Commercial property: Kent, Surrey, Sussex in South East

Brachers (Part of Lawfront)

The team at Brachers (Part of Lawfront) is particularly active in the education, agriculture, and primary care sectors. The practice is spearheaded by Sarah Gaines, who specialises in development land transactions, including overage arrangements, promotion agreements, conditional contracts, and option agreements. The group is also noted for assisting not-for-profit clients with the full range of development funding issues and secured lending-related matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarah Gaines


Autres avocats clés:

Ash Jilani; William Butler; Angela Ruminski


Les références

‘Excellent team that puts complex issues into plain English and effectively highlights the risks in collaboration with the client. The team excel at client communication.’

‘William Butler for his specific knowledge on school matters and down to earth approach to overcoming barriers and explaining risk factors.’

‘A very professional, courteous legal team who are prompt to respond to queries. They are able to work at pace and are flexible to meet requirements at short notice. They are adept at explaining very complex legal arguments in terms lay people understand.’‘The individuals were very professional and obliging. Their communication was clear, leaving little to query. They are very prompt to respond to communication and update requests.’

Principaux clients

Associated Asphalt Contracting Limited


Headline Filters Limited


Baxter Farms Limited


EKC Schools Trust Limited


London South East Academies Trust


Maidstone Girls Grammar School


Ungerer Limited


Folkestone and Hythe District Council


East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust


Plumpton College


Sea Street Developments Limited


Bromley College of Further and Higher Education


Ashford Borough Council


East Kent College


Alan Firmin Limited


Durtnell Limited


Greensands Medical Practice


Saga Group Limited


Medway Practices Alliance


CAF Bank Limited


The Menu Partners Limited


Canterbury Medical Practice


Gallagher Group Limited


The East Malling Trust (Horticultural/ Agricultural Research)


Edenbridge Medical Practice (Healthcare – Primary Care)


Sydenham House Medical Services Ltd


Gravesham Borough Council


Queenborough Fishery Trust


Children & Families Ltd


Beechcroft Property Partnership Limited


Paynes Stores Limited


The Lowfield Medical Practice


Whitsable Medical Practice


Principaux dossiers


Cripps

The team at Cripps is recognised for its expertise in investor portfolio and asset management, strategic land, residential and mixed-use development work, and is notably active in the retail sector. Practice head Stephen Hedley often advises on mixed-use portfolio matters concerning service charge arrangements, and transfers of ownership of common parts. Ben Johnston is recommended for his focus on retail park and shopping centre investment and management mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Hedley


Autres avocats clés:

Ben Johnston; Garry Brett; Victoria Murray; James Clewlow


Les références

‘A well-rounded practice with some exceptional lawyers across all levels. ’

‘James Clewlow is an exceptional lawyer. He is pragmatic, commercial and driven without losing sight of the bigger picture. He has helped us navigate some complex issues recently and was superb in his conduct and advice. I would highly recommend James to anyone.’

Principaux clients

Getlink


Kennedy Wilson


AEW


Federated Hermes


Wates


Vistry Group


Ashfield Land


Jimmy Fairly


Canada Life


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Getlink on their acquisition of the business of Channel Ports as part of their strategic growth plan, in a deal valued at £50 million.
  • Advised Kennedy Wilson on its UK joint venture with CPP Investments, focused on investing £1bn in single-family rental housing.
  • Advised Wates Developments Limited on their housing development on a 222-acre site in Ford, West Sussex, advising on all matters from planning promotion stage through to ultimate sale and security matters.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises a range of industrial landowners, developers, and investors on acquisitions, disposals, and asset management matters. The team often handles forward funding deals and institutional sales for housing association clients. Practice head Mike Busby has extensive experience in strategic development work, including options and promotion agreements, and portfolio refinancing. Sam Davies is a key point for large-scale site acquisitions and disposals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mike Busby


Autres avocats clés:

Tony Burns; Sam Davies; Graham Dixon; Sarah Jordan


Les références

‘Superbly sharp minds giving fast, effective and reliable advice.’

