Business Legal Services
Commercial Property Solicitors
Our commercial property team specialise in negotiating, advising on and drafting a wide variety of property agreements that businesses enter into on a daily basis.
Understand the details, commitments and potential risks of your commercial property agreements with our swift, pragmatic, business focused advice.
What we do
Commercial property legal advice
Commercial property is often one of the biggest financial commitments a business will make. Whether you’re leasing your first office or managing a portfolio of sites, negotiating preferable terms and understanding any risk or liability can be a challenge.
Rely on our commercial property solicitors to support your business, avoid pitfalls and help you achieve your commercial goals.
We support commercial landlords and commercial tenants, sellers, buyers, occupiers, funders, developers and investors across the UK in all areas of commercial property law, including:
Commercial Leases
supporting tenants and landlords to agree fair and practical terms.
- Leases
- Subleases
- Licence for Alterations
- Rent Deposit Deeds
- Licence to Assign
- Deed of Assignment
- Lease Re-gears
- Surrenders
- Deed of Variation
Construction
from inception to completion, we can support construction and engineering projects with:
- contract and agreement drafting
- professional appointments
- pre-construction service agreements
- performance bonds
- collateral warranties
- construction dispute resolution
Corporate Support
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a business, assets or shares; restructure; demerge; secure investment or carry out a management buyout, we provide co-ordinated support to handle any property elements of your transaction
Development Agreements
to define the obligations of a developer
Dispute Resolution
reaching solutions to issues through alternative dispute resolution and litigation services
Portfolio Management
from day to day management to long term strategic advice with support on the full range of agreements for:
- Commercial Leases
- Temporary use
- Sale and Purchase
- Dispute Resolution
- Property Finance
- Group restructuring
Property Finance
supporting all manner of real estate transactions, including:
- Secured Lending
- Refinancing
- Corporate Support
Sale and Purchase Agreements
for all forms of commercial real estate including:
- Conditional Sale Agreements
- Option Agreements
- Pre-emption Agreements
- Overage Agreements
Temporary Usage
allowing flexibility, through agreements such as:
- Tenancy at Will
- Licence to Occupy
Unregistered land
and applying to the Land Registry for registration
Along with advising on commercial property matters, our corporate team can assist with your business structure, funding and governance; and our construction team can assist with the procurement of contractors.
Meet our team
Why choose our commercial property solicitors?
One of our USPs is that our senior solicitors are all recruited from top 100 UK law firms or large international businesses, providing City-grade expert advice but at a fraction of the cost. This is thanks to our innovative model of remote operating and billing mainly by monthly subscription.
Our commercial property team are able to draw on years of experience acting for clients from both the public and private sectors. See who could be acting for you:
Who we help
Commercial landlords and commercial tenants/occupiers
Everything that your business does hinges on its ability to understand and manage the commitments, potential risks and timescales of the property agreements it enters into. These will often be influenced by industry or sector so being able to rely on someone who understands your challenges and can fight your corner is essential.
Our experience covers agreements for a wide range of industries and business types: from sole traders to SMEs; OMBs and large corporations, including PLCs.
Notable highlights include:
- Acting for a National Utilities Provider, managing a multimillion pound installation project for four major gas pipelines across a total of 180 miles comprising largely unregistered land
- Providing strategic and operational legal advice relating to (and the day to day management of) a major UK university’s diverse real estate portfolio of 230 plus buildings (valued at more than £2 billion) and a ten-year capital spend project of £1.25 billion.
- Advising a global, LSE listed software solutions company on its relocation to c.16,000 sq ft Grade A office space in The Shard, London; and 4,000 sq ft office space at Didsbury Point, Manchester and the related exit from their former premises.
- Full management of the estate portfolio of both a major high street bank and the Defence Estates including mixed use, training and industrial properties
- Acting for household name charity, retail and leisure clients acquiring, disposing and managing their property portfolios.
- Advising a global aerospace company on the rationalisation of its property portfolio, including settling dilapidations claims on former premises.
- Acting for a recognised leading construction company (based in the North of England, Central and Southern Scotland) with a group turnover of circa £242million in connection with a site acquisition, with a side-to-side sale to a Registered Provider and onward joint venture in connection with the development of the scheme.
Working with businesses to provide support in property
Notable projects
Our commercial property lawyers have been involved in a variety of deals and transactions, including:
Testimonials
What our clients say
Friendly, helpful and efficient. Thank you!
