The commercial property and planning department at Paris Smith LLP is regularly entrusted by major domestic developers, investors, lenders, landlords, and tenants. The practice’s joint heads provide a wealth and breadth of experience: Rachel Saint regularly assists property investors and asset managers on corporate- and property-level acquisitions and disposals, particularly in the retail and leisure sectors, while Stuart Allen is a key contact among banks and private lenders for asset and portfolio security packages and financings. Noted for her ‘good, prompt, and efficient advice’, Joanne Spittles offers expertise in development, promotion agreements, and acquisitions and disposals. Hannah Winchester is a key contact among notable national retailers concerning landlord and tenant work, site and asset acquisitions, and portfolio management.
Commercial property: Hampshire in South East
Paris Smith LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Rachel Saint; Stuart Allen
Autres avocats clés:
Joanne Spittles; Hannah Winchester
Les références
‘The practice has significant expertise in virtually all areas of real estate law – a real ‘one stop shop’ for all our legal requirements.’
‘By combining fantastic availability with a commercial outlook and a strong knowledge of property finance and the local market, Paris Smith is second to none in the Southampton area.’
‘The firm have an excellent local presence, in terms of networking, sponsorship and charitable activities, which strengthens their position as a prominent and important part of the local professional community.’
Principaux clients
Castle Trust Capital Plc
InterBay Funding, Ltd
Hobbycraft Trading Limited
Bourne Leisure Limited
Draper Tools Limited
Solent Stevedores Limited
Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited (HSLHL)
Co-operative Group Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on the sale of Hampshire Sport & Leisure Holdings Limited, owner of the Utilita Bowl site and Hampshire Cricket, to GMR Global Pte Ltd.
- Advised InterBay Funding, Ltd. on the £54m refinance of two commercial properties in London.
- Acting for Hobbycraft regarding their acquisition programme for new stores and dealing with a variety of landlord and tenant work in connection with its existing portfolio of leasehold properties.
Shoosmiths LLP
Standing out for its ‘extensive experience and deep understanding’ across industry segments, the real estate practice at Shoosmiths LLP is highly sought-after among leading domestic and multinational clients. Owing to her regulatory and commercial expertise, particularly in the rail and industrial spaces, team head Joanne McGuinness is regularly entrusted on large-scale portfolio management, acquisitions, and disposals. Specialising in residential and mixed-use assets, Sara Hampson acts for leading developers and promotors on promotion agreements and contracts for the purchase of sites. Mehar Patel brings a property finance, investment, and development focus, counting leading multinational banks and investment firms among his clients. A specialist in the office and infrastructure spaces, Jess Ready leads in negotiating high-value lease agreements.
Responsables de la pratique:
Joanne McGuinness
Autres avocats clés:
Mehar Patel; Sara Hampson; Jess Ready; Katrina Spolander
Les références
‘Shoosmiths stands out for its extensive experience and deep understanding of the rail industry. The team has this past year successfully handled complex negotiations and agreements, demonstrating its expertise in navigating the industry’s regulatory framework and its longstanding industry connections.’
‘The team’s ability to secure crucial agreements has delivered significant value to us.’
‘The team is not only capable at their jobs but also friendly and professional, making them a joy to work with.’
Principaux clients
Cavendish Education Group
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) Limited
Roke Manor Limited
Barratt Developments Limited
William Lacey Group Limited
Telefonica UK Limited
Hitachi Rail Limited
The Hamleys Group
Wolverhampton City Council
Thurrock Borough Council
The Estate Office Shoreditch
Almacantar Limited
Marsh Corporate Services Limited
Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited
IKEA Properties Investments Limited
Hitachi Europe Limited
Lifeways Care Group
Civil Nuclear Police Authority
London EV Company Limited
Taylor Wimpey UK Limited
Dukes Education Group
Onecom Limited
Deltroit Asset Management (UK) LLP
MMG Properties Limited
Union Investment GmbH
Dama Retail UK Limited
Grainger (Aldershot) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Telefonica UK Limited on the management of its retail property portfolio.
- Acting for a high street lender on a new loan against a 16-acre housing development project for 250 houses.
- Advising a strategic land promoter in relation to a land promotion agreement with a collaboration of landowners, regarding a site with potential for over 2000 dwellings
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
The real estate department at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is headed by Tim Burbidge, who advises major developers and occupiers on development and option agreements, particularly in the residential space. A specialist in investment and development work, William Akerman assists on the acquisition, development, and management of property and site assets, with a focus in the marine sector. Offering standout expertise in the marine and energy segments, Anthony Alderman is entrusted by major domestic property, power, and engineering companies on site leases, acquisitions, and disposals. A sought-after advisor to leading investment managers and corporate occupiers, Stephen Baker leads on the acquisition and disposal of leisure and industrial assets.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tim Burbidge
Autres avocats clés:
William Akerman; Anthony Alderman; Stephen Baker
Les références
‘Great range of retail clientele enables them to encounter latest lease innovations and changes in the wider market.’
