Commercial Property
Buying commercial property. Selling an investment. Agreeing a lease. Funding an acquisition. Developing a site. Whatever brings you to us, you need more than a solicitor who simply works through the legal process.
You need a legal team that understands what the transaction is trying to achieve, identifies what could stand in the way and takes responsibility for helping move the deal forward. At Sharpwell, that is how we approach commercial property transactions.
Clear advice. Commercial thinking. Practical solutions. Proactive communication. And a team focused on getting the transaction where it needs to be.
Buying, Selling & Investing in Commercial Property
Commercial property advice that looks beyond the transaction.
Buying, selling or investing in commercial property involves more than agreeing terms and completing a deal. The legal position can have a significant bearing on the property’s value, its intended use, funding arrangements and future plans.
From restrictive covenants, rights of way and planning restrictions to existing tenancies, vacant possession, title defects and lender requirements, legal issues can affect both the viability of a transaction and the opportunities a property presents.
We take time to understand what you want to achieve, identify material risks early and provide clear, practical advice on the issues that matter. Our focus is on protecting your position, maintaining momentum and ensuring the legal arrangements support your wider commercial objectives.
Commercial Leases & Occupation
Lease terms that work commercially as well as legally.
A commercial lease can shape how a property is occupied, managed and dealt with for years to come. The terms agreed at the outset can have significant implications for costs, operational flexibility, future liabilities and the ability to adapt as circumstances change.
From rent reviews, break clauses and repairing obligations to service charges, permitted use, alterations and security of tenure, the detail of a lease can have lasting commercial consequences.
We advise landlords, tenants and business occupiers on negotiating terms that reflect their objectives, understanding the obligations they are taking on and addressing potential areas of dispute before they arise. Our focus is on securing clear, workable arrangements that protect your position and support the intended use and long-term management of the property.
Property Development
From opportunity to completed development.
Successful property development depends on more than securing the right site. The legal position can influence what can be built, how a scheme is delivered, its funding arrangements and its long-term commercial viability.
From site assembly, access rights and restrictive covenants to planning obligations, infrastructure agreements, easements and third-party interests, legal issues can affect the feasibility, cost and timing of a development.
We work with developers, landowners and investors to identify material issues and dependencies early, assess their implications for the proposed scheme and coordinate the legal work around key development milestones. Our focus is on resolving obstacles, protecting your position and ensuring the property arrangements support the wider development strategy.
Refinancing
Property, funding and timing working together.
Refinancing commercial property involves more than securing favourable lending terms. The legal position of the property, existing financial arrangements and lender requirements can all influence the availability of funding, the terms on which it is offered and the timing of drawdown.
From title issues, existing charges and security arrangements to occupational leases, lender due diligence, certificates of title and conditions precedent, legal requirements can affect both the progress and completion of a refinancing transaction.
We work with property owners, investors and lenders to identify potential obstacles early, coordinate the property and funding workstreams and address the legal requirements needed to achieve drawdown. Our focus is on protecting your position, maintaining momentum and ensuring the refinancing supports your wider commercial objectives.
Sharpwell Files
Commercial Property
The Fine Print That Made a Central London Hotel Development Possible
Under pressure and on a tight timetable, we helped a global real estate investment company acquire an unused Central London hotel, negotiate a ground-floor lease and secure the development rights needed for future works.
Central London Property Acquisition: Securing a £5 Million-Plus Investment
How our commercial property team navigated tenancy risks and tight deadlines to negotiate a reduced price and secure contractual protections on a significant Central London acquisition.
Multi-Million-Pound Commercial Property Acquisition
Complex ownership structures, existing tenants and significant tax considerations: how our commercial property team helped a fast-growing fintech company secure a strategic commercial property investment.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Client reviews
Commercial property decisions need clarity, strategy and momentum
Let's move your commercial property transaction forward
Whether you're acquiring premises, negotiating a lease, selling, refinancing or developing property, speak to our team.Tell us what you're looking to achieve. We'll outline the legal requirements, next steps and how we can support you.