Commercial Property Law
Turning your commercial property goals into reality
In the dynamic world of property development, having a knowledgeable legal partner is key to turning ambitious visions into tangible successes. Our property team brings a wealth of experience to the table, specialising in everything from urban regeneration mixed-use schemes to unique, individual projects. Whether you’re looking to promote strategic land or manage assets for property investment companies, our expertise is tailored to support your goals.
In sectors ranging from office and industrial to retail, leisure, and residential developments, our experience is vast and varied, understanding the diverse needs of both national and local developers. We excel in navigating complex projects, including forward funding and development joint ventures, often in partnership with local authorities.
We will support you as and when needed, at every stage of your project, from initial brainstorming to site selection, planning, funding, and construction.
We will work alongside your consultant team, ensuring that the solutions we provide are not only commercially viable but also customised to your specific needs. By understanding your business and aligning closely with your professional team, we aim to offer comprehensive, focused advice.
The team also includes construction experts, who contribute invaluable insight into the construction and engineering aspects of your projects.
We can help you with:
- Development and Regeneration.
- Construction.
- Promotion of Strategic Land.
- Sales and Acquisitions.
- Property Investment and Asset Management.
- Property Finance.
- Residential Development, including Build-to-Rent.
- Dispute Resolution.
Resolving property disputes
Disputes are an unfortunate reality of the commercial property sector. We’re here to help you navigate the delicate process of resolving a property dispute as favourably as feasible. We’re also proactive in preventing disputes from arising, and can support you in taking preventative measures to safeguard your business.
- Able Group EHGV Charging Stations
- Leeds Lisbon Street Development
- Tower Bridge Carbon Friendly Development
- MOTIONrehab
- 92 Degrees Coffee
- Neptune Park Hydrogen Plant
- JDR Cables
- STACK
Able Group EHGV Charging Stations
Acting for Able Group and Milence on the planning application for a new EHGV charging hub at Able Humberside Port. The charging stations, the first of their kind in the UK and second of their kind in Europe, will drive the decarbonisation of future transport and logistics across Able Humberside Port, and the South Humber ports as new Electric powered HGVs replace existing diesel fleets.
“It is important to have a strong and trusted team of professional advisors. That is why I use Square One Law.”
Peter StephensonExecutive Chairman, Able Group
Leeds Lisbon Street Development
Acting for a joint venture between Marrico LLP and Helios Real Estate for the purchase of the site of the former Leeds International Pool for £200m for the second phase. This acquisition paves the way for 578 build-to-rent homes across two towers of 21 and 32 storeys. The planned homes will include a gym, residents’ lounge and communal areas. Our team also supported the joint venture on the first phase (under construction and scheduled to complete in 2025) which includes a 529-room PBSA room. A third phase is planned to include a 188-room aparthotel.
Tower Bridge Carbon Friendly Development
Acting for FORE Partnership on all construction contracts for the development of a KKR funded carbon friendly 121,000 sq ft office and retail development next to Tower Bridge in London including workspaces, terraces, retail and communal areas. The project transforms a 1990s constructed building into an eco-friendly and sustainable workspace on the Thames which runs solely on electrical power, making it one of the few in Europe to do this.
Our advice included the negotiation of a bespoke design and building contract with Willmot Dixon Construction Limited, as well as advising on the professional appointments with the design team and various ancillary contracts, warranties and security documentation.
“We are thrilled to have completed this transaction, and are now on site with our contractor. It was especially complicated to negotiate during the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment over the last nine months, and it has taken skill and determination from the Square One Law team to get this done.”
Basil DemeroutisManaging Director, Fore Partnership
MOTIONrehab
92 Degrees Coffee
Neptune Park Hydrogen Plant
Acting for Shepherd Offshore as landowner and working with their tenant in granting an option to build a green hydrogen plant at their Neptune Bank Power Station in North Tyneside. The project is operated by tenant Lhyfe, the French multi-national energy company, and will have an initial output of 20MW, producing 8 tonnes of green hydrogen per day. The plant will help businesses in the region reduce their reliance on natural gas and fossil fuels.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Square One Law, they know our business inside out and they have become an extension of our team. They are a great team of commercial lawyers and have extensive knowledge within the offshore sector. For a business like ours it’s vital to have a team that we can rely on whenever we need them. They are extremely responsive and commercial in their approach and we really value their advice and guidance. Recently they helped us with an option agreement for a company planning to build a hydrogen plant at our Neptune Road Facility which will produce 8 tonnes of green hydrogen daily.”
