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Real Estate

The UK real estate sector is a mature, fast-moving market. Our seasoned team will guide you all the way.

Construction and projects

We're reforming how lawyers do construction and projects business. Why? Because we believe lawyers - just like those in your industry - have to keep delivering savings!

Corporate real estate

Decisions about the spaces you use affect your business, your people and your clients.

Real estate finance

How you finance a real estate transaction or development is critical to its success. Let us help you maximise your return.

Investment

Our team act on a wide variety of investment purchases and sales (both on direct and "wrapper" basis), sales and leasebacks and development projects.

Retail real estate

Retail real estate is diverse and ever-changing. Permitted use, turnover rents, caps and collars, change of control, keep-open clauses, service charge, flexibility – we understand the important issues and will get the deal done.

Real estate litigation

If you find yourself in a dispute or think that your property rights are being abused, we'll be there with you.

Transactional

Supporting suppliers and purchasers on procurement strategy, providing our main contractor clients with fixed price contract reviews and risk assessments and also negotiating the full suite of contracts for all types of construction, infrastructure and outsourcing projects.

Development and construction

Planning for the development or regeneration of a building can get complex. We'll guide you through the whole process.

Outsourcing disputes

Contractors embroiled in outsourcing disputes need lawyers with deep rooted experience in the sector- we have 25 years in the game.

Construction disputes

Engineering, construction and infrastructure projects face the same difficulty: who shoulders the unpredictability of time and cost in building something that doesn’t exist?

International construction disputes

No matter how many jurisdictions your dispute crosses, we are well placed to guide you through in and out-bound construction disputes.

Real estate and construction

Court considers requirements for a condition precedent to litigation in Local Authority application

Published on 26 Apr 2024. By Zack Gould-Wilson, Senior Associate and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Cat Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

In Lancashire Schools SPC Phase 2 Ltd v Lendlease Construction (Europe) Ltd [2024] EWHC 37 (TCC) a local authority failed in its application to have the claim against it stayed or struck out on the basis of non-compliance with a contractual dispute resolution mechanism.

JCT 2024 has landed! This is the ideal time to update your contracts

Published on 24 Apr 2024. By Arash Rajai, Partner

The JCT 2024 suite of contracts has arrived, with the Design and Build Contract being the first to be released.

RICS PII Minimum Terms consultation – last chance to have your say

Published on 20 Dec 2023. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Catherine Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

RICS requires all regulated firms in the UK and Ireland to hold "adequate and appropriate" indemnity insurance which meets RICS' Minimum Policy Wording.

Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises to take effect from 1 February 2024

Published on 11 Dec 2023. By Bonnie Wong, Of Counsel

Following from the passing of the Lease Agreements for Retail Premises Bill which mandates compliance with the Code of Conduct for Leasing of Retail Premises in Singapore ("Code") for qualifying leases of retail premises earlier this year, the Lease Agreements for Retail Premises Act ("Act') is expected to take effect from 1 February 2024.

First out the traps: Dissecting the first remediation order under the Building Safety Act

Published on 04 Oct 2023. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Joshua Green, Associate

Our non-contentious construction team have recently contributed an article to Practical Law considering the first remediation order made by the First-tier Tribunal under section 123 of the Building Safety Act 2022 in Waite and others v Kedai Ltd (2023) LON/00AY/HYI/2022/0005 & 0016.

Whistle-blowing on illegal cartels drops 70% in 5 years

Published on 18 Sep 2023. By Chris Ross, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently increased award to £250,000 Calls to the CMA hotline have plummeted from 1,442 in 2017 to 427 in 2022

The proposed new RICS Residential Retrofit Standard

Published on 10 Aug 2023. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

We explain the proposed RICS Residential Retrofit Standard and offer practical tips for complying with the new Standard when it comes into force.

Wilko becomes 'yet another casualty' of tough economic conditions facing UK retailers

Published on 10 Aug 2023. By Finella Fogarty, Head of Restructuring & Insolvency

'Perfect storm' of rising interest rates, increased energy bills, supply chain issues and squeezed customer spending is hitting retailers hard

CoA paves the way for the responsible developer

Published on 26 Jul 2023. By Katharine Cusack, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer

Our team explore a recent judgment that touches on crucial factors for developers and construction professionals when dealing with remedying defects in buildings.

RICS disciplinary process: guidance for surveyors on sanctions (4 of 4)

Published on 27 Jun 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Laura Sponti, Associate

This fourth article considers the sanctions the RICS can impose and the next steps for surveyors following a disciplinary decision.

BSA: new guidance for principal accountable persons to assist in registration with BSR

Published on 09 Jun 2023. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

Our team explain the Health & Safety Executive's new guidance for Principal Accountable Persons detailing what key building information they need to provide when registering a high-rise residential building with the Building Safety Regulator, and what PAPs should be doing now in preparation for registration, which closes on 30 September 2023.

Rising 'green office' demand will keep construction sector buoyant as new office developments drop 15%

Published on 30 May 2023. By Jon Ely, Partner

An ever-rising demand for sustainable workplaces will keep the construction sector buoyant as the number of new office development projects in England fell 15% between 2021 and 2022, from 434 to 367, according to research by international law firm RPC.

