Articles

A commercial lease is a legally binding agreement that grants a tenant the right to occupy and use a property for a set term, typically ranging from five to 15 years or more.  In exchange, the tenant agrees to pay rent and comply with the lease terms.  The lease provides security for both parties, ensuring the tenant has a stable location for their business, while the landlord receives guaranteed income.

The draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill signals a major shift away from residential leasehold, with proposals to cap ground rents, ban most new leasehold flats and promote commonhold as the future model of ownership.

Planning control sits at the heart of how property can be used. The definition of 'development' under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 includes any material change of use of land or buildings. Where changes are made without consent, the use may become unlawful, exposing owners to enforcement action with serious consequences. 

A permission in principle is a relatively new concept (introduced by the Housing and Planning Act 2016) and provides an alternative way of obtaining planning permission for housing-led development which separates the principle of development from the technical detail. 

When refinancing any type of property, be it commercial, residential or development, it is standard practice to conduct a due diligence exercise on the property so that the lender understands the asset it is lending against. This article explores the most common issues revealed by the property register, their significance, and the strategies available to mitigate the risks they pose. 

The Renters' Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, has introduced significant changes to the rental market in England and Wales.