Shaun WardFinancial Director & Company Secretary, Shepherd Offshore
JDR Cables
STACK
Development and Regeneration
In commercial property development and regeneration, securing the right legal foundations is essential for a successful project. Our team of fearless business champions support you through every stage, from development agreements, promotion agreements and option agreements to managing complex deeds and commercial contracts. We’ve got your back.
We assist with conditional contracts, deeds of easement and grant, as well as Section 106 (S106) agreements and unilateral undertakings. Our approach allows you to focus on the development itself, knowing that issues like overage, future payment structures, and construction contracts are in safe hands.
Construction
Having the right construction agreements in place is essential to manage risks, protect your investment, and ensure compliance with industry standards. We offer comprehensive support in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction contracts that cover all aspects of your project, and we can also support with planning & approval, insurance & liability, dispute resolution and navigating construction legislation.
Visit our Construction page to learn more.
Promotion of Strategic Land
Maximising the potential of strategic land requires careful planning, negotiation, and a clear legal strategy to unlock long-term value. We support landowners and developers in promoting strategic land for commercial development, guiding you through option agreements and conditional contracts. We work to ensure that your land’s commercial potential is fully realised, from initial purchase of the land through to sale or development.
We provide advice in overage agreements and future payment structures to help you capitalise on increases in land value, while supporting on any necessary Section 106 (S106) agreements and unilateral undertakings.
Sales and Acquisitions
When it comes to the sale or acquisition of commercial property, we provide support throughout the entire transaction process, from initial due diligence and negotiation of the heads of terms to drafting contracts and taking projects through to completion. We ensure that all elements, including Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) implications and any conditional or option agreements are carefully considered to protect your interests.
If you’re involved in a straightforward transaction or a more complex sale and leaseback arrangement, we’re here for you and act as an extension of your team. We are also handle deeds of grant, overage agreements, and future payment structures related to sales and acquisitions of commercial property. Our work doesn’t finish upon project completion, as we’re here to safeguard your business and its interests, acting as a long term partner in achieving your commercial property goals.
Property Investment and Asset Management
Our lawyers support commercial property investors and asset managers with services designed to protect and enhance the value of your portfolio. From acquisitions and disposals to lease negotiations and licences for works, assignments, or alterations, we work with you to facilitate your investment goals.
We can draft and review commercial leases for you, handle overage agreements, and manage deeds of grant or easement. We’re also here to help you with sale and leaseback arrangements and complex multi-property portfolios, providing opinions-based jargon-free solutions while treating your investments and assets like they were our own.
Property Finance
From traditional lending to more innovative financing solutions, we work with you to structure arrangements that meet your needs. We assist with due diligence, negotiation and documentation, addressing key issues such as conditional contracts and overage provisions. Our experience in working with lenders, developers, and investors ensures that all aspects of your property finance are thoroughly supported.
Residential Development, including Build-to-Rent
Maximising the potential of residential development projects, particularly in the growing build-to-rent sector, requires a clear legal framework and meticulous planning. We support developers working on mixed-use schemes or residential developments, including those which have a commercial element, ensuring every aspect is compliant and aligned with your project goals.
Acting as an extension of your team, we advise on Section 106 (S106) agreements, as well as handle deeds of easement, conditional contracts, overage provisions and future payment structures. Whether you’re undertaking a large-scale residential scheme with commercial components or exploring opportunities in the build-to-rent market, we can help your business succeed.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes are an unfortunate reality of the commercial property sector. We’re here to help you navigate the delicate process of resolving a property dispute as favourably as feasible. We’re also proactive in preventing disputes from arising, and can support you in taking preventative measures to safeguard your business.





