Beverly Clough
Group HR Director,
The Guild of Property Professionals
Outstanding so far. Please keep it like this!
Dimitri Konstantindi
Director,
Homely Appartments
Harper James never fail to impress with the speed and efficiency of their service, no matter the query. The team are friendly, knowledgeable and always on hand.
Karis Walker
Project Managing Officer,
Thyssenkrupp
Speed of turnaround and clear advice
Ian Rose
Head of Networks,
AllStar Business Solutions
Harper James Solicitors provides excellent value for money and helps to cover gaps in specialist areas of legal practice. Using an outside legal provider enables us, as a business, to better manage our internal resources, the volume of work we have and to deal with our level of overall risk. I would undoubtedly recommend them to others.
Robert Cowling
General Counsel,
FleetCor
10/10, very happy with the service and the relationship … comments from Sam are presented in a way that is easy to understand – rather than being blinded by legal jargon! Very approachable, pragmatic and efficient, especially as we had to do substantial chasing on the recent legal engagement
Karen Page
Office Manager,
DenseAir
I really value Sam’s pragmatic approach to getting things done but also the lack of ‘dryness’ when getting information across to help me make decisions. I’m completely happy with the service and have already recommended Harper James to others!
Abby Edwards
Team Lead,
RLP Resourcing
Extremely helpful, very communicative and got the job done promptly. We were under time pressure, and on a tight budget - HJ dealt with both perfectly.
Andrew Slater
MD,
Kin Partners Ltd
Harper James is the right fit for us, I was attracted to the firm by the experience and reputation of their large team of specialist solicitors. And best of all, I have this support at a price point that’s very competitive compared to their competition.
Andrew Worsley
Chairman,
Harbour Healthcare
Matt and Paul understand the brief, and they understand our business. Their attention to detail and joined-up approach is excellent. They’re able to understand exactly what we need and the vision of the group going forward. Growing at this rate presents some risk, so having a legal team that appreciates this and supports us with the legal advice we need to take on every challenge in our mission to scale is key.
Alex Newey
Chairman,
Greosn
The new format of the Summary Report that is provided with a property lease is commendable - this is the type of document that non-legal people can read and quickly understand the important points about the property.
Matthew Dreaper
CFO,
Oxford Space Systems
Rachel Jones and Sam Paxton have been efficient, proactive and communicate well. Very nice to work with!
Andrew Worsley
Chairman ,
Harbour Healthcare
Kara has really become a part of our team. She has been meticulous in following up with the other side and is extremely proactive in reviewing our lease agreements. I liked that we were always working with Kara on every occasion, she understands our business goals and that was very important to us when seeking legal advice.
Florence Roosendaal
Head of Expansion and Projects,
The Park Playground
The Corporate Finance and Property team at Harper James are always responsive and take a pragmatic approach when needed.
Leon Foxwell
Lending Director,
Bloomsbury Property Finance Limited
Having Rachel’s help has been invaluable. I’ve previously negotiated the property terms myself, but due to the complexities that came with leasing this property, I didn’t know where to start. Rachel went through the agreement with a fine-tooth comb and picked up on crucial aspects that I wouldn’t have noticed. There’s so much to think about while moving premises while still fulfilling orders and Rachel was great at putting my mind at ease throughout the process.
Ruby Sheldon
CEO,
Slime Party UK
We’re recent customers of the Enable plan, but from our experience working with Rachel, I know that I can call on Harper James for any other legal work we may need as we’re constantly thinking of new ways we can grow the business
Ruby Sheldon
CEO,
Slime Party UK
Sam really understood that the lease was a big commitment from us and she was patient in her approach. Sam was always looking to make sure we were protected from any clauses that were not in our favour. We are very grateful to Sam for her help as we could not have done it without her.
Chris Woods
Operations Manager,
Playtonic Games
Brigitta, Alex, Genevieve, Adam and the wider team always helpful and understanding of borrowers expectations. They are efficient and diligent in all property and corporate finance documentation.
Leon Foxwell
Lending Director,
Bloomsbury Property Finance Limited
Alex Curtis is a super star. He helped us out at short notice on a lease renewal where the landlord had redrafted the terms of the lease in their own favour. Not only did he provide excellent counsel but he supported us in negotiating the terms back in our favour - which we successfully did. Thanks Alex.
