Commercial property lawyers, solicitors and barristers at Keystone Law

Good legal advice from a commercial property lawyer is an essential ingredient to ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly and your risk is minimised. Our commercial property experts will ensure you remain in control during the entire process, however complicated or simple things may seem. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, a landlord or a tenant or a commercial developer, the stakes are high.

Our commercial property services

For developers and investors, our commercial property team provide advice on acquisitions, disposals, property finance, asset management, planning, construction, SDLT and VAT issues, as well as all contractual issues. Commercial tenants and landlords also turn to our specialists for assistance with negotiating lease terms and resolving any potential disputes.

Who do we advise?

We work with property developers, entrepreneurs, retailers and companies of all sizes, who continually rely on us because of our unashamedly commercial focus, a proven track record of success, and the quality of our advice.

Why choose our commercial property team?

Our commercial property solicitors are some of the best and most experienced in the industry, and cover a vast range of legal issues. The team have impressive credentials of acting for many high-profile clients and on high-value transactions.

For further information or to discuss a commercial property matter, please telephone 020 3319 3700 or click here to email us.

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Keynote

Hospitality leases in a post-pandemic world

Lisa Raymond

28 July 2023

News

Keystone Law welcomes 14 new partners and 2 consultant solicitors to the firm

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Acquisitions and disposals

Our team of real estate lawyers understands the vast complexities involved in acquisitions and disposals of both leasehold and freehold commercial property. We regularly guide our clients through the labyrinth of negotiating contracts, reviewing titles, reporting all issues relevant to the transaction, obtaining consent and advising on other title restrictions in order to ensure that the transactions run as smoothly as possible. We are also on hand to advise on specific issues which may affect individual transactions such as Stamp Duty Land Tax and Capital Allowances.

Asset management

Property management often raises a number of issues. Our team of experts are adept to advising landlords on any issues that may arise including advising on consents for assignment and underletting, advising on consents to charge and make alterations which can often include stringent documentation, and liaising with appointed management agents.

Authorised guarantee agreements

Authorised guarantee agreements are complex and confusing documents. We advise our clients on understanding the nature of these agreements, the implications of signing such an agreement, and issues that may arise (including defaults) on having signed the agreement. We work very closely with each client to ensure that all obligations in the agreements are complied with under the guarantee.

Commercial and residential development

The real estate market is picking up and we are witnessing an increase in demand for advice in relation to both commercial and residential development. We work with a number of developers, both in the residential and commercial sphere, advising them on all legal aspects of their developments. We are on hand to aid on the setting up of a management company; dealing with all funder requirements if necessary; drafting of all sale, development and funding documentation; advising on all construction related issues including contracts and warranty agreements; and advising on all planning and tax related issues relating to the development.

Corporate occupiers

Healthy and safety responsibilities in relation to commercial properties can often be overlooked due to the volume of non-professional landlords leasing properties. Aspects such as general maintenance, risk assessments, asbestos, and gas and electrical safety all need to be taken into consideration. We can work with you to ensure that you are up to speed with guidance set out by the relevant government bodies and ensure that you manage your property efficiently.

Deeds of variation

Certain transactions will require a variation of certain documentation, including leases, or the establishment of new rights of way over existing developments or building. We are able to assist in the preparation of all documentation relating to deeds of variation, restrictions and easements; the drafting of all applications to the Land Registry; and advising on any tax related implications including Stamp Duty Land Tax.

Health and Safety

Joint ventures and profit share agreements

Landlord and tenant

The relationship between a landlord and a tenant in a commercial or residential setting can be fraught with problems. We understand the importance that correctly drafted leases can have on both parties when a dispute arises. We work in tandem with our clients to ensure that all leases and clauses work for them to negate future problems. Our clients are both landlords and tenants from institutional companies and pension funds to retail tenants and small individual businesses. We advise on all types of leases including mineral leases and commercial leases and tailor each to suit the requirements of the individual client.

Option and pre-emption agreements

Our well experienced lawyers understand that sometimes a potential buyer requires a period of time to decide whether a property is for them and we advise on the implication of options to purchase land and buildings. We also prepare all necessary documentation and protect these interest at the Land Registry. Our expertise extend to the drafting of pre-emption agreements to guarantee a right of first refusal in buying the likes of a freehold or adjoining land, and we advise on the best option for the individual.

Overage clawback agreements

Our real estate team has significant expertise in advising both buyers and sellers in cases where a landowner may want to secure future payments if the land becomes more valuable due to its sale for a development. These can be complicated agreements to negotiate and draft but our team are well experienced in doing so as well as dealing with all land registry requirements.