‘Readily available to response to email and telephone queries. Sharp and insightful advice conveyed in a comprehendible manner.’

‘We have used various departments of Penningtons (some at remote offices) for over ten years. We have always found the advice we have received to be of the highest standard, delivered in a confident, personable and friendly manner.’

Principaux clients

Gentian Developments Limited


Nova Homes (Essex) Limited


Beckingham Homes Limited


Flight Centre (UK) Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Gentian Developments Limited on the sale of a significant residential development site in Petersfield adjoining a wider existing commercial development by the same client, where the client had promoted the residential site pursuant to a long-running agreement with the landowner.
  • Acting for Flight Centre (UK) Limited in relation to an underlease of part of the second floor of Swan Court, 11 Worple Road in Wimbledon.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

Operating out of Guildford, Stevens & Bolton LLP’s commercial property team frequently advises on matters concerning individual premises and office portfolios.  Andrew Steele leads the team and is noted for his broad experience in development, investment, funding, and occupier work. Alex Watt has deep knowledge of development and regeneration issues, particularly complex option and promotion structures. Alice Donzelot is also noted for her specialism in the acquisitions and disposals of investment properties and asset management matters, and Joanne Purnell was promoted to partner in April 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Steele


Autres avocats clés:

Alex Watt; Ian Craig; Joanne Purnell; Alice Donzelot


Les références

‘Very good strength in depth, as well as being great people to deal with.’

‘The team are very responsive and access to the partner is always exceptional. This year we used S&B less than in previous years, but are always treated as a valued client. We have a lot of faith in the team and with a busier 2025 planned, we expect to utilise their expertise to a greater degree this coming year.’

‘Alex Watt makes himself available and gives us clear and commercial advice. Where the matter is outside his area of expertise, he has trusted colleagues to call on, and we have always found them to be knowledgeable.’

Principaux clients

Boundary Real Estate Partners


International Schools Partnership


Samsung Electronics UK


BOC Limited


Caravan and Motorhome Club


Kia UK Ltd


Emirates


Bunzl


Telefonica Tech


Hambridge Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for the International Schools Partnership on an agreement for a lease of part of a floor in office premises in Wimbledon.
  • Advising BOC on a tripartite forward funding agreement which provided a new facility for the client and covered its relocation from the existing site.
  • Acted for a landlord (a group company of a major national property investor with approximately £1bn of total assets) in a regeneration project with a community focus.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s team advises clients across a broad spectrum of sectors, and is equipped to handle the full range of real estate matters; the group often assists charity clients. The practice is led by Richard Ellard, who regularly advises on development projects, property finance matters, and asset management mandates. Katherine Morgan is noted for her expertise in work involving industrial, office, and commercial waste property, particularly lettings, lease renewals, and secured lending. Nicole Priestley is also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Ellard


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Easton; Joanne Wright; Kate Turnham; Nicole Priestley; Katherine Morgan


Les références

‘They provide us excellent service, and we find the partner very informative with attention to technical details with sound advice. ’

‘The practice offers such a wide range of specialists, meaning they are a true one-stop for all legal matters. The commercial property department is particularly professional, and I always feel confident that I am receiving the best advice at a competitive price.’

‘I have been a client for over 1o years, I can particularly recommend Kate Turnham for her promotion agreement advice. The whole team has been very professional and delivered advice and documents one time and to budget.’

Principaux clients

London Penthouse Limited


Royal British Legion Industries Ltd


Fernham Homes Operations Limited


BDW Trading Limited


Close Bros Limited


Quantum Development Finance Limited


COOK Trading Limited


Brakes part of the Sysco Corporation


Shawbrook Bank Limited


Bel UK Limited


Paragon


Aldermore PLC


Berkley Homes


Wisteria


LendNet


Property Developer in Somerset


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Quantum Development Finance Limited with 41 loan facilities totalling £155,000,000 with a gross development value exceeding £350,000,000.
  • Advising Bel UK Limited on its head office relocation.

