Mark Cornelius

Partner

London

Mark-Cornelius-1

Mark Cornelius is an experienced Commercial Real Estate Partner at Quastels. Ranked as leading lawyer in Legal 500’s legal directory in both 2024 and 2025 he is known for his ability to navigate complex deals, structure innovative solutions, and deliver exceptional results for his clients.

Mark advises clients on a wide range of commercial real estate matters. Mark has extensive experience in advising high-end luxury retail brands on all aspects of their real estate needs. He is particularly skilled in handling complex deals involving prime retail locations, dealing with the major estates in London’s West End.

He advises investors on the acquisition and disposal of commercial real estate assets and has experience in handling a wide range of investment transactions, from the purchase of single assets to the acquisition of large portfolios. Mark is able to provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of the investment process.

Mark represents a diverse range of clients, including institutional investors, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, luxury retail brands, leisure and hospitality businesses, and lenders.

He advises institutional investors on their commercial real estate investments, helping them to implement investment opportunities, structure transactions, and manage their assets effectively.

For luxury retail brands, Mark specialises in advising on their real estate needs, including the acquisition of flagship stores in prime locations and the negotiation of complex leases. He also advises clients in the leisure and hospitality sector on their real estate requirements, such as hotels, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Additionally, Mark represents lenders in a variety of commercial real estate finance transactions, including development finance, acquisition finance, and debt restructuring.

Mark acts as lead contact for a number of real estate portfolios handling all aspects of landlord and tenant relationship and works closely with clients to implement systems that fit the client’s needs and those of their managing agents. This might include bespoke reporting formats, virtual data rooms to store key documents, or tailored templates for specific properties.

Clients value his ability to simplify complex property issues and offer clear, practical advice. Focused on achieving practical results, he provides solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Known for being personable, friendly, and easy to work with, he builds strong relationships through honest communication and straightforward language.

He takes a collaborative approach, working closely with clients on everything from acquisitions to lease negotiations, ensuring advice is timely and relevant. With a respectful and thoughtful manner, he connects easily with clients from diverse backgrounds, making him a trusted partner for a broad range of clients.

Whether working independently or as part of a client’s wider team, he ensures every step of the process runs smoothly, keeping things transparent and aligned with his clients’ goals. His focus extends beyond individual transactions—he is committed to building lasting partnerships, delivering value that supports clients’ growth and success over the long term.

‘Mark Cornelius has a deep knowledge and understanding of commercial property. He is very personable and always provides legal advice which is clear, commercial and pragmatic enabling us to close transactions without compromising on risk.’

Legal 500 2024

‘Mark Cornelius is always able to push deals over the line’

Legal 500 2024

‘Dedicated, calm, sensible, and where needed, pro-active’

Mark's recent cases

Acting on the purchase of a multi-let property in Holborn, London for £20,000,000;

Acting for a property investment company in respect of all property aspects of a refinancing of their portfolio, the loan being in excess of £80m.

Acting for several fashion brands in respect of lease renewals of several of their London stores all situated in prime retail locations in London;

Acting for a nationwide engineering company on all property matters across their nationwide portfolio.

Acting for a Singaporean based events company in taking a lease of an open space to enable the construction of an immersive events centre.

trusted legal excellence

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