MODERN APPROACH TO
COMMERCIAL
REAL ESTATE
Commercial real estate law supports the acquisition, financing, development, occupation, management and disposal of property used for business and investment purposes.
HOW WE CAN HELP
commercial real estate advice from acquisition to operation
Commercial property decisions can affect investment returns, business operations and long-term growth. Our experienced Commercial Real Estate lawyers advise investors, developers, landlords, tenants, lenders and corporate occupiers throughout the property lifecycle.
We help clients acquire, sell, finance, develop, lease and manage commercial property. Whether you are expanding an investment portfolio, negotiating occupational premises, funding a development or dealing with property as part of a wider corporate transaction, we provide clear and commercially focused advice tailored to your objectives.
Where a matter involves related issues such as banking and finance, construction, corporate structuring, tax or disputes, your lead lawyer can coordinate the appropriate expertise from across the Kingsley Wood community.
Who we advise
- Property investors and asset managers
- Developers and landowners
- Commercial landlords and tenants
- Lenders and borrowers
- Corporate occupiers
- Property companies and joint ventures
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- UK and international investors
Discuss your Commercial Real Estate matter...
Speak directly with an experienced Kingsley Wood lawyer about your property, transaction or portfolio.
Commercial Property Acquisitions and Disposals
We advise buyers and sellers throughout the acquisition and disposal of commercial property, from initial due diligence through to exchange, completion and registration.
Our experience includes:
- Freehold and leasehold acquisitions
- Commercial property disposals
- Investment property transactions
- Portfolio acquisitions and sales
- Title investigation
- Property due diligence
- Contract negotiation
- Searches and enquiries
- Funding requirements
- Completion and post-completion matters
- Land Registry applications
- Stamp Duty Land Tax coordination
Commercial Leases
We advise landlords and tenants on the negotiation, renewal, variation and termination of commercial leases.
Our experience includes:
- New commercial leases
- Agreements for lease
- Lease renewals
- Assignments and underlettings
- Licences to alter
- Licences to occupy
- Break clauses
- Rent deposits
- Guarantees
- Service charges
- Repairing obligations
- Rent reviews
- Surrenders
- Lease variations
Real Estate Investment and Portfolio Management
We support investors and asset managers with the acquisition, operation, financing and disposal of individual assets and wider property portfolios.
Our experience includes:
- Investment acquisitions
- Portfolio transactions
- Lease reviews
- Tenant matters
- Asset-management arrangements
- Refinancing
- Property holding structures
- Portfolio reorganisations
- Disposals
- Ongoing property advice
- Risk management across multiple assets
Property Development
We advise developers, landowners, investors and funders on the legal aspects of commercial and mixed-use developments.
Our experience includes:
- Development acquisitions
- Site assembly
- Development agreements
- Conditional contracts
- Option agreements
- Overage arrangements
- Rights of access and easements
- Infrastructure arrangements
- Funding conditions
- Agreements for lease
- Development joint ventures
- Plot sales and disposals
Where required, we can coordinate advice from our Construction, Corporate, Banking and Tax teams.
Real Estate Finance
We advise lenders, borrowers, investors and property businesses on financing secured against commercial real estate.
Our experience includes:
- Acquisition finance
- Development finance
- Investment finance
- Refinancing
- Bridging finance
- Secured lending
- Legal charges
- Debentures and guarantees
- Certificates of title
- Lender due diligence
- Priority arrangements
- Release and discharge of security
Landlord and Tenant Advisory
We provide ongoing advice to commercial landlords and tenants throughout the property relationship.
We advise on:
- Lease interpretation
- Tenant applications
- Alterations
- Assignment and subletting
- Rent deposits
- Guarantor arrangements
- Repair and reinstatement
- Service charges
- Insurance obligations
- Rent reviews
- Break notices
- Lease renewals
- Surrenders
- Property-management issues
Where a disagreement arises, we can coordinate advice with our Disputes and Litigation team.