Property finance and secured lending

Institutional and private lenders often require specialist advice in relation to property lending work. We work with clients to draft all documentation relating to debentures, facility agreements and legal charges, as well as more complex lending contracts. We are also on hand to review all titles and leases and take in to account the specific emphasis on the requirements demanded by the lender which are often different from the buyer’s interests. We have vast experience in giving clients expert advice in this area including where lending is involved for both built and established properties or for land yet to be developed on.

We also advise equity investors, private individuals, family offices and corporate entities on joint ventures, through private limited companies, partnerships and offshore vehicles. Our specialist teams advising on fund formation, corporate vehicles and tax, are able to deliver a comprehensive service working with our clients accounting and professional advisers.

Regeneration projects

Regeneration project work requires very specific advice and we have a team dedicated to working specifically with large regeneration projects. Our expertise span from not only property acquisition but also to the potential planning of issues that may arise, for example compulsive purchase, through to construction issues relating to building and civil engineering.

Rent deposits

Our team regularly advises clients, both in the residential and commercial sectors, on rent deposits. We guide our clients through the potential implications that may arise dependant on the type of rent deposit and we negotiate all related documentation.

Stamp duty land tax and VAT

We have a dedicated team of tax experts that works in tandem with our real estate lawyers. This dedicated team is always on hand to advise on all tax issues in related to a transaction whenever they arise including Stamp Duty Land Tax and VAT.

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Advised a leading restaurant brand on a restructuring of their leases held at multiple sites to take into account the closure of all their restaurants due to COVID-19 during lockdown.
Acted for Citibank/Citigroup with the acquisitions, disposals and management of its UK real estate portfolio.
Acted for global commodity traders in relation to a lease of over 21,000 square feet in 20 Fenchurch Street (the “Walkie-Talkie”).
Advised a football club on the acquisition of a 17-acre training complex including an option for the club to purchase the land.
Advised on the property aspects of a £232 million facility for a prime retail estate in Knightsbridge.
Advised Aldi Stores Limited on the rollout of its 1,000 store programme by 2020, involving a significant portfolio of development sites across England and Wales.
Advised on real estate aspects of the £2.7bn acquisition of the Greene King pub portfolio.
Acted on the asset purchase of 19 operational hotels from Corus Group via tax saving JPUTS for £115 million
Acted for Tesco Stores Limited in the piecemeal acquisition of store development sites mostly by conditional purchase or option agreement
Acted on the acquisition of various restaurant sites (freehold and leasehold) for Le Pain Quotidien and Giraffe in London and around the UK
Acted for IBM on the sale and leaseback of numerous properties
Acted for British Telecommunications plc on the outsourcing of its UK property portfolio, comprising around 7,500 properties
Acted for one of the largest independent hospitals in the UK on its acquisition of a prime London site, with a value of £7.8m to enable expansion of its business. The administration process involving two of the Targetfollow Group holding companies, incorporating circa 30 subsidiaries
Acted for the administrators of Lehman Brothers in respect of numerous property issues arising out of the administration
Acted for a public sector superannuation fund and its advisers, DTZ Investment Management, in advising on the management of its £200m commercial property investment portfolio
Acting for Marks and Spencer plc in lease renewals, management work and sales
Acting for major UK house-builder in respect of the acquisition and redevelopment of the historic, but contaminated Royal Arsenal Woolwich site
Acting on the acquisition of shopping centre and high street units (including agreements for construction of premises within shopping centres and schemes), lease renewals and re-gears, for many household name retailers and restaurateurs including Prezzo Plc, ASK, Pizza Express, Strada, Cafe Rouge, Cote Restaurants, Bill’s, La Senza, Ryman, L’Occitane, Dune, Tiger Retail, and a large middle Eastern retail and restaurant client with over 2500 units and over 75 brands under franchise
Advised on the key purchase of a building on a significant business park in the North East.
Acted for Allen & Overy in the re-gear of the leases under which they occupy the landmark Obel Building at Donegall Quay in the centre of Belfast.

