of Fourways Mall.
• Acted for FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) in financing the acquisition of the residential component of a mixed use sectional title scheme in Cape Town;
• Acted for FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) in financing the development of a retail depot facility in the East Rand (value: ZAR 170 million);
• Acted for FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) in financing the development of a distribution facility in Durban (value: ZAR 320 million);
• Acted for Northern Glory Properties Proprietary Limited and FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division) in relation to the development of a multi storied office development in Pretoria, including opening a sectional title register and the sale and transfer of the component units (value: ZAR 500 million);
• Acted for Capital Property Fund in relation to (i) the transfer of two industrial property portfolios (valued at ZAR 481 million and ZAR 367 million respectively) as part of attaining corporate REIT status (ii) the disposal and transfer of a property portfolio comprising both commercial and industrial properties valued at R 980 million.
• Acted for Eris Property Group (via is subsidiary Gillwell Taxi Retail Park Proprietary Limited) in (i) the development of a 22 260m² five-level shopping centre known as Gillwell Taxi Retail Park in East London and (ii) the disposal of Gillwell Taxi Retail Park to Dipula Income Fund.
• Acted for Flanagan & Gerard (via its subsidiary, Thavhani Property Investment Proprietary Limited) in (i) the development of Thavhani Mall in Thoyoyandou, Limpopo (which, on completion, will be valued in excess of ZAR 1 billion) and the (ii) disposal of an undivided 33% share in Thavhani Mall (upon completion) to Vukile Property Fund Limited.
• Acted for FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division), in relation to a ZAR 850 million development facility provided to  Thavhani Property Investment Proprietary Limited to finance the development of Thavhani Mall.

Awards

• Chambers and Partners consistently ranked Craig in Band 3 for Real Estate for the past seven consecutive years (2017 to 2023).
• Craig Schafer is a Recommended Lawyer in Legal 500 2017.

‘Craig Schafer is an innovative lawyer.’ – Chambers and Partners, 2023

‘Craig Schafer has deep asset class knowledge and reliable work which is second to none.’ – Legal 500, 2022

‘Craig is very well versed in all conveyancing matters and offers a wealth of knowledge.’ – Chambers and Partners, 2022

‘Craig Schafer is a respected individual in the South African real estate market, advising on property finance and security as well as development and leasing. He has built an impressive reputation amongst commercial property lenders and financial institutions in South Africa.’ – Chambers and Partners, 2021

Craig Schafer is a “good and reliable lawyer,” according to market sources. As a partner in the banking and finance department, he specialises in real estate finance, with clients including lenders, developers and owners. He has experience working on both commercial and residential matters. – Chambers and Partners 2020

Craig Schafer is knowledgeable, helpful and a great asset to Bowmans. – Legal 500 2020

Craig Schafer is appreciated by clients for his pragmatic views: “He’s in tune with what’s going on and doesn’t walk into meetings with pre-conceived ideas.” He is regularly involved in the conveyancing of significant commercial developments. – Chambers and Partners 2019

Department head Craig Schafer is very active in the real estate market and has significant knowledge of real estate development and finance. A satisfied client noted: “He is very thorough, always understands exactly what we want and has a quick turnaround.” – Chambers and Partners 2018

Craig Schafer heads the real estate team at Bowmans and offers expertise in commercial, retail and industrial property matters. Clients praise his sound advice and impressive knowledge of South African property issues. – Chambers and Partners 2017

Craig Schafer is ‘prompt’, ‘thorough’ and ‘efficient.’ –  Legal 500 2017