DMH Stallard LLP

DMH Stallard LLP is particularly well-regarded for assisting mid-sized and specialist developers. The team also provides corporate support advice, assisting with property due diligence. Practice head Tina George is recommended for her expertise in complex collective enfranchisement matters and the management of high-value property portfolios, often acting for high-net-worth individuals. Nick Pentecost is noted for advising on transaction structures involving late-stage environmental issues, particularly protected species on site.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tina George


Autres avocats clés:

Anne Milne; Nick Pentecost; Ben Price; Tom Trowbridge


Les références

‘Helpful to me is the client care. Projects and responses are turned around extremely quickly. Good attention to detail as well.’

‘Nick Pentecost makes you feel like you are his only client, not an easy skill to master. ’

‘The team are approachable and understanding to client’s needs. They have extensive experience which allows them to apply practical considerations to a transaction as well as the advice on the legal aspects.’

Principaux clients

Chartwell Land & New Homes Limited


Sigma Strategic Land Ltd


St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Limited


FDM Group Limited


Paul Davis


The Dervia Foundation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on a £30million promotion agreement for the development of land in East Sussex for the delivery of around 30 new homes for Sigma Strategic Land Ltd.
  • Advised St Barnabas Hospices Ltd on its merger with Martlets Hospice to create a combined group comprising 3 Hospices and a charity shop network of over 30 retail units and distributions centres.
  • Advising trustees of the Dervia Foundation in relation to the considerable property portfolio held by the Charity, which includes over 60 units of commercial and residential property (approximately value £30m+).

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell’s team routinely advises landowners on sales to major housebuilders and conditional contracts for motorway service areas, often involving complex collaboration arrangements. The team also handles large-scale promotions, advising on tax and infrastructure issues. The practice is led by Guy Sackett, who is known for his expertise in mixed-use developments, and later living and student accommodation schemes. Hannah Nix is a key contact for strategic land project work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Guy Sackett


Autres avocats clés:

Tina Webster; Sam Knight; Rebecca Huston; Hannah Nix


Les références

‘Irwin Mitchell have an excellent capacity to deal effectively with multiple projects and assignments.’

‘Tina Webster and Rebecca Huston are both extremely knowledgeable, professional and effective in their work and provision of advice.’

Principaux clients

Andrew Sellick


Junnell Homes Limited


Landacre Developments Limited


EC1 Residences Limited


SCP Holdco (UK) Limited


Wild Capital 1 Ltd


Legacy Habitat Banks Limited


Landowners at Pulborough


Fareham Borough Council


Elivia Homes Limited


Foxie’s Future


Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust


Berkeley Homes (Southern) Limited


Gleeson Land Limited


Hendy Holdings Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Gleeson Land Limited on 9 land promotion agreements relating to sites across the South of England.
  • Advised Wild Capital on 4 conservation covenants with a registered responsible body relating to biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality solutions.
  • Advising SCP Holdco (UK) Limited on a new 3000 acre garden community with 10,000+ homes.

Moore Barlow

Jo Farr and Rupeena Shoker co-lead the commercial property team at Moore Barlow, which advises across a broad range of commercial property matters. The team’s core strengths include asset management, land development, hospitality, housebuilding and plot sales, offices and industrial premises, real estate finance, residential and mixed-use schemes, rural land, and property issues linked to the technology and energy sectors. Helen Archibald has since moved into a consultancy role.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jo Farr; Rupeena Shoker


Autres avocats clés:

Sharon Mays; Sam Ho


Principaux clients

The Halebourne Group


TWM Solicitors LLP

TWM Solicitors LLP’s team advises on the full spectrum of commercial property matters, including significant acquisitions and disposals, mixed-use and residential development projects, landlord and tenant issues, and property finance. The department is led by Adrian Price, whose broad practice includes mandates concerning development schemes and leasing matters, acting for a diverse client base across the commercial and residential sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adrian Price


Autres avocats clés:

Anne Fowler; Claire Campbell; Matthew Truelove; David Stockley; Victoria Butt


Les références

‘Claire Campbell and Victoria Butt, based in the Wimbledon office, provide the same high level of service. They are consistently professional, knowledgeable, and responsive, making the process seamless and efficient.’

