Owners and Occupiers
The Owners & Occupiers team within our Commercial Real Estate group, is led by Robert Souber.
Our team acts for landlords and tenants, investors, developers and funders. Our team has extensive experience of working alongside private companies, listed and unlisted public limited companies, banks, individuals, partnerships, construction and development groups.
The team uses its extensive knowledge to devise the best strategy for achieving an individual client’s commercial objectives. Demonstrating a clear and practical understanding of even the most complex lease agreements, the team works closely with each client to focus on the key aspects of a lease – however onerous – that can be translated into money.
Our areas of property expertise include:
- New lettings of commercial property and agreements for lease of development property
- Lease renewals including renewals and contested renewals under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954
- Rent reviews
- Dilapidations
- Break notices and leases
- All aspects of the management of property let subject to occupational leases and the sale and purchase of investment property subject to occupational leases
Owners & Occupiers team
Andrew Farnell
Partner, Commercial & Residential Investment, Owners & Occupiers and Portfolio Management
Anjali Derashri
Solicitor, Owners & Occupiers and Portfolio Management
Gemma Grimes
Owners & Occupiers and Portfolio Management
George Stoyanov
Trainee Solicitor, Owners & Occupiers and Portfolio Management
John Oliver Bellasis
Legal Director, Commercial & Residential Investment, Owners & Occupiers and Portfolio Management
Milli Jones
Partner, Commercial & Residential Investment
Robert Souber
Partner, Head of Owners & Occupiers Team and Portfolio Management.
Sam Wooderson
Legal Director, Owners & Occupiers and Portfolio Management
Recent case studies
Building Safety Act
Advising a commercial tenant on the acquisition of a long leasehold interest in a mixed-use building, including detailed analysis of liabilities and protections arising under the Building Safety Act 2022. Advising purchasers and lenders on Building Safety Act compliance, remediation obligations and the impact of building safety risks on commercial property transactions.
Pre-Letting of New Build Commercial Unit to Blue-Chip Occupier
Acting for a developer in connection with the pre-letting of a new-build commercial unit to a national blue-chip occupier. The transaction involved negotiating a conditional agreement for lease linked to practical completion of the development and securing a long-term occupational commitment prior to completion of the scheme.
Disposal of High-Value Residential Property
Acted on the sale of a residential property for just under £8 million, managing a complex transaction involving overseas purchasers, strict exchange deadlines and multiple stakeholder interests.
Acquisition of £11.6 Million Retail Park
Advised a property investment company on the acquisition of a multi-let retail park valued at approximately £11.6 million. The transaction involved extensive due diligence across multiple occupational leases, title investigations, financing arrangements and asset management considerations.
Advising existing client on the purchase of 52 Princes Gate, London, SW7 2PG and lease back to Imperial College
The firm acted for a long-standing investor client on the £12.5 million acquisition of a freehold listed property in central London from Imperial College London, with Savills acting as selling agents. The team advised throughout a complex tender process, carried out extensive due diligence, and resolved issues relating to acquired rights and adverse possession. Despite the transaction’s value and complexity, it was completed within a demanding timetable, with exchange and completion taking place simultaneously. A leaseback to Imperial College was secured, generating annual rental income of £516,000 and delivering a successful long-term investment for the client.
Advising on the acquisition by way of pre-letting of a prime Central London flagship store for a luxury brand
We acted for a luxury brand in securing a new-build agreement for lease of a flagship 30,000 sq. ft. retail store on Bond Street. The transaction was completed on an accelerated timetable, reaching exchange within just seven days following the negotiation of key documents and due diligence on approximately 400 legal documents. Our role included coordinating multiple parties and professional advisers, conducting risk analysis and due diligence, negotiating transaction documents, and providing strategic legal advice. The matter involved a complex, high-value structure, tight deadlines, and cross-border elements. The successful outcome secured a rare opportunity for our client to occupy a prime Central London flagship store despite strong competition from rival luxury brands.
Advising on the Administration of an Insolvent Estate.
This was an unusual estate administration where liabilities exceeded assets, leaving no distribution available to beneficiaries. The entire estate was therefore administered for the benefit of creditors, requiring the application of insolvency principles under the Insolvency Act 1986. The firm effectively acted in a role similar to an insolvency practitioner, reviewing and prioritising claims from banks, HMRC, and family members to ensure correct legal ordering of payments. A key issue involved a secured loan over the deceased’s property, repaid by a third party prior to sale. This raised complex equity considerations regarding subrogation and creditor status. The estate was successfully administered in full, with all debts resolved in accordance with the proper legal framework. A key issue involved a secured loan over the deceased’s property, repaid by a third party prior to sale. This raised complex equity considerations regarding subrogation and creditor status. The estate was successfully administered in full, with all debts resolved in accordance with the proper legal framework.
