In late May 2025, the High Court delivered a decision that has profound implications for the way commercial landlords and tenants handle insurance costs. In London Trocadero (2015) LLP v Picturehouse Cinemas Limited [2025] EWHC 1247 (Ch), Mr Justice Richards determined that landlords cannot simply tack on undisclosed broker commissions to their tenants as part…

The landscape of commercial property is constantly evolving, but one of the most intriguing trends in recent years has been the rise of private members’ clubs. Formerly the domain of exclusive circles and elite society, these clubs are experiencing a renaissance, marking their significance not just in hospitality but as pivotal drivers of real estate…

I have recently seen a couple of leases across my desk that reminded me of several key lessons I’ve shared before. These examples, which I’ve encountered first-hand, are worth revisiting – especially given how often short-term leases are wrongly perceived as low-risk. What is meant by short-term lease? Many tenants opt for short-term leases. By…

The first quarter of 2025 has shown early signs of recovery in the UK commercial property market. After a prolonged period of economic uncertainty and high interest rates, investor confidence appears to be gradually returning. Key sectors such as logistics, prime offices, and digital infrastructure are attracting renewed attention. This article explores how the market…

In a case that has brought the interpretation of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 back under the spotlight, the court’s decision in Spirit Pub Company (Managed) Limited v Pridewell Properties (London) Ltd serves as a cautionary reminder for landlords considering redevelopment as a means of opposing a lease renewal. At the heart of the…

The legislative landscape surrounding the Right to Manage (RTM) has undergone material change. With effect from 3 March 2025, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LFRA) introduced a series of amendments to the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (CLRA) which resets how rights and responsibilities are divided between leaseholders and landlords. These changes,…

What is your background and experience in the property industry? Following graduating from the University of Glasgow, the first 25 years of my career were spent working in Bank of Scotland and then RBS. This was predominantly working within the real estate sector dealing with loans ranging from £1m to £1bn, across all of the…

The Building Safety Levy is set to bring substantