Maximilien van de Werve

Partner, Real estate | Where legal meets business

Who I Am

I lead the Real Estate practice at Deloitte Legal, advising Belgian and international clients on the full spectrum of real estate transactions and projects. I bring a unique blend of private practice and in-house experience. Since joining Deloitte Legal in 2016, I’ve built a team known for its business-minded, deal-driven approach. I am active at our Zaventem office.

What I Do

  • Support clients on complex Belgian, Luxembourg and cross-border real estate matters, including acquisitions and disposals, sale and leaseback transactions, development and construction projects, joint ventures, asset reorganisations, and sector-specific litigation.
  • Cover the full range of asset classes: logistics, retail, offices, residential, nursing homes, student housing, hotels, industrial plants, data centres, energy infrastructure (solar, wind), and more.
  • Regularly advise on high-profile Belgian and pan-European transactions.

Who I Work With

  • REITs, investment funds, investment banks, insurance companies and institutional investors
  • Large developers
  • Public bodies and insurance companies
  • Corporates, family offices, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI). 

My Approach

I bring technical legal precision and a pragmatic, investor-focused mindset to the table. I understand that in real estate, timing and certainty are key—so I focus on helping clients move fast, mitigate risk, and close deals with confidence. My background in real estate private equity and development means I understand the language of both investors and operators, ensuring alignment between legal advice and business priorities.

Credentials & Leadership

  • 20+ years in real estate, both as a lawyer and as a legal advisor
  • Ranked by Chambers Europe and Legal 500
  • Advised on some of the most significant real estate deals in the Belgian and European markets. 

Why Deloitte Legal

Deloitte Legal offers a unique platform to serve real estate clients holistically. Our ability to combine legal, tax, regulatory, and financial expertise makes us a strategic partner throughout the lifecycle of a real estate investment or project.