‘A very commercial approach to negotiation and a willingness to assist in the decision making by bringing experiences from other transactions.’
‘Great team with strong solid advice.’
Principaux clients
The Crown Estate
New Look Retailers
Babcock International Group Plc
Associated British Ports
Havant Borough Council
Moorfield Group
Patrizia Property Investment Managers
Akelius
Tristan Capital/Addington Capital
The Automobile Association
CooperVision
CareerBuilder LLC
Go Ape!
Quilter
London Borough of Sutton
Carpetright
Church Commissioners for England
Columbia Threadneedle Property Growth & Income Fund
Carnival plc
Transdev
RATP Dev UK
Hartwell plc
Footlocker
AIG
Ann Summers
RWE
Scottish Power
UK Research and Investment
HBOS Final Salary Pension Scheme / CBRE Investment Management
London Theatre Company
First Alliance Properties
Decathlon
SeAH Wind
Black Sheep Coffee
Frogmore
Freshwater
Citrus
Nic Roach
Harbour Hotels
Caisson io
Modril
Bradford Estates
The Queen’s College, Oxford
Persimmon Homes
Taylor Wimpey
Hampshire County Council
Boxpark
Fareham Borough Council
New Forest District Council
Tower Transit
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the Automobile Associated on the relocation of its head office to a newly developed 150,000 square foot modern office building.
- Advised CBRE Investment Management in connection with the acquisition and leaseback of a recently-built Premier Inn Hotel in Oxford.
- Advised Associated British Ports in connection with a large strategically important site adjacent to the Port of Southampton.
Blake Morgan LLP
The ‘exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable’ property services group at Blake Morgan LLP stands out for the breadth of its transactional, development, and asset management expertise. Practice head Oliver Sowton is an expert on the sale, purchase, and management of housing, rural estates, and retail assets, counting leading local and multinational companies among his clients. Offering ‘clear technical knowledge and expertise’, Elizabeth Covil advises occupiers on the acquisition, development, and disposal of retail sites. Standing out for her ‘wisdom, knowledge and experience’, Alison Westbrook assists in due diligence concerning property acquisitions, disposals, and finance.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oliver Sowton
Autres avocats clés:
Elizabeth Covil; Alison Westbrook
Les références
‘The team at Blake Morgan is efficient and explains matters clearly and succinctly, identifying the risks and opportunities where needed. They are quick to respond to queries and change priorities when required.’
‘I have been impressed with the personal approach received. The team has a wide range of skills to deal with the plethora of a complex and diverse property portfolio.’
‘The team is exceptionally experienced, knowledgeable, and able to grapple with the vital hard-to-notice details.’
Principaux clients
B3 Homes Limited
BAE Systems Plc & BAE group companies
Barker Mill Group of Trusts
Brent Street Properties Limited
Carter Varley Limited
Clydesdale Bank Plc
Cobra Coffee Limited
Corteva Agriscience UK Limited
Costa Limited
Coutts & Co
David Lloyd Leisure
Dover District Council
De La Rue Plc & De La Rue Group companies
FBN Properties LLP
Fitzroy Support
Forelle Estates Limited
Gada Property Investments Limited
Judges Scientific Plc
MSP Capital
Harlequins Football Club
HSBC UK Bank Plc
Inchcape Family Investments Limited
Kerry Group Plc & group companies
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Medivet Group Limited
MSP Capital
Port of London Authority
Newbie by KappAhl Limited
Notrace Services Limited
Old Change Kee UK Limited
Rivermead Property Developments Limited
Southern Co-operative Limited
Specsavers Optical Stores Limited
The Harris & Sprack Group
The Methodist Church
Welbro FTTM Pension Scheme SSAS 3219
Welbro Project Management Limited
William Hill
University of Winchester
Utilita Energy Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Forelle Estates Limited on the sale of shares in its Falcon Retail Limited subsidiary to Motor Fuel Limited.
- Acting for The Methodist Church on a complex mix of property transactions in compliance with Methodist Church and Charity legislation.
- Advising on property asset management and the new store roll-out programme for Specsavers.
Clarke Willmott LLP
The commercial property team at Clarke Willmott LLP is noted for its ‘deep knowledge’ and ‘tailored solutions’ within complex and business-critical matters, particularly in the investment, retail, and property finance spaces. Andrew Cooper leads the practice, serving as an expert advisor to property investment and management companies on the acquisition and disposal of retail, leisure, health, and mixed-use assets. Alongside a strong practice in landlord and tenant matters and lease renewals, Joseph Campbell brings a wealth of experience advising major domestic lenders on the financing and refinancing of commercial property.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andrew Cooper
Autres avocats clés:
Joseph Campbell; Nicola Sutton
Les références
‘This team are really proactive in their approach in dealing with legal matters and really clear with the options available to us in order to move a case forward. They are always available and always willing to provide further training and updates for the group on the wider market and this is really valuable.’
