HB International Desk

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.