A commercial property solicitor specialises in commercial property law. Whether you are a property owner, tenant, developer or investor, a commercial property solicitor will act to protect your best interests and offer advice to help you navigate the complex world of commercial property law.

Areas covered may include selling and buying commercial property, lease management, planning permission, and much more.

In this post, we cover what commercial property solicitors do, who they act on behalf of, and the benefits of hiring a solicitor. 

What Do Commercial Property Solicitors Do?

Commercial property solicitors cover anything to do with the sale, purchase, lease or development of commercial property. Commercial property is land or property that is intended to make a profit for the owner/owners and comes in a wide variety, from single small shops to large tourist attractions, shopping malls to office blocks – places used for commercial purposes, as opposed to residential.

Because commercial property law has its own laws and is distinctly different to other areas of law, you will find solicitors that specialise in just property. If you’re looking for a commercial property solicitor, you need to find one that covers the matter you require help with as not all solicitors cover every area. Some solicitors may cover both contentious and non-contentious matters or may only specialise in one area.

Some of the areas commonly covered by commercial property solicitors include:

• Buying, selling or leasing commercial land and property – such as offices, shops, warehouses, restaurants, cafes etc.
• Drafting, negotiating and reviewing contracts for sales and leases
• Lease management
• Tenancy agreements
• Property litigation covers a wide range of disputes related to commercial property.
• Investment and financing of commercial property
• Commercial planning permission
• Property due diligence and searches
• Property tax advice
• Advising on property-related aspects of mergers and acquisitions

There are multiple reasons you may need the services of a specialist commercial property law firm, from managing property portfolios to selling commercial property and more. From owning one property to large investors, almost anyone involved in commercial property will at some point need legal services… 

Types Of Clients Served By Commercial Property Solicitors

If you own commercial property, you will at some point, likely have worked with a commercial property solicitor or needed their services. It isn’t just property owners or investors that need solicitors too. Commercial tenants may need services from time to time. If, for example, a tenant wishes to get out of a tenancy agreement, would like to sublet, or make changes to a property.

Commercial property solicitors work with:

• Businesses of all sizes (from startups to multinational corporations)
• Investors and developers
• Landlords and tenants
• Financial institutions
• Public sector organisations

The commercial property sector in England and Wales is enormous, as it covers so many types of property. Each of those properties may have a tenant, landlord, or owner, so the scale of the number of people solicitors work with is vast.

Benefits Of Using A Commercial Property Solicitor

As mentioned, commercial property law is different to residential law and is often much more complex so it’s essential to seek legal advice before you take any action. Some of the benefits of working with a commercial property solicitor include:

• Protection: working with a commercial property solicitor helps safeguard your interests and minimise risks in complex transactions.
• Expertise: access specialised knowledge of commercial property law and regulations.
• Negotiation: secure favourable terms in leases and contracts that help you reach your commercial goals.
• Efficiency: navigate legal processes smoothly, saving yourself time and money.
• Peace of mind: you can focus on your business knowing your property matters are in expert hands.

And, here are some of the reasons you may choose to work with a commercial property solicitor:

• You want to buy or sell commercial property or land
• You want to expand your business with commercial property investments and need advice
• You need help managing multiple properties
• You need advice on funding or planning permission
• You need help with contracts or agreements relating to commercial property
• You have a dispute with a tenant and need advice

Finding the Right Commercial Property Solicitor

When you’re choosing a solicitor, you should choose one that has relevant experience and expertise. That’s why a commercial property solicitor is the best option if you need help with anything relating to your properties, but you should also check they have experience in the specific matter you are dealing with. For example, if you have a dispute you would like to settle, choose a solicitor who handles contentious commercial disputes.

Next, you should make sure you understand the fees and costs associated with any solicitor you wish to work with. Are they upfront about their costs and what results you can expect to see? Look for solicitors that offer fixed fees and don’t have any hidden costs.

To find the right commercial property solicitor it may be worth reaching out to your network of business associates or others you know, and asking if they have anyone they recommend.

You may also find it more helpful to work with a solicitor in your local area. At Blacks Legal, we are based in London, and although we work with people from across England and Wales, many of our clients are based in Hertfordshire, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Berkshire, and Bedfordshire.

Blacks Legal

Hopefully, our guide has been helpful, and you understand now what a commercial property solicitor is, what we do, and how we may be able to help you.

The benefits of having an experienced and professional commercial property solicitor on your side to help you navigate property can't be underestimated.

If you are seeking legal advice on anything relating to commercial property, please don’t hesitate to contact us. From planning permission to commercial litigation, we can assist with a wide range of property matters.