Acting for pub landlord in High Court appeal against refusal of opposition to new lease on redevelopment grounds
The landlord opposed a tenant’s request for a new lease of pub premises under ground (f) of section 30(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, relying on an intention to redevelop the property into residential flats and mews houses. To succeed, the landlord had to show that redevelopment works would begin within a reasonable time after termination of the tenancy. However, the proposed works were delayed by 10–14 months due to the need for site access to carry out tests for a planning application, which the tenant had refused. The trial judge initially considered this delay reasonable. On appeal, the High Court held that the landlord had not demonstrated a sufficiently prompt intention to commence works, finding 10–14 months too long. The case provides guidance that redevelopment opposition is difficult where further steps, such as planning permission, remain outstanding.
Insights
Ban on Upwards Only Rent Reviews
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Business - Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Lease Extensions
8 Sep 2026
Reforming Ground Rent – the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill
Lease Extensions, Real Estate
21 Apr 2026
The New Commonhold Regime – The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill – Part 1
Lease Extensions, Real Estate
24 Feb 2026
Common Issues with Side Letters Between Landlord and Tenant
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Real Estate
30 Jun 2025
Landlord’s Intentions Triumph in Lease Renewal Dispute
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Commercial Real Estate
16 May 2025
Leasehold Reform – where are we now?
Real Estate
14 Nov 2024
Landlord Considerations for Tenant Alterations
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Commercial Real Estate
22 Oct 2024
The Role of Indemnity Policies in Secured Lending Transactions
Auctions & Investment Property Advisory, Construction, Development and Planning, Secured Lending
19 Sep 2024
Leasehold Reform is here (sort of) – the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
Real Estate, Residential Property
6 Jun 2024
Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Entering into a Lease for Your Restaurant
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Real Estate, Uncategorized
31 May 2024
How Japanese knotweed sparked a major shift in Property Litigation.
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Dispute Resolution, Property Litigation, Real Estate
30 Jan 2024
Embedding Sustainable and Eco-friendly Design in Residential Property Development.
Construction, Development and Planning, Residential Property
5 Sep 2023
How Renewable Energy is affecting the Commercial Marketplace: The Problems facing Landlords and SMEs and the Solutions to tackle them
Business Law, Commercial Real Estate
14 Aug 2023
Illegal cannabis farming by tenants – A growing problem for landlords
Real Estate, Residential Property
19 Jul 2023
83 is the magic number
Real Estate, Residential Property
13 Jul 2023
Why do I need a solicitor to re-mortgage my home?
Real Estate, Residential Property
28 Feb 2023
Share of Freehold – How to give the taxman a windfall by doing nothing.
Lease Extensions, Real Estate, Residential Property
9 Feb 2023
Anti-competitive practice and land agreements
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate
21 Sep 2022
The new Register of Overseas Entities – An overview
Auctions & Investment Property Advisory, International, Real Estate
6 Sep 2022
Welcome to the new world of (no) ground rent (sort of).
Lease Extensions, Residential Property
16 Aug 2022
COVID-19 Rental Arrears
Commercial Landlord & Tenant
2 Aug 2022
Room for improvement in drawn out property disputes
Business Disputes, Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Real Estate
17 Jun 2022
The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 – What to expect
Real Estate, Residential Property
3 May 2022
Get your ducks in a row: Drafting rent review provisions in leases
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate
20 Apr 2022
“Share of Freehold”: not necessarily a sweet deal
Private Clients, Real Estate, Residential Property
12 Apr 2022
Companies face even tougher times ahead as remaining temporary insolvency measures come to an end
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Commercial Real Estate, Insolvency
8 Apr 2022
Affordable Housing Shortage Proves Decisive in High Court Planning Case
Real Estate, Residential Property
17 Mar 2022
Houses in Multiple Occupation – Landlords Overturn Rent Repayment Order
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Real Estate
15 Mar 2022
The Legal Status of Property Guardians – Court of Appeal Clarifies the Law
Real Estate, Residential Property
9 Mar 2022
Do You Object to a Neighbour’s Development Plans? Consult a Solicitor
Construction, Development and Planning, Residential Property
4 Mar 2022
Cladding Support
Cladding, Construction, Construction, Development and Planning
24 Feb 2022
Housing Project Survives Historic Airfield Owner’s High Court Challenge
Real Estate, Residential Property
21 Feb 2022
Renewal of Commercial Leases – Intention is More than Mere Contemplation
Commercial Real Estate, Corporate & Commercial, Lease Extensions
10 Feb 2022
Litigation – You Need a Lawyer to Navigate the Procedural Minefield
Business Disputes, Property Litigation
27 Jan 2022
COVID-19 – Retailer Unlawfully Refused Government Financial Support
Retail and Leisure
26 Jan 2022
Determined DIY Builders Score Important Victory Over HMRC
Business Disputes, Business Law, Construction, Construction, Development and Planning
10 Jan 2022
Is Your Lease Under Threat of Forfeiture? Don’t Delay Consulting a Solicitor
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Lease Extensions, Real Estate
10 Jan 2022
High Court Aids Widow Left in Precarious Position by Husband’s Death
Private Clients, Property Litigation, Wills, Trusts and Probate
7 Jan 2022
High Court Steps In to Unwind Former Friends’ Joint Property Venture
Private Clients, Property Litigation, Real Estate, Technology & Data Protection
23 Dec 2021
Are You a Pandemic Home Worker? Do You Need Planning Permission?
Construction, Development and Planning
13 Dec 2021