Mic Miller
CEO,
Easyfundraising
We needed some urgent commercial property advice at the end of 2024 and instructed Harper James to assist. Sam Paxton acted on our behalf and was thankfully able to provide the advice we needed as a priority. Sam was always on hand to turn documents around urgently and/or to discuss any last minute queries. She is a credit to the team and we can highly recommend.
Rupert Winter-Moore
Director,
Zebra Machinery
In 2024 we instructed Harper James to assist with two commercial property acquisitions. We were introduced to Sam Paxton who has kindly guided us through both transactions. Sam has taken the time to understand the needs of our business and always makes herself available should we have any queries. She is personable and explains legal jargon/concepts in a way that is easy to understand. We very much look forward to working again with Sam in the future and would highly recommend.
Alan Redpath
Managing Director,
RedteQ
Great advice, great outcome. Harper James are consistently good lawyers.
Ashley Seager
Director,
Sun4Net Ltd
Both Sam and Callum have been amazing to work with over the past few years, so patient, thorough and they explain everything so clearly. So easy to talk to and completely understood what needed to be done and just did it. Super efficient. Thank you both, you have been the best!
Sonia Cernecca
Director,
Town of Ramsgate
I have worked with Harper James solicitors on a range of commercial and corporate finance assignments for our businesses over the last 10 years. We have benefitted from access to skilled lawyers with plenty of valuable experience who are well tuned in to how early-stage growing companies operate and what is important to businesses like ours.
Matthew Draper
Chief Financial Officer,
Oxford Space Systems
Friendly, helpful and efficient. Thank you!
Beverly Clough
Group HR Director,
The Guild of Property Professionals
Outstanding so far. Please keep it like this!
Dimitri Konstantindi
Director,
Homely Appartments
Harper James never fail to impress with the speed and efficiency of their service, no matter the query. The team are friendly, knowledgeable and always on hand.
Karis Walker
Project Managing Officer,
Thyssenkrupp
Speed of turnaround and clear advice
Ian Rose
Head of Networks,
AllStar Business Solutions
Harper James Solicitors provides excellent value for money and helps to cover gaps in specialist areas of legal practice. Using an outside legal provider enables us, as a business, to better manage our internal resources, the volume of work we have and to deal with our level of overall risk. I would undoubtedly recommend them to others.
Robert Cowling
General Counsel,
FleetCor
10/10, very happy with the service and the relationship … comments from Sam are presented in a way that is easy to understand – rather than being blinded by legal jargon! Very approachable, pragmatic and efficient, especially as we had to do substantial chasing on the recent legal engagement
Karen Page
Office Manager,
DenseAir
I really value Sam’s pragmatic approach to getting things done but also the lack of ‘dryness’ when getting information across to help me make decisions. I’m completely happy with the service and have already recommended Harper James to others!
Abby Edwards
Team Lead,
RLP Resourcing
Extremely helpful, very communicative and got the job done promptly. We were under time pressure, and on a tight budget - HJ dealt with both perfectly.
Andrew Slater
MD,
Kin Partners Ltd
Harper James is the right fit for us, I was attracted to the firm by the experience and reputation of their large team of specialist solicitors. And best of all, I have this support at a price point that’s very competitive compared to their competition.
Andrew Worsley
Chairman,
Harbour Healthcare
Matt and Paul understand the brief, and they understand our business. Their attention to detail and joined-up approach is excellent. They’re able to understand exactly what we need and the vision of the group going forward. Growing at this rate presents some risk, so having a legal team that appreciates this and supports us with the legal advice we need to take on every challenge in our mission to scale is key.
Alex Newey
Chairman,
Greosn
The new format of the Summary Report that is provided with a property lease is commendable - this is the type of document that non-legal people can read and quickly understand the important points about the property.
Matthew Dreaper
CFO,
Oxford Space Systems
Rachel Jones and Sam Paxton have been efficient, proactive and communicate well. Very nice to work with!
Andrew Worsley
Chairman ,
Harbour Healthcare
Kara has really become a part of our team. She has been meticulous in following up with the other side and is extremely proactive in reviewing our lease agreements. I liked that we were always working with Kara on every occasion, she understands our business goals and that was very important to us when seeking legal advice.
Florence Roosendaal
Head of Expansion and Projects,
The Park Playground
The Corporate Finance and Property team at Harper James are always responsive and take a pragmatic approach when needed.
Leon Foxwell
Lending Director,
Bloomsbury Property Finance Limited
Having Rachel’s help has been invaluable. I’ve previously negotiated the property terms myself, but due to the complexities that came with leasing this property, I didn’t know where to start. Rachel went through the agreement with a fine-tooth comb and picked up on crucial aspects that I wouldn’t have noticed. There’s so much to think about while moving premises while still fulfilling orders and Rachel was great at putting my mind at ease throughout the process.
Ruby Sheldon
CEO,
Slime Party UK
We’re recent customers of the Enable plan, but from our experience working with Rachel, I know that I can call on Harper James for any other legal work we may need as we’re constantly thinking of new ways we can grow the business
Ruby Sheldon
CEO,
Slime Party UK
Sam really understood that the lease was a big commitment from us and she was patient in her approach. Sam was always looking to make sure we were protected from any clauses that were not in our favour. We are very grateful to Sam for her help as we could not have done it without her.
Chris Woods
Operations Manager,
Playtonic Games
Brigitta, Alex, Genevieve, Adam and the wider team always helpful and understanding of borrowers expectations. They are efficient and diligent in all property and corporate finance documentation.
Leon Foxwell
Lending Director,
Bloomsbury Property Finance Limited
Alex Curtis is a super star. He helped us out at short notice on a lease renewal where the landlord had redrafted the terms of the lease in their own favour. Not only did he provide excellent counsel but he supported us in negotiating the terms back in our favour - which we successfully did. Thanks Alex.
Mic Miller
CEO,
Easyfundraising
We needed some urgent commercial property advice at the end of 2024 and instructed Harper James to assist. Sam Paxton acted on our behalf and was thankfully able to provide the advice we needed as a priority. Sam was always on hand to turn documents around urgently and/or to discuss any last minute queries. She is a credit to the team and we can highly recommend.
Rupert Winter-Moore
Director,
Zebra Machinery
In 2024 we instructed Harper James to assist with two commercial property acquisitions. We were introduced to Sam Paxton who has kindly guided us through both transactions. Sam has taken the time to understand the needs of our business and always makes herself available should we have any queries. She is personable and explains legal jargon/concepts in a way that is easy to understand. We very much look forward to working again with Sam in the future and would highly recommend.
Alan Redpath
Managing Director,
RedteQ
Great advice, great outcome. Harper James are consistently good lawyers.
Ashley Seager
Director,
Sun4Net Ltd
Both Sam and Callum have been amazing to work with over the past few years, so patient, thorough and they explain everything so clearly. So easy to talk to and completely understood what needed to be done and just did it. Super efficient. Thank you both, you have been the best!
Sonia Cernecca
Director,
Town of Ramsgate
I have worked with Harper James solicitors on a range of commercial and corporate finance assignments for our businesses over the last 10 years. We have benefitted from access to skilled lawyers with plenty of valuable experience who are well tuned in to how early-stage growing companies operate and what is important to businesses like ours.
Matthew Draper
Chief Financial Officer,
Oxford Space Systems
Protecting your business
Avoid these commercial property traps
We’ve helped too many clients who’ve come to us with a dispute due to ’box ticking’ at the beginning.
Looking at the details, considering the commitments and how the property will support your business strategy now and into the future will save you time and money in the long run.
Here are some of the common issues we’ll make sure you avoid:
Badly drafted repair obligations, insured / uninsured risk provisions or service charge provisions
Mistakes here can result in your business having potential liabilities that are completely disproportionate to the value of your interest in a premises.
Badly drafted break clauses
This may leave you with no option to break at all or must litigate to be certain that a break notice has been validly served.
Your rights aren't enforceable
Cutting corners by opting for cheap solutions upfront could mean you’re faced with no choice but to enter into litigation. The time, cost and uncertainty of going to litigation massively exceeds the time and cost of getting the job properly done in the first place.
Pricing and service plans
Legal support designed
to fit your business needs
Our three transparent service plans are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
Engage
Flexible access to senior solicitors at highly competitive rates
An alternative to our subscription plans, offering access to full service legal expertise on a project-by-project basis.
Enable
Purpose built legal support for start-ups and smaller businesses
Monthly subscription plan for £219 per month, with £149 monthly credit and access to all legal services at 50% discount on our Standard Rates.
Extend
Comprehensive legal partnership for established businesses
Fully account managed and scalable annual subscription plan with support from a curated team of partners and senior solicitors, with up to 36% discount on our Standard Rates.
News and insight