Paula Abrahamian

Partner

Paula’s expertise is in real estate investment, development and finance. She specialises in the acquisition and disposal of multi-let properties across all asset classes for institutional clients, property companies, developers… Read More

Mohammed Husnain Ali

Associate

Husnain is an Associate within our Residential and Commercial Property Team and deals with the acquisition and disposal of high-value freehold, leasehold and unregistered land within the prime and super-prime… Read More

Susan Anand

Partner

Susan is a real estate lawyer specialising in both commercial and residential property. Her client base consists, largely, of retail owners, landlords and tenants. With fifteen years’ experience, Susan is… Read More

Gavin Ballance

Partner

Gavin has a wide range of experience in resolving commercial, corporate and property disputes. He has acted for many highly regarded clients such as the trustees of a city bank… Read More

Greg Barnbrook

Partner

Property litigation specialist Greg advises on a wide range of both commercial and residential property disputes. Together with his general commercial property litigation work such as 1954 Act lease renewals,… Read More

Sam Benfield

Partner

Sam is a commercial property solicitor specialising in transactional landlord and tenant law. She has extensive experience acting for clients across a variety of sectors in relation to the acquisition,… Read More

Isobella Bodmer

Paralegal

Isobella is a Paralegal within our Real Estate team dealing with a range property management issues and disputes. She supports lawyers on matters for clients including major corporate occupiers/tenants with… Read More

Nicholas Brown

Consultant Solicitor

Nicholas is a skilled property lawyer with expertise in all aspects of commercial property practice and, in particular, residential property development work. With nearly thirty years’ experience, he is well… Read More

Sharron Carle

Consultant Solicitor

Sharron is a specialist tax solicitor who has considerable commercial and real estate transactional tax experience. She has particular expertise in designing and implementing Stamp Duty Land Tax planning and… Read More

Peter Clegg

Partner

Peter is a commercial property law specialist experienced in advising investors and developers on high-value investments and complex developments throughout the country. He also advises borrowers on commercial property refinancings,… Read More

Lara Cole

Partner

Lara is a property lawyer and provides a full-service offering in relation to real estate matters acting for investors, developers, landlords, occupiers and administrators. With a wealth of private practice… Read More

Adam Cornbloom

Partner

Adam specialises in commercial property transactions and began his career practising in New York as in-house counsel for a real estate investment fund. He advises on all aspects of property… Read More

Dan Cowley

Partner

Dan is a commercial property solicitor who specialises in property development work, acting for landowners and developers. He regularly advises on legal agreements relating to planning, such as conditional contracts,… Read More

Sally Cranshaw

Director (Isle of Man)

Sally is a Manx Advocate. Since 2005 her practice has focused extensively on UK commercial real estate (CRE) financing through Isle of Man (IoM) vehicles (primarily companies, limited partnerships, property… Read More

James Daglish

Partner

James is a leisure and hospitality sector expert with over 15 years’ experience advising businesses within the sector on how to grow or consolidate their operations, with a particular specialism… Read More

Stuart Darlington

Consultant Solicitor

Stuart is a property lawyer who has acted for major clients in all commercial real estate areas. He has extensive experience in advising on acquisitions and disposals, investment management, funding,… Read More

Ruth Deehan

Partner

Ruth is an experienced commercial property lawyer who specialises in advising clients within the retail sector. She provides advice on all areas of real estate including landlord and tenant matters,… Read More

Nick Ellis

Consultant Solicitor

Nick is a property lawyer specialising in real estate as an asset with a focus on finance and structures. Nick’s work covers the full spectrum of real estate sectors: offices,… Read More

Jonathan Erdman

Consultant Solicitor

Jonathan is a property solicitor who deals with both commercial and residential property transactions. He often advises on the acquisition of residential blocks, industrial sites, office parks and mixed use… Read More

Michael Fluss

Consultant Solicitor

Michael is a corporate tax specialist who advises major financial institutions, real estate and retail companies on effective tax structuring. His advice often involves the tax implications of complex UK… Read More

Shayne Foley

Partner

Shayne is an experienced property lawyer and undertakes a wide range of commercial property work with particular expertise in dealing with retail, occupational and investment work, sales and purchases, landlord… Read More

Ben Garbett

Consultant Solicitor

Ben is an experienced planning law specialist who advises developers and landowners on a broad range of planning, highways and compulsory purchase matters. His sector focus includes residential and commercial… Read More

Trevor Garrood

Partner

Trevor is an expert in all areas of real estate law, and he acts for a diverse range of UK and international clients. Trevor has particular experience in large real… Read More

Rima Gasperas

Partner

Rima is a consultant in the commercial property team with a keen focus on the retail sector. Over the past 14 years she has gained experience working with some of… Read More

James Goff

Partner

James has nearly 20 years’ experience and specialises in bridging finance and short-term property finance, as well as, residential and commercial property transactions. James is renowned for his expertise as… Read More

Jason Goldsmith

Consultant Solicitor

Jason is an experienced property lawyer. Having worked at leading UK and US practices, Jason deals with a broad range of commercial property work, in particular landlord and tenant, with… Read More

Graham Goldspink

Partner

Graham is a property lawyer who delivers commercial advice to businesses and high-net-worth individuals/entrepreneurs. He has a broad range of experience with particular focus on investment property, property development and… Read More

Laurence Gray

Partner

Laurence is a skilled property litigator. He has expertise in all areas of property litigation including rights of way and other easements, both commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes,… Read More

Susan Haggard

Partner

Susan is an experienced commercial property law specialist with a diverse client portfolio. She acts for private investment companies, commercial landlords and tenants, developers, charities, and HNW individuals and family… Read More

Joe Haigh

Partner

Joe is a property lawyer specialising in commercial and mixed-use freeholds and leaseholds. His expertise centres on real estate investment and niche property/pension-related transactions (SIPP and SSAS) including acquisitions, asset… Read More

Jane Harte-Lovelace

Partner

Jane is a commercial dispute resolution lawyer who advises companies, board members and high-net-worth individuals on risk and the avoidance and resolution of disputes both domestic and international. Jane has… Read More

Alex Heaton

Partner

Alex is a commercial property lawyer of over 20 years’ experience. He advises on all aspects of real estate transactions, including landlord and tenant matters, sales and acquisitions. For landlords,… Read More

Chris Hill

Partner

Chris is a property litigation specialist who works primarily on commercial property disputes. He advises on a wide range of matters including all things relating to landlord and tenant law,… Read More

Guy Hitchin

Partner

Guy acts for and is a trusted commercial property law adviser to national and international property businesses with a client base that includes property investment companies, banks and corporate occupiers, predominantly in… Read More

Tony Houghton

Consultant Solicitor

Tony is a business-minded commercial property solicitor with over 35 years’ experience. His experience ranges from transactional and development work to landlord and tenant agreements.

Ed John

Partner

Ed is an experienced real estate disputes lawyer with particular expertise dealing with developers in relation to building defects as well as the hotel and hospitality industry. He often acts… Read More

Robert Kilgour

Partner

Robert specialises in real estate investment, advising on acquisitions and disposals as well as property financing. With a client base that includes property listed companies, high-net-worth individuals and overseas investors,… Read More

Stephen Kingsley

Partner

Stephen is a commercial solicitor with a particular interest in Town & Country Planning matters as well as the environment and climate change issues following his LLM degree in Climate… Read More

Vicci Laslett

Consultant Advocate

Vicci advises on commercial and residential property law, and is a specialist in the area of conveyancing. Her expertise covers both landlord and tenant issues, and also extends to dealing… Read More

Samantha Leigh

Partner

Samantha specialises in real estate law, particularly within the rural sector. She deals with all types of non-contentious agricultural/landed estate work plus high-value residential property and commercial property. Samantha’s clients… Read More

Sal Mamujee

Partner

Sal is a property lawyer with a broad range of expertise in advising on both residential and commercial property matters. Acting primarily for property dealers, he has extensive experience in… Read More

Simon Massey

Partner

Simon has over 20 years’ experience specialising in real estate investment and development, acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant law, secured lending, and real estate aspects of corporate transactions (mergers,… Read More

Paul McCourt

Partner

Paul is a solicitor and Chartered Tax Adviser specialising in corporate transactions, property transactions and share schemes. He advises on a wide range of projects, from tax-efficient structures, mergers and… Read More

Robert McLellan

Consultant Solicitor

Robert is a property litigation specialist and acts for both commercial and private clients in relation to all types of disputes relating to land, including property developments where there are… Read More

Alex Miller

Consultant Solicitor

Alex advises on a wide range of property transactions with a particular focus on commercial development transactions, and the acquisition and disposal of assets for domestic and overseas investors. She… Read More

Valerie Mitchell

Consultant Solicitor

Valerie is a commercial property lawyer with many years experience of advising both businesses and individuals on all aspects of commercial property including retail, offices, warehouses and industrial buildings with… Read More

Alison Moore

Partner

Property litigator Alison is an expert in landlord and tenant law. She is experienced in advising on high-value asset management issues relating to shopping centres, retail portfolios and office buildings… Read More

Will Nash

Partner

Will is a corporate lawyer with expertise in M&A acquisitions and disposals, venture capital investments, joint ventures, corporate reorganisations, LLPs and corporate real estate transactions. Will focuses on supporting UK… Read More

Jon Olson-Welsh

Partner

Jon specialises in construction and engineering law, with a specific focus on procurement and tendering advice and the drafting of construction and engineering contracts. His experience includes drafting and advising… Read More