‘Clarke Willmott stands out as a forward-thinking, highly collaborative team with an impressive blend of expertise.’
‘The team’s commitment to understanding each client’s unique needs sets them apart, making them a trusted advisor. Their strengths lie not only in their deep knowledge of property law but also in their ability to offer tailored solutions for complex transactions and disputes.’
Principaux clients
Sheet Anchor Evolve Limited
LCP group of companies
Evolve Estates Limited
Lloyds Bank Plc
Handelsbanken Plc
Imperial Homes
Fat Face Limited
New Forest District Council
Cornish Bakery Shops Limited
Yorkshire Building Society
MSP Capital Ltd
Marine Developments Limited
Hartford Care Limited group of companies
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Evolve Estates Limited and Sheet Anchor Evolve Limited on the acquisition of The Bridges Shopping Centre Sunderland providing 595,000 square feet of retail leisure and dining facilities and car parking.
- Acting on behalf of Cornish Bakery regarding all property legal matters in the continued successful national expansion of the business.
- Acting for Yorkshire Building Society in respect of the financing of a portfolio of 6 multi-occupied properties across two simultaneous connected loans.
Lester Aldridge LLP
Lester Aldridge LLP boasts a deep bench of commercial property specialists, led regionally by Mark Benham, Suki Samra, and Tom Alder. David Fanchi acts for property owners and lenders on the acquisition, sale, and financing of housing, industrial assets, and commercial investment property. Health and care sector specialist Bethan Dodd and commercial unit expert James Realff are key contacts, while Sam Wylie and Rebecca Humm are highly sought-after among regional developers on the acquisition, management, and sale of development land.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Benham; Suki Samra; Tom Alder
Autres avocats clés:
Bethan Dodd; David Fanchi; Sam Wylie
Les références
‘Great interpersonal skills. Excellent advice delivered in a personal way which avoids legal jargon.’
Principaux clients
Big Yellow
Captiva Homes
Bargate Homes
University of Southampton
Care South
Wyatt Homes
Lloyds Bank plc
McCarthy Stone
Horizon Care & Education Group
Breeze Motor Group
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Captiva Homes on the sale and delivery of 131 affordable homes on the Isle of Wight.
- Advised McCarthy Stone on various site acquisitions, including a number of sites allocated for older persons’ shared ownership affordable housing.
- Advised Big Yellow Group plc on real estate matters relating to its £300m refinance.
Foot Anstey
The real estate team at Foot Anstey is acclaimed for its ‘sound commercial advice’ in the residential, retail, and industrial sectors. Possessing a deep knowledge of occupational and retail leases as well as telecommunications infrastructure, Carol Phillips is ‘incisive and commercially astute’, serving as a key contact among leading retailers. Acting for major domestic lenders and borrowers, Robert Stangroom is highly sought-after on finance mandates. An expert on residential development, Lara Borrett-Lynch heads the affordable housing, developer, and transactional property teams. Tim Wheen left the firm in January 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lara Borrett-Lynch
Autres avocats clés:
Carol Phillips; Robert Stangroom
Les références
‘The service is first rate. The team is responsive with a real understanding of the issues involved – always providing sound commercial advice.’
‘Carol Phillips is an outstanding lawyer both in terms of her knowledge of the market and the service she provides. Incisive and commercially astute!’
Principaux clients
Elements Green Trent Ltd
Robert Hitchins Limited
South Gloucestershire & Stroud College
Direct Wines Limited
Summerfield Developments
Scotsgrove Holdings
Bathurst Limited
GPG Developments
Dar Al Arkan Global UK Holdings Limited
Gregory Distribution Limited
Riyad Bank
Blacksand
Space Engine Systems
LiveWest
Baker Estates
Piran Advanced Composites
Kingfisher
Gregory Distribution Limited
Tees Valley Combined Authority
St Austell Brewery
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Direct Wines on the renewal of a number of stores as well as right-size and cessation in relation to less core locations.
- Advised Bahrain-based investment firm Blacksand on its acquisition of Signature London, The J Marylebone Hotel.
- Advised South Gloucestershire and Stroud College on the £6.5 million sale of its subsidiary company, which owned the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park, to the Chiltern Vital Group.
Herrington Carmichael LLP
The ‘extremely cooperative and commercially minded’ real estate department at Herrington Carmichael LLP boasts a deep bench across a breadth of commercial property matters. Offering clients an ‘informative and detailed’ perspective on complex development and finance matters, Liz Hailey heads the team and is regularly instructed by lenders, owners, and occupiers. Rachel Duncan brings longstanding expertise regarding the acquisition, letting, and disposal of investment property. On residential development matters, Tim Hardesty and Claire McSorley are key contacts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Liz Hailey
Autres avocats clés:
Tim Hardesty; Rachel Duncan; Claire McSorley
Les références
‘The fact they have a team of diverse expertise is great, giving experts across the various fields of commercial property law.’