The fit-out problem

Published on 24 May 2023. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Jon Ely, Partner

An article considering the insurance strategy of fit-out works, which looks at co-insurance following the Court of Appeal's judgment in FM Conway Ltd v The Rugby Football Union and others [2023] EWCA Civ 418, the approach under JCT contracts, public liability insurance and the tenant's liability.

Responsible Actors Scheme forecast for Summer 2023

Published on 11 May 2023. By Katharine Cusack, Partner and Olivia Bradfield, Associate

The Government has recently published secondary legislation setting out its intention to implement its Responsible Actors Scheme (RAS) with further guidance to come by this Summer.

The Week That Was - 5 May 2023

Published on 05 May 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

The Building Safety Act 2022

Published on 17 Apr 2023. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Jon Ely, Partner

Our Construction and Real Estate team have prepared a user-friendly guide to the Building Safety Act 2022.

BSA: Higher-Risk Buildings Regulations now in force - Property Managers Take Note

Published on 14 Apr 2023. By Katharine Cusack, Partner

The Government has been working on safety measures for high rise buildings following the Grenfell Tragedy to provide comfort to residents in order for them to feel safe in their homes.

900k square metres added to UK distribution warehouse space in past year

Published on 27 Mar 2023. By Arash Rajai, Partner

126 full size football pitches worth of distribution warehouse space gained in the last year

The Week That Was - 24 March 2023

Published on 24 Mar 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Choppy waters ahead? The significance of Oceanfill

Published on 20 Mar 2023. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Paul Bagon, Partner and Will Beck, Of Counsel and Knowledge Lawyer

The economic outlook for the UK in 2023 remains uncertain, and more companies may need to restructure their businesses to ensure survival. This

Register of Overseas Entities – one month since the deadline and thousands still face penalties from failure to register

Published on 06 Mar 2023. By Jon Ely, Partner and Brooke Reed, Associate

The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 ("the Act") enacted in March 2022 brought into force the register of overseas entities on 1 August 2022. Companies House holds and manages the new register which was introduced to provide greater transparency around UK land ownership. The transitional period ended on 31 January 2023, and as at 3 March 2023, 26,481 out of an estimated 32,440 have registered. Thousands of companies are still to register over a month on from the end of the transitional period, so we've turned our minds to consider the possible consequences of not registering, or delaying registering, as an overseas entity in accordance with the Act, including the potential for the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to apply.

To be or Knot to be, a nuisance?

Published on 02 Mar 2023. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

One year on , has the recent decision of Davies v Bridgend County Council (BCC) helped or hindered that goal?

The Week That Was - 17 February 2023

Published on 17 Feb 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

New building safety requirements

Published on 16 Feb 2023. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Brooke Reed, Associate

The Building Safety Act 2022 (the Act) is the central plank in the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower disaster. The Act was enacted with the aim of improving the standard of buildings in England and securing the safety of people in or about those buildings, with a particular focus on fire safety.

The Week That Was - 3 February 2023

Published on 03 Feb 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

The Week That Was - 20 January 2023

Published on 20 Jan 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

RPC expands real estate practice with the hire of Partner, Jon Ely

Published on 17 Jan 2023. By Jon Ely, Partner

International law firm RPC announced today that commercial property lawyer Jon Ely has joined the firm in Bristol as a Partner in the real estate practice.

St James’s Oncology v Lendlease: the value of project-specific amendments to JCT contracts

Published on 12 Jan 2023. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Claire Wilmann, Senior Associate

The recent judgment of the TCC in St James’s Oncology SPC Ltd (Project Co) v Lendlease Construction (Europe) Ltd and another provides a fascinating commentary on the importance of drafting a building contract that is tailored to deliver the needs of the employer and the end-user.

The Week That Was - 23 December 2022

Published on 23 Dec 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate and Arash Rajai, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

The Week That Was - 16 December 2022

Published on 16 Dec 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Building Safety Levy – Government Undertaking Second Consultation

Published on 28 Nov 2022. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer

The Government has just announced it is commencing another consultation on building safety, this time by way of second consultation on the Building Safety Levy ("the Levy").

The Week That Was - 25 November 2022

Published on 25 Nov 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Fire Safety Act 2021: New tool to assist 'Responsible Persons' to prioritise reviewing fire risk assessments

Published on 22 Nov 2022. By Lauren Butler, Associate and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner

The Home Office has published the Fire Safety Act Commencement Prioritisation guidance , to be used by 'Responsible Persons' in complying with their duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), as amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021 (FSA).

The Week That Was - 18 November 2022

Published on 18 Nov 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

The Week That Was - 11 November 2022

Published on 11 Nov 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Two-stage procurement: some key considerations for PCSAs

Published on 02 Nov 2022. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Claire Wilmann, Senior Associate

In our previous blog post, we introduced two-stage procurement and two key options for documenting it (a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) followed by a separate main works contract and a Combined PCSA/Main Contract) noting that the differences were generally presentational or mechanical. For the purposes of this post, we will refer only to the PCSA and main contract option, but please note that the same principles apply to the Combined PCSA/Main Contract.

The Week That Was - 28 October 2022

Published on 28 Oct 2022. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.