Corporate Occupiers
We help businesses acquire, lease, manage and dispose of premises that support their operational requirements.
Our experience includes:
- Office premises
- Retail units
- Industrial and warehouse property
- Hospitality and leisure premises
- Healthcare and professional premises
- Business relocations
- Expansion into additional locations
- Portfolio consolidation
- Break and renewal strategy
- Fit-out and alteration arrangements
- Exit and surrender negotiations
- Property support during business acquisitions
Options, Conditional Contracts and Promotion Agreements
We advise landowners, developers and investors on arrangements concerning the future acquisition or development of land.
Our experience includes:
- Option agreements
- Conditional contracts
- Promotion agreements
- Overage provisions
- Pre-emption rights
- Exclusivity agreements
- Planning conditions
- Long-stop dates
- Access arrangements
- Price mechanisms
- Disposal and exit provisions
Real Estate Joint Ventures and Structures
We advise businesses and investors on joint ventures and ownership structures used for commercial property projects and investments.
Our experience includes:
- Property joint ventures
- Development joint ventures
- Special-purpose vehicles
- Investment structures
- Shareholders’ agreements
- Funding obligations
- Governance arrangements
- Reserved matters
- Profit-sharing mechanisms
- Deadlock provisions
- Transfer restrictions
- Exit arrangements
Property Support for Corporate Transactions
Business acquisitions, disposals and reorganisations often involve commercial property interests that must be reviewed as part of the wider transaction.
We assist with:
- Property due diligence
- Review of freehold and leasehold assets
- Landlord consents
- Assignments and transfers
- Change-of-control provisions
- Property warranties and disclosure
- Intra-group transfers
- Property aspects of business sales
- Completion requirements
- Post-completion registrations
OUR PEOPLE
the commercial real estate team
Our Commercial Real Estate lawyers combine technical property expertise with a practical understanding of investment, development and business priorities. Your matter is led by an experienced lawyer who remains closely involved and coordinates related support from our Banking, Construction, Corporate, Tax and Disputes teams where required.
Karen Hallet
Partner
Shamez Velji
Partner
Justine Wills
Partner
James Sandbach
Partner
FAQs
1. When should I involve Kingsley Wood in a commercial property transaction?
It is usually best to involve us before heads of terms or other commercial commitments are finalised. Early involvement allows us to identify title, lease, funding or development issues and ensure that the proposed terms properly support your objectives.
2. Can Kingsley Wood act on both the property and finance aspects of a transaction?
Yes. Commercial property transactions frequently involve acquisition funding, development finance or secured lending. Your lead Commercial Real Estate lawyer can coordinate with our Banking and Finance team so that the property and funding workstreams progress together.
3. Can Kingsley Wood review or negotiate a commercial lease?
Yes. We advise landlords and tenants on new leases, renewals, assignments, variations, break rights, rent deposits, guarantees and other occupational arrangements. We will explain the practical implications of the proposed terms and identify provisions that may affect cost, flexibility or future use of the property.
4. Can Kingsley Wood support a commercial property development?
Yes. We can advise on site acquisitions, conditional contracts, option agreements, development agreements, funding conditions, easements and agreements for lease. Where required, we can also coordinate input from our Construction, Corporate, Banking and Tax lawyers.
5. Can Kingsley Wood provide ongoing support for a property portfolio?
Yes. We can provide ongoing advice on acquisitions, disposals, leases, tenant applications, refinancing, asset management and other matters arising across a commercial property portfolio. The scope can be tailored to the size and requirements of your portfolio.
INSIGHTS
practical property thinking for
investors and businesses
Explore guidance from our Commercial Real Estate lawyers on acquisitions, leases, development, property finance and the legal issues affecting commercial property.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ENQUIRIES
speak to our commercial
real estate team
Whether you are acquiring, selling, financing, developing, leasing or managing commercial property, tell us how we can help.
Phone number
+44 (0) 20 3551 8042
Our address
69 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5EQ.