‘Extremely fast operators, with a clear focus on our product and any nuances that come with it.’
‘Herrington Carmichael is very professional and has a widely experienced team which delivers on what they say.’
Principaux clients
Grundon Waste Management Limited
Grundon Sand & Gravel Limited
National Westminster Bank Plc
Metro Bank Plc
Kone Plc
Quantum Development Finance Limited
W.H. Brakspear & Sons Limited
Anglesea Capital Limited
Tech Point Group
DMP Healthcare Limited
Kenmore Care Holding Limited
N1 Golf (London) Limited
Svenska Handelsbanken
Mulberry Design & Build Limited
Maddox Homes Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a leading UK-based financial services company as the lender in relation to the £25 million funding of the development of 105 residential dwellings, retail spaces and associated infrastructure works.
- Acting for a global vehicle rental company on a 25-year letting of a commercial vehicle hub, in a deal worth over £16m.
- Acted for an industrial and logistics sector client on the £13 million sale of its former HQ site.
Moore Barlow
The ‘very professional’ real estate practice at Moore Barlow demonstrates a ‘clear client focus’, serving as a key contact on transactions across industry segments. Louise Campbell, who ‘combines strong technical and commercial understanding and expertise’, leads the commercial property team and is regularly entrusted by corporate and private clients on property acquisitions and disposals as well as landlord and tenant matters. An expert in the acquisition, management, and disposal of industrial, rural, and leisure assets, Julian Parkes is a further key contact.
Responsables de la pratique:
Louise Campbell
Autres avocats clés:
Lee Edwards; Julian Parkes
Les références
‘Very professional team with clear client focus. Great at a variety of commercial property matters and the wider Moore Barlow team offers opportunity to pull other specialist expertise in relating to different areas when needed.’
‘Louise Campbell combines strong technical and commercial understanding and expertise to great impact: clear advice and solutions to get matters resolved.’
Phillips Law
Demonstrating a ‘wide range of knowledge’ and ‘high experience’, the commercial property practice at Phillips Law offers significant expertise in residential, retail, and leisure sector deals. A key contact on ‘complex issues’, Clare Strachan is entrusted by notable regional landlords and occupiers on site acquisitions, disposals, and lettings. Known for her ‘timely, commercial manner’, Emma Elkington demonstrates expertise in retail property transactions and residential development agreements.
Responsables de la pratique:
Clare Strachan; Emma Elkington
Les références
‘They are very commercial, not letting the detail get in the way of getting a deal done for their clients!’
‘Phillips has a good sized team with a wide range of knowledge. Their experience allows them to deal with matters efficiently and promptly.’
‘They are very responsive, observing all deadlines and priorities. They have a good commercial outlook.’
Principaux clients
UK Land Group
Kingscastle Limited
Topaz UK Properties Limited
Boldhurst Properties Limited
Savona Foodservice Limited
Golf Entertainments Property Limited
Pharmahouse Limited
MFP Babylon Limited
Longstock Capital Limited
MFP Babylon Limited
Lasercharm Limited
Kutchenhaus Basingstoke Ltd
Tractorland Limited
Vision RT Limited
Law Debenture PLC
Principaux dossiers
- Advising UK Land Group on the acquisition of the entire share capital of Helius Investments Limited and the sale back of 3 freehold properties.
- Acting for MFP Babylon Limited and Longstock Capital Limited on the grant of two multi-million-pound leases at Plant, Basingstoke to The Automobile Association.
- Advising international medical technology firm Vision RT Limited on the grant of their multi-million pound new letting at The Crescent, Basingstoke and surrender of their existing lease.
Trethowans LLP
The ‘commercially astute’ team at Trethowans LLP stands out for its ‘in-depth knowledge’, particularly in the residential development space. Paul Longman heads the commercial property group nationally and is a key contact on transactional, development, and landlord and tenant matters concerning residential, retail, and office assets. James Kidner helms the Bournemouth-based commercial property team and acts for landowners and developers on the negotiation of promotion agreements. Laura Towey specialises in residential land development, while Akbar Shah is an expert on lease and lending matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Longman; James Kidner
Autres avocats clés:
Laura Towey
Les références
‘A diverse team of people with a varied skills-base enables them to cover all aspects of property related transactions.’
‘They are commercially astute, with varied and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the work they undertake.’
‘Responsive to time constraints.’
Principaux clients
Harlequin Homes (Longham) Limited
Burwin Investments Limited
HSBC UK Bank plc