Finding the Optimum Investment Structure 

Investment in real property is increasingly dependent on the use of innovative, flexible, and tax-efficient investment structures. Such structures enable property managers and investors to raise finance from traditional and new investment sources while offering investors greater liquidity and diversification for their property investment portfolios. 

We create and advise on investment vehicles such as limited partnerships, offshore trusts, and investment trusts and joint ventures, as well as on the use of innovative non-recourse borrowing, hybrid lease, and securitization structures. 

We work closely with you to identify and develop the optimum structures and to resolve successfully all relevant legal, regulatory, and tax issues. 

Buying, Selling and Leasing of Property 

For clients who are acquiring a site, we will examine the title, the history, and any leases the property may be subject to. We check the planning and trading status of the owner of the property, advise on any environmental issues you may need to be aware of, and negotiate contracts with the seller. 

For clients who are selling property, we will negotiate your sales contract, securing overage for you where appropriate. We will deal with all purchaser inquiries and try to ensure you are released from any continuing liability. 

If you are buying a company with property assets, we advise on whether a title investigation is necessary or whether it may be appropriate to rely on warranties or certificates of title. We also advise you generally on what protection you will need from any other liabilities of the company. 

After you have acquired an investment, we make sure your deeds are properly indexed and scheduled so we are in a position to respond quickly and effectively to new lettings or any disposal instructions. 

Development, Planning, and Construction 

Because we act for a wide range of developers, we understand the issues involved in assembling a development site and securing the necessary consents to develop. For any form of development--retail, commercial, housing or leisure--we can assist with: 

• The negotiation of land assembly and development agreements (including company structure and tax)
• Sensitive site issues
• Conservation areas, listed buildings, tree preservation orders, nature and landscape designations
• Contaminated land issues
• Strategic and detailed advice on planning and development opportunities
• The drafting and negotiation of planning and highway agreements
• Compulsory purchase and compensation
• The promotion of land through regional, sub-regional and local planning policy and proposal formulation. Once the client has acquired the site and obtained planning consent, we can advise on:
• the drafting and negotiation of building contracts, novation agreements, bonds, guarantees and collateral warranties
• Insurance and professional indemnity insurance matters
• Handling construction disputes through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation

The Client Relationship

Property is more than just bricks and mortar - it's about relationships between people. Our approach recognizes the importance of understanding your commercial objectives and the wider market in which you operate. We get to know your business so we can present you with new ideas and solutions to help you attain your business objectives.

Our Experience

Our experience covers shopping centers, retail parks, offices, business parks, city center redevelopment and refurbishment, leisure, residential development, factory outlets, and industrial developments.