Claudia Otto

Partner

Claudia advises on construction and property development projects, particularly in the student accommodation and hotel sectors. She advises clients in all areas of commercial property and construction law, beginning with… Read More

Minesh Patel

Partner

Minesh has over 30 years’ experience dealing with lettings, acquisitions, disposals, investment, development and refinancing of commercial property, particularly in hotels, pubs, restaurants and clubs. He is on the panel… Read More

Versha Patel

Legal Assistant

Versha is a Legal Assistant within our Commercial Property team, supporting them in their work advising businesses on lettings, acquisitions, disposals, investments, development and refinancing of commercial property. The team… Read More

Adam Perry

Partner

Adam is a property law specialist with many years’ experience advising on a wide spectrum of property-related matters including development, investment, finance, and landlord and tenant matters. Many of his… Read More

Sally Pilott

Partner

Sally is an experienced commercial property solicitor who acts for retail, leisure and institutional clients with large property portfolios, and residential developers. She is an expert in sales and acquisitions,… Read More

Ajay Rana

Consultant Solicitor

Ajay is a property solicitor who specialises in commercial real estate. His experience includes acquisitions and disposals, development, lettings and portfolio management, real estate finance, corporate and residential real estate… Read More

Sheena Ray

Partner

Sheena is a commercial property specialist who advises a variety of high-profile national and regional clients, particularly in the retail sector. She has extensive experience of working with investor clients… Read More

Lisa Raymond

Partner

Lisa is a specialist retail and leisure property solicitor with a particular focus on the restaurant sector. Her clients range from nationwide established brands to beginners in the industry spanning… Read More

Eleanor Richardson

Partner

Eleanor is an experienced property lawyer and is able to advise on all aspects of Real Estate, using a highly commercial approach tailored to each client’s individual needs. Her practice… Read More

Dagmara Selwyn-Kuczera

Partner

Dagmara specialises in both commercial and residential property law and is highly experienced in investment transactions and landlord and tenant issues. Property companies and trustees of pension schemes turn to… Read More

Priya Shah

Paralegal

Priya is a paralegal who assists with both commercial and residential property transactions. This includes advising commercial landlords and tenants on a range of property transactions, including sub-sales, residential lease… Read More

Nick Smith

Partner

Nick is a commercial property solicitor and experienced adviser to housebuilders, developers and land owners on the acquisition and disposal of strategic development land. Nick has substantial experience of conditional… Read More

Belinda Solomon

Partner

Belinda has over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of commercial real estate and acts for all types of real-estate clients including property companies, occupiers, joint ventures and funds. She… Read More

Alan Spiers

Consultant Solicitor

Alan has more than 33 years’ experience as a commercial property lawyer, primarily working on investment and development projects. He also has experience working with art galleries, castles, and corporate… Read More

John Stephens

Partner

John is a partner in the firm’s commercial property team with considerable experience in real estate and property law. John acts mainly for offshore investors and developers of commercial property… Read More

Stephanie Thomas

Partner

Stephanie is an expert in complex civil and commercial litigation. She has many years of experience in dispute resolution, as well as emergency injunction applications. Advising both companies and private… Read More

David Thomson

Partner

David is a Scottish-qualified property/corporate lawyer with a distinct specialism in structuring and promoting tax-efficient property transactions. He is well known for his expertise in Enterprise Zone syndicates, BPRA LLPs… Read More

Andrew Tugwell

Consultant Solicitor

Andrew is a dual-qualified senior solicitor and chartered surveyor. He is also a qualified arbitrator and an experienced mediator. He has particular expertise dealing with property management issues and disputes.… Read More

Stephen Woolf

Consultant Solicitor

Stephen is a proactive commercial property solicitor who specialises in office, retail, industrial, occupational and investment transactions; sales and purchases of land; and landlord and tenant matters. Stephen often advises… Read More

Chris Worthington

Partner

Chris advises property investors, housebuilders, strategic land professionals, property traders and property occupiers. He has worked with a wide range of clients, from small independent property companies to multinational listed… Read More

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Commercial Property

Our commercial property services

Who do we advise?

Why choose our commercial property team?

Hospitality leases in a post-pandemic world

Keystone Law welcomes 14 new partners and 2 consultant solicitors to the firm

Expertise

Acquisitions and disposals

Asset management

Authorised guarantee agreements

Commercial and residential development

Corporate occupiers

Deeds of variation

Health and Safety

Joint ventures and profit share agreements

Landlord and tenant

Option and pre-emption agreements

Overage clawback agreements

Property finance and secured lending

Regeneration projects

Rent deposits

Stamp duty land tax and VAT

Experience

Team

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