Real Estate

Tax & Abatement

As part of our comprehensive representation of real estate owners and developers, we offer tax guidance related to real property. Our attorneys regularly advise clients on planning for real estate transactions, design Section 1031 exchanges and advise on excise tax and real estate transfer taxes. We assist clients in planning for anticipated development, including negotiating tax abatement agreements with local governments and developing property restrictions designed to minimize the burden of property tax. 

We have the experience and resources to litigate real estate valuations, review appraisal methods and pursue exemption applications. We assist property owners at both the administrative and judicial levels of appeals –prosecuting abatement applications in municipalities, and handling appeals before the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board.

REAL ESTATE PRACTICE AREAS

Results

Proof positive.

  • Developed a specialized partnership structure for real estate investments in order to maximize depreciation and allocate tax losses to a high-income partner.
  • Arranged for the tax-free conversion of a 122-unit apartment building from a housing cooperative to a condominium form of ownership. Read more.
  • Assisted a private school in the “change of use” of its building, financed with tax-exempt bonds.
  • Helped a church maintain its tax-exempt status and property tax exemptions during the relocation of its principal place of business.
  • Assisted a religious association in the tax-free sale of its building.

Real Estate Attorneys

Meet the Tax & Abatement Team.

Meet All Of Our Attorneys
Christopher Marino

President, Executive Committee Member, Shareholder

Christopher J. Marino

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Phil Olsen

Shareholder

Philip S. Olsen

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Mark Witkin

Senior Attorney

Mark J. Witkin

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RESOURCES

Happenings, headlines and insights.
See what’s new at Davis Malm.

View Our Real Estate & Environmental Resources

Firm Announcements

April 24, 2026

Pamela N. Fourtounis Named a “Rising Star” by New England Real Estate Journal

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Firm Announcements

December 29, 2025

Shawn M. McCormack Named a “Go To Commercial Real Estate Lawyer” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

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Publications

November 12, 2025

Navigating the Property Tax Appeal Process: What Property Owners Need to Know

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Publications

September 29, 2025

Samuel Moskowitz, Courtney Simmons, Taylor Lovejoy, Pamela Fourtounis Co-Author MCLE’s 2025 MA Condo Law Guide

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Speaking Engagements

September 26, 2025

Courtney A. Simmons Presents Webinar on “Duty of Care” Obligations to CAI-NE Members

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Publications

September 9, 2025

The Duty of Care Balancing Act

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Publications

August 12, 2025

Exhausting Administrative Remedies in a Tax Appeal, Phil Olsen Published by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

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Alerts

August 11, 2025

Massachusetts’ 2026 Budget Bill Eliminates Mandatory Tenant-Paid Broker Fees for Residential Property

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Publications

July 24, 2025

What You Need to Know About Massachusetts’ Broker-Fee Ban

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