At GBH Law, we advise businesses, landlords, tenants, investors, developers, landowners, charities and independent schools on a wide range of commercial property matters.
Our lawyers take the time to understand the purpose of the transaction, the risks that matter most and how the property fits into the client’s wider plans. We combine technically strong, City-quality advice with the accessibility, responsiveness and cost of a regional firm.
How we can help
Whether you are buying or selling premises, granting or negotiating a lease, managing an investment portfolio or dealing with land for development, we provide clear and practical advice focused on helping the transaction progress smoothly.
We identify potential issues at an early stage, explain their commercial significance and work closely with clients and their other professional advisers to find a workable way forward.
Our commercial property work includes:
- Buying and selling commercial property
- Commercial leases for landlords and tenants
- Property portfolio management
- Commercial property finance and refinancing
- Development land and refurbishment projects
- Easements, restrictive covenants and other property rights
- Property support for business acquisitions and sales
- Specialist property advice for charities and independent schools
Buying, selling, leasing and financing property
We advise clients upon the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold property, the grant of new and renewal leases and generally on the legal aspects of financing of commercial property transactions.
We look beyond the legal documents to consider how the property will work in practice. For a tenant, this may involve permitted use, repair obligations, service charges, break rights and future flexibility. For an investor or owner, it may involve occupational arrangements, title restrictions, funding requirements and the wider purpose of the acquisition or disposal.
Our aim is to identify the issues that could affect cost, timing, value or the client’s ability to use the property as intended.
Managing property and portfolios
We support clients with the ongoing management of commercial property and property portfolios.
This may include granting and renewing leases, granting consents to lease transactions, advising on easements and access rights, dealing with restrictive covenants and resolving title issues that affect the use or value of the property.
By getting to know the client’s portfolio and longer-term plans, we can provide more informed advice and identify potential problems before they create delay or unnecessary cost.
Development land and refurbishment projects
We advise developers and landowners on the acquisition, disposal and control of land and buildings for development or refurbishment.
The team has experience advising on high-value option agreements over land for development. We also assist with the title, access, easement and restrictive covenant issues that can affect whether a site can be developed as intended.
Depending on the project, our work may include option agreements, conditional contracts, overage arrangements and acquisitions or disposals of development sites.
We work closely with agents, surveyors, architects, planning consultants, tax advisers and accountants to understand the wider project and address issues affecting viability, timing or value.
Property support for business acquisitions and sales
Property can be a significant part of a business acquisition, sale or reorganisation. Premises may be essential to operations, leases may require consent and title issues can affect the structure or timetable of the wider transaction.
Our commercial property lawyers work closely with GBH Law’s corporate team to review and deal with due diligence on freehold and leasehold interests, identify consent requirements, deal with property security and coordinate the property work with the wider transaction.
This joined-up approach keeps the advice focused on the client’s overall commercial objective.
Commercial property advice for charities and independent schools
We have particular experience advising charities and independent schools on the acquisition, development and management of their property assets.
Charities
Charities can be subject to additional legal and regulatory requirements when acquiring, leasing, managing or disposing of property.
We work with trustees and senior management teams to help them understand their responsibilities and make property decisions that support the charity’s objectives.
Our advice may include acquisitions and disposals, leases, statutory requirements affecting property transactions, development projects and the management of investment property.
Independent schools
We advise a range of independent schools on property matters connected with the operation, expansion and longer-term management of their estates.
This may include acquiring adjoining land, redevelopment projects, leases, access and utility rights, restrictive covenants and the management of third-party occupation.
We work pragmatically with school leaders, governors and other advisers to help turn plans for the estate into workable property arrangements
Frequently asked questions
When should I instruct a solicitor when taking a commercial lease?
Ideally, you should involve a solicitor before heads of terms are finalised. This allows important points such as repair obligations, permitted use, service charges, break rights and the ability to assign or sublet to be considered before the main terms are fixed.
See here our guide to commercial leases
What is an option agreement over land?
An option agreement gives one party the right, but not obligation, to purchase land during an agreed period and on defined terms. It is often used where a developer needs time to investigate a site, seek planning permission or assess whether a project is viable.
Can a restrictive covenant affect development plans?
Yes. A restrictive covenant may limit how land can be used or developed. The effect will depend on its wording, enforceability and the surrounding circumstances. Possible options may include negotiating a release or variation or considering indemnity insurance.
Can you help with the property aspects of buying or selling a business?
Yes. Our commercial property and corporate lawyers work together where a business transaction involves freehold or leasehold premises. We can review the property interests, identify consent requirements and coordinate the property work with the wider transaction.
Do charities have additional obligations when selling property?
Charities may need to comply with specific statutory requirements before disposing of land, including obtaining appropriate professional advice and considering whether the proposed terms are in the charity’s best interests.
Speak to our commercial property team
Whether you are acquiring premises, negotiating a lease, managing a portfolio or planning a development, early legal advice can help identify risks and avoid unnecessary delays.
Contact our commercial property team to discuss the transaction, your timescale and the wider outcome you want to achieve.
