Commercial Property

Our commercial property lawyers are heavyweights in their field; they offer pragmatic advice and dedicated support through acquisitions and disposals of leasehold and freehold commercial real estate. Our clients rely on us to guide them through the challenging number of tasks involved in the transaction including negotiating contracts, reviewing titles, Stamp Duty Land Tax and Capital Allowances.

We understand the challenges and complexities involved with property management. Our dedicated commercial property team regularly advise landlords on the full range of issues that arise in this area including alterations to property, rental agreements and property maintenance.

We pride ourselves on the high standard of legal advice we deliver in relation to the development of commercial and residential property. From the setting up of property management companies to the drafting of sale and development documentation and advice surrounding planning and tax related issues, we work with ambitious developers, funders and occupiers on all types of development projects to deliver pragmatic, cost effective legal solutions.

A Deed of Variation changes the terms of a previously agreed deed, and may be necessary in certain property transactions to extend the terms of the lease or establish new rights of way over existing developments. Our lawyers are on hand to assist in the preparation of all documentation supporting deeds of variations, restrictions and easements.

Authorized guarantee agreements are often imposed as a condition of a landlord consenting to the assignment of a lease to another tenant. In short, the outgoing tenant becomes a guarantor for the assignee. We help our clients to understand the specific obligations of a guarantee, the implications and risks of signing one and determine whether or not they should be entered into.

When the interests of landlords and tenants clash, the result can be a lengthy legal dispute that leaves both parties out of pocket. Our property lawyers are naturally well-versed in the nature of these contractual disputes and are always working proactively with clients to prevent them through upfront negotiation and correctly drafted leases. We advise on the full range of leases and work with clients on both side of the letting arrangement.

The terms set out in a lease are critical in determining responsibilities and assigning liability between landlord and tenant. Our commercial property team are equipped with the technical expertise and vast experience to assist landlords in drafting leases and tenants in entering into them. We regularly advise landlords on assignments, sub-letting, underlettings and alterations and provide critical legal support to tenants on rent reviews, service charges, lease renewals and variations.

As with any sizeable investment, a potential buyer of commercial property needs time to decide whether or not to go ahead with the purchase. Our lawyers can help you protect your interests by advising on the implication of the options to purchase land or property and preparing the necessary documentation to support this. We can also assist in producing pre-emption agreements to guarantee right of first refusal in buying property.

When a landowner sells a piece of land suitable for property development, they can agree with their buyer that additional payments will be due should the buyer decide to develop the land. This is what’s known as overage and clapback agreements and it’s hardly surprising that they can be difficult to draft and negotiate. Our commercial property lawyers are highly experienced in advising and producing such agreements as well as all land registry requirements.

Our property finance lawyers provide a specialist advisory service on commercial property funding and security for corporate and commercial banks and other financial institutions. We work with clients to prepare complex lending contracts and supporting documentation relating to debentures, facility agreements and legal charges.

Our specialist lawyers can help shine a light on the potential implications of rent deposits, depending on the type and the terms of the lease. We can also assist in the preparation and negotiation of all supporting documentation.