This area covers the purchase and sale of commercial property in England. It includes negotiating terms, exchanging contracts, and completing the transfer of ownership for offices, shops, warehouses and other business premises, along with related issues such as leases, title due diligence and securing funding. A solicitor in this area drafts and negotiates contracts, investigates the title, raises and answers property and planning enquiries, reviews title deeds, restrictions and easements, and coordinates with lenders, sellers and buyers through to completion at the Land Registry. The work often hinges on timing, funding conditions and the accuracy of title information, with the aim of a clean transfer of the freehold or leasehold interest to the buyer.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
The solicitor handles the drafting and review of the sale contract, conducts property title due diligence, negotiates warranties and indemnities, and coordinates the transfer deed and registration with HM Land Registry. They also manage enquiries about title, covenants, planning restrictions and any existing leases or tenancies affecting the property, and oversee the repayment or assignment of any mortgages at completion.