‘The commercial team at Wimbledon are always available and provide clear and easy-to-understand advice.’

‘The level of proactive contact and professionalism is exemplary from start to finish with every transaction I have undertaken with TWM Solicitors. As a client, I feel valued. They understand my needs and execute my objectives with precision, delivering a warm, friendly, and easy-to-understand conveyancing process, which is vital when making important decisions about buying and selling both residential and commercial property.’

Principaux clients

Aspire LPP Limited


Aspire More Twelve Limited


ASP (Kings Hill) Limited


“V” Limited


Fordel Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for a developer on the acquisition of a site for the development of a care home, including the subsequent sale and ongoing construction with a gross domestic value of £18m.
  • Advised nine related borrower companies on a £15m term loan facility with a lender secured against a portfolio of sixteen mixed use properties.
  • Advised a property development company in a short timeframe on the acquisition of a property which consisted of 7 buildings and 27 flats worth £8.25m.

Bennett Griffin LLP

Jointly led by Chrissie Edwards and Joshua Coleman, the team at Bennett Griffin LLP is recognised for its expanding plot sales offering, acting on behalf of several major housebuilders in connection with individual unit disposals. The firm’s recent merger with legacy firm Charles Hill Hubbard in August 2024 further strengthened its capabilities in this area.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chrissie Edwards; Joshua Coleman


Autres avocats clés:

Christopher Spirit


Les références

‘Small but efficient and always a very personal service.’

‘Very personal service.’

Coole Bevis LLP

Coole Bevis LLP advises a broad client base of both national and international corporates, high-net-worth individuals, and charities. The team often acts for property investors with large-scale portfolios, regularly assisting with the ongoing management of assets. Practice head Jeff Streater has particular expertise in acting for distribution clients and trade counter networks, advising on matters relating to leasehold and freehold property holdings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jeff Streater


Autres avocats clés:

Oliver Maxwell-Jones; Tanya Auld


Les références

‘Over many years, I have found Coole Bevis to be extremely professional in all my dealings with them. Whatever diverse matters have been raised, there has always been a team member qualified and able to help and advise me. Excellent service.’

‘In particular, I have found Jeff Streater to be exceptionally knowledgeable, patient and helpful. He has always been able to answer any queries I have in a very helpful and concise way.

‘We have been working with Coole Bevis for 4 and half years, and they successfully concluded 17 transactions, including very complex and time sensitive deals. That would be impossible if not lawyers dedication and an ability to conduct the brokers, lenders, lawyers finessing the process to a smooth completion. Coole Bevis is unique and a different breed of lawyers. ’

Principaux clients

H D Steele & Son (Investments) Ltd


H D Steele & Son Ltd


Paine Manwaring & Lephard PLC


West Sussex Motors Ltd


Bird & Blend Tea Ltd


Royal Docks Management Authority Limited


Girlings

Jeremy Burke heads the commercial property department at Girlings, which is noted for acting with the ‘utmost care and professionalism’. The team routinely advises on complex agreements for leases relating to planning permission and the demolition of structures.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jeremy Burke


Autres avocats clés:

David Redgate; Sophie Robins; Simon Stempien; Usman Miah


Les références

‘Every step of the journey with Girlings has been a positive experience. I trust them with both my personal and clients’ property matters due to their professionalism, duty of care, and polite approach. They consistently prioritise clients and go over and above to get things done.’

‘We cannot praise Girlings enough. The whole team have been incredible, acting with the utmost care and professionalism. They respond quickly, provide excellent advice, and we recommend them without hesitation.’

‘Sophie Robins was fantastic in helping with a client’s complex case. She communicated clearly, had a firm plan, and ensured the matter completed despite last-minute complications.’

Hart Brown

Hart Brown’s commercial property team advises both businesses and individuals on the full spectrum of real estate matters, with emphasis on transactional and corporate support work. Led by Roderick Campbell, the group is well equipped to handle investment transactions and landlord and tenant matters, often acting for lenders.

Responsables de la pratique:

Roderick Campbell


Autres avocats clés:

Emma-Rose Reynolds; Tamzin Mandelli; John Guthrie


Les références

‘They have a personalised approach, competitive billing, good domain expertise, efficient support, and clear communication.’

‘They are honest and straightforward, proactive in their thinking, sincere, individually focused, timely in delivery, subject-matter experts, punctual, and always clear in their communication.’

‘They are an excellent team. Very professional, with a broad range of capabilities.’

Principaux clients

HSBC UK Bank plc


Handelsbanken plc


National Westminster Bank plc


Abstinium Property Ltd


Acventure Limited


AJPC Property Limited


Albury Vineyard Management Ltd


Alexson Developments Limited


AlleyCatz Limited


Beechworth Properties Ltd


Bourne Estate Agents Limited


Boyce Thornton Limited


Burwood Park Estate Limited


CGC Technology Limited


Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services


Cranleigh Cricket Club


Cre8tive Rooms Ltd


Crop Advisors Limited


Design Vintage Limited


Delta XD Limited


DH Guildford Limited


EMP Research Limited


Filanthropia Consulting Limited


Forest Road (24C) Limited


Form Structural Design Limited


Got You Covered Limited


Greenbank Homes Limited


GTITE Ltd


Haulystic Limited


HGL Dynamics Limited


Hortus Centrum Limited


Hydronix Limited


J. F. Seymours Limited


K2 Corporate Mobility Limited


Kayman Properties Limited


Kellys Self Storage Limited


Kingfisher Barn Limited


Janet Roberts and Nigel Metson


Jenna Burlingham Fine Art Limited


JSL Investments Limited


Lansdown (Surrey) Limited


Lysander Associates Limited


Marathon Bags Limited


Marlpit Hill Properties Limited


Martels-UK Ltd


Mr and Mrs R U Moёd


Mattei On-Vehicle Engineering Limited


Mont Calm Asset Management Limited


M P J Property Investments Limited


Nationwide Self Storage Limited


Normandy Community Shop and Café Limited


NW Publishing UK Ltd


OKR Regeneration Limited


Parade Holdings Limited


Park Lane (UK) Limited


Pebble Hill Limited


P.C.M.A. Products & Services Limited


Quadrum Park Management Co Limited


Quintige Consulting Group Limited SSAS


Sayers Croft Environmental Educational Trust


SG Townhouse Company Limited


Shenton Investments Limited


Simply Dine Limited


Simply Storage Limited


Justin Skinner and Jennifer Skinner


Space Comm Systems Limited


Square Leisure and Entertainment Limited


Square Live Limited


Starlake CAIA Limited


Surrey Wildlife Trust


The Classic Home Company (Southern) Ltd


The Fairmile Estate Limited


True Form Composites Limited


TWP Accounting LLP


UK Productions Limited


Wellden Turnbull Limited


Wey Hill Estates Limited


William Way Property & Investment Co Ltd


Wyndham Property Group Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Goose Live Events Limited & an individual on a complex sale for partial residential development and leaseback of the commercial parts.
  • Advising Handelsbanken on taking security over an industrial estate subject to 83 occupational leases.
  • Advising HSBC UK Bank Plc on perfect security over a complex multi-title site.

Thackray Williams LLP

Based in Bromley, Thackray Williams LLP’s team is recognised for its expertise in commercial conveyancing, and land development, with particular strength in advising on mixed-use development projects. Led by Yildiz Betez, the practice advises landlords, tenants, and developers on a wide range of transactional matters, and acts for investors in acquisitions of commercial assets.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yildiz Betez


Autres avocats clés:

Vikki Herbert; David Gibson; Amit Bhangham