What Does A Commercial Property Solicitor Do?

When it comes to purchasing, leasing, or selling a commercial property, you might be wondering what a commercial property solicitor does.

In short, a commercial property solicitor specialises in providing legal advice and services related to commercial property matters.

Their role deals with transactions and legal issues surrounding properties used for investment or business purposes.

Commercial Property Solicitor Roles & Responsibilities

Some key roles and responsibilities of a commercial property solicitor include, but are not limited to:

1. Property transactions
2. Contracts and agreements
3. Landlord and tenant matters
4. Due diligence  
5. Property investment 
6. Dispute resolution
7. Commercial property development

1. Property Transactions

A commercial property solicitor plays a key role in property transactions.

Whether you’re purchasing, selling, or leasing a commercial property in connection with your business, a commercial property solicitor can provide useful and oftentimes critical advice.

They will be able to provide legal advice on a range of commercial properties, including industrial units, offices, and more.

2. Contracts & Agreements

A commercial property solicitor will also draft, review, and negotiate contracts, leases, and other legal agreements related to commercial property transactions.

Commercial Property Contracts

A specialist solicitor’s input is essential to ensure the terms and conditions of a contract are not only fair but also comply with the relevant legislation and regulations. 

When buying a freehold commercial property, for instance, the contract will typically incorporate the ‘Standard Commercial Property Conditions’ (SCPC).

An experienced commercial property solicitor will be able to negotiate the best deal for you as their client.

3. Landlord & Tenant Matters 

Commercial property solicitors can assist with a range of landlord and tenant matters.

This can include drafting leases and tenancy agreements that detail tenant responsibilities and advising on legal rights and obligations you have as a commercial landlord.

Additionally, if you have a disagreement with your tenants who may be renting part of all of your commercial premises, a commercial property solicitor can help in determining the best course of action.

4. Due Diligence  

It’s a commercial property solicitor’s responsibility to conduct thorough due diligence on any property transaction.

The importance of thorough due diligence cannot be understated, as it is crucial to identify any legal risks or issues with a commercial property transaction. 

While what they look at as standard differs on a case-by-case basis, this might include everything from the property title to planning permissions to environmental concerns.

That said, it’s crucial to choose the right commercial solicitors to ensure you’ve identified any risks or liabilities that could negatively impact your business.  

5. Property Investment

Commercial property solicitors can assist clients in structuring property investments, joint ventures and more.

They will also be able to advise on both compliance with investment regulations as well as any tax implications you need to consider. 

At Harding Evans, our commercial property solicitors have an excellent track record in advising clients on a whole range of issues affecting property investors. 

Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can assist you today.

6. Dispute Resolution

Disputes can arise for many reasons, and commercial property solicitors can represent clients facing a range of disputes relating to commercial property.

This can relate to many circumstances, from boundary disputes to rent arrears to breaches of contracts, to name a few.

If you don’t have a commercial property solicitor to advise you on resolving disputes, you have the potential to run into a range of issues and could be penalised.

7. Commercial Property Development

Lastly, commercial property solicitors will be able to advise on planning and development issues.

Perhaps you are considering building a new property or are considering adding new facilities to your current commercial property.

A solicitor’s role can include obtaining planning permission as well as addressing regulatory issues that impact commercial property projects. 

Although progress on complex commercial property developments can be subject to delays, these can be sped up by excellent legal practice.

How We Can Help

At Harding Evans, we’re proud that our flexible approach to commercial property matters allows us to help many clients achieve the best outcome, whatever their requirements.

Despite the increasingly busy and stressful commercial property marketplace, our team of commercial property solicitors is committed to consistently delivering a professional, efficient and friendly service.

Please contact us today to discuss your legal needs regarding commercial property.