Ensuring a smooth and secure commercial property purchase, sale, or lease.

Our commercial lease solicitors have managed many processes and dealt with various issues regarding commercial property leases. Our solicitors have spent years dealing with a variety of issues with commercial leases on behalf of landlords and tenants.

Commercial Property Lease Solicitors

Along with having in-depth knowledge surrounding the legalities of business property leases, our commercial property solicitors are experienced with their conduct during the process. They will ensure that you will experience a faultless service, in which their advice is coherent, concise and tailored to you.

Commercial property leases are often lengthy, complex documents forming the contractual agreement between the landlord and tenant for the lease term. Because of this, there are many areas which can be questioned upon agreement, or years after agreement of the lease.

Legal advice for business property leases

Business property leases require significant commitment from both the landlord and tenant. As it is a big commitment, it’s essential that the right terms are put into place from the beginning.

Every office, warehouse, or retail premises is a rental income opportunity for a landlord, whilst being a home for a business and the tenant.

Having worked with landlord and tenants in the public, private and charitable sectors, our solicitors have drafted and reviewed leases of all complexities.

Our experience lies with:

• Drafting leases and agreements.
• Negotiating leases and lease agreements.
• Assignments and sub-letting.
• Rent deposits.
• Lease renewals.
• Services charges.
• Termination of leases.
• Obligation troubles.
• Rights of preemption.

Our commercial real estate team is supported by our experienced litigation team to assist with any disputes you may face along the way. With the combination of our commercial property experts and disputes department, you’re in safe hands.

Our commercial property lawyers act swiftly and incisively when working within commercial property. Whether we’re drafting a commercial property lease or we’re acting on behalf of a tenant to dispute a proposed lease, we strive to achieve our client’s objective quickly and successfully.

With any contract, it’s pivotal that both parties understand it before agreeing to the commitment of the contract. In terms of an option agreement, it’s the contract formed between a developer (purchaser) and a landowner. It’s our job to ensure that whether you’re the developer or landowner that your option represents your exact requirements.

What is an Option Agreement?

An option agreement is an agreement between two parties – the landowner and a potential buyer (the developer). It allows developers the ability to purchase a specific area of land after they are granted permission for the development. It provides the right, but not the obligation, for a party to purchase, sell or gain an asset at a certain price and at a particular period of time.

Both parties enter into an agreement in return for a non-refundable sum of money. This is then paid to the landowner and in exchange, the buyer is granted first option to buy the asset. This is agreed contractually through an option agreement.

A potential buyer of the asset in question (property or land) has a legally binding option to buy on a specific day, within an agreed time-frame or after the completion of an event.

They contractually can only complete the purchase within the option period. The period could be as long as several years, or can be triggered as a result of an event; such as the planning permission being granted for the development.

The benefits of an option agreement for both parties

• It provides protection for the developer – a developer can safely explore their options for the project without the risk of incurring a huge cost only to lose the property to someone else. You will have a contractual agreement which means you can gain the planning permission without the seller getting frustrated and selling to someone else.
• Security for the seller – Although it doesn’t guarantee a sale, it does mean that you have some security when it comes to the sale of your property. If the property market was to experience a dip, then you’re assured of an interested buyer for the future. You’ll also receive a non-refundable deposit for the option agreement.

Work with an experienced solicitor

Every option agreement will differ depending on the facts and the reason for the agreement. They do each however have similar requirements within an agreement.

Some of the typical requirements in a contract include:

• The duration of the term of the option.
• The amount of land included in the option.
• A condition or conditions which allow for the process to be completed.
• The amount of deposit to be paid by the buyer.
• Any extension on the duration if applicable.
• A dispute resolution procedure.

Our specialist team of lawyers are skilled in the preparation of commercial contracts and agreements. They’re experienced in acting for either a developer or the asset owner in an option agreement.

Always seek professional advice before committing

Before committing to any kind of option agreement, we recommend you seek legal advice.

By working with our solicitors, we will be able to review the agreement and ensure your best interests are being met.

Our team possess the experience and commercial knowledge to help with your commercial refinancing as a borrower or lender.

Whatever the reason for refinancing a commercial property, it is essential that you as a borrower or lender are advised by a credible and experienced team of solicitors. We’ve worked with both borrowers and lenders.

We have a great understanding when it comes to lenders, which means we can complete a transaction quickly and cost effectively. Whether we’re acting for a bank or a borrower, we’ll ensure that your transaction is managed efficiently.

Refinancing for borrowers

Refinancing a commercial property is often a great solution for property owners who are looking to pay some of their debt, reduce mortgage payments or shorten their mortgage term.

We’re in regular contact with the major banks and lenders, which means we have great experience when it comes to satisfying the requirements of lenders.

We can advise on a wide selection of lending transactions, including offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, pubs, warehouses and industrial units.

Refinancing for lenders

Having acted on behalf of many banks and lenders, we know how to best manage these cases.

We understand the common expectations and criteria for lenders, so we’re comfortable in working to strict deadlines to ensure your lending value is not compromised.

Why work with our solicitors

Our team have worked with a whole host of clients on both sides of the commercial refinancing process. This offers has a great insight across the entire process.

Speed and accuracy are key in the process of refinancing, which makes our friendly and accessible team of solicitors an ideal partner for you.

Our commercial refinancing guarantees:

• Great assistance with any type of refinancing.
• Regular reporting on our findings.
• Arranging searches and investigation required by lenders.
• Complying with lenders on behalf of our clients.
• Preparing all the necessary documentation throughout the process.

Refinancing requires careful consideration for businesses

As with most of our commercial services, we always recommend that business owners come to us to speak about the process. Refinancing can be a great solution, but it can also offer many drawbacks.

To consider all your options and to hear both the pros and cons to commercial refinancing, please make contact with our team. We can speak on the phone or you can come in and see us in our Wiltshire or Hampshire office!

Our solicitors are experienced with the process related to negotiating and acquiring land for development. Whether it’s for commercial or residential land development. For a developer, our solicitors will advise on all aspects covering the laws and regulations of land development.

With many years of experience, we know how best to work with our clients in the process of land development. We as a legal team understand the pressure you’re under and the expectations you have, and we always strive to achieve the right conclusion for you.

Representation for developers

For a land developer, it’s essential that striking a deal quickly and effectively is important. To achieve this, it’s key that you work with a firm which can guarantee fast turnaround and a smooth process.

Representation for landowners

For landowners, a land development project could be the single most important financial transaction. Protecting your interests is paramount, and we will strive to ensure you understand the process and are happy with the desired outcome.

Why work with us

We’ve acted on behalf of many of developers and landowners over the years for both residential and commercial property areas. You can always expect the highest level of legal experience when working with our commercial property solicitors.

Our land development solicitors cover all aspects of developments, including land sales, site applications, contracts and the taking and granting of Options.

Our land development team will be able to advise on a range of topics, including:

• Acquisition of land for residential or commercial development
• Sale of a land or property intended for residential or commercial development
• Planning agreements
• Plot sales acting for developers
• Building Contracts
• Warranty Deeds