Managing residual liabilities at the end of a development

At practical completion, the last unit is handed over. The marketing suite is dismantled. The funder is repaid and attention turns, as it should, to the next acquisition. From the outside, the development is complete. I wish this was the picture for every development, but it very rarely is. Legally, however, completion and conclusion are…

Read More

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: a turning point for the private rented sector

The private rented sector has been subject to sustained political and regulatory scrutiny for a number of years. Rising rents, concerns about tenancy security, and the limited ability of tenants to challenge decisions affecting their homes have all contributed to pressure for reform. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the legislative response: a substantial overhaul…

Read More

Karen’s trip to Cannes: MIPIM 2026 reflections

This year was my first time back in Cannes since before the pandemic, and I was curious to see how the event had evolved in that time. It was busier, broader, and if the sunshine counts for anything, brighter than ever. Cautious optimism was the sentiment I encountered across the week. There is genuine appetite…

Read More

When land control becomes visible

Most developers will already have a sense of how much of a scheme’s value sits in control rather than ownership. You can spend months securing a position, negotiating terms, and taking early-stage risk before anything appears on title. During that period, timing and limited visibility tend to work in your favour. Others may suspect activity, but they…

Read More

Building liability orders: What commercial developers need to know about a new era of corporate liability

Property development has always involved a careful balance between opportunity and risk. Large-scale projects require substantial capital, complex delivery structures and long timelines. For that reason, developers have long relied on well-established corporate structures to manage exposure.  One of the most familiar of these is the special purpose vehicle (SPV). A dedicated company created for a single development, the…

Read More

The rise of mixed-use developments: What developers need to get right before the first lease is granted 

Mixed-use development has become one of the defining features of the UK development market. Schemes that combine ground-floor commercial space with residential accommodation above are now central to regeneration strategies, town centre renewal and urban intensification. For developers, the appeal is real. Mixed-use spreads risk across sectors. It creates places rather than single-purpose blocks. It can produce…

Read More

Pop-up shops and short-term leasing: The legal realities behind a modern retail trend

In recent years, many of the UK’s high streets have taken on a new kind of energy. Empty premises that once stood dormant for long periods are increasingly being occupied by temporary retailers, concept stores and experimental brands. These “pop-ups” are now a familiar feature of the retail landscape, offering businesses a flexible route into physical trading and landlords…

Read More

Is debt really a commodity? What developers risk when price becomes the only metric

In a market constrained by affordability issues, it is hardly surprising that developers’ attention has shifted towards price. Developers and investors are under pressure from higher interest rates, rising construction costs and tighter margins, and debt pricing has become an increasingly dominant factor in funding decisions. Against that backdrop, it is tempting to view debt…

Read More

Six things for 2026: What commercial landlords should be thinking about

For commercial landlords, 2026 presents a set of pressures that require careful attention. Tenants are more cost-conscious, investors are applying closer scrutiny to asset quality and performance, and compliance expectations around buildings continue to evolve. At the same time, landlords need flexibility: the ability to reposition assets, respond to market changes, and maintain control over…

Read More

What property professionals need to know about getting contract variations right

Contract variations are a fact of life in property transactions. A tenant wants to alter their permitted use. Development timelines shift and payment schedules need adjusting. A conditional contract requires amendment before completion. These changes happen regularly, and when relationships are good, the temptation is to agree them quickly and informally. A recent High Court decision demonstrates why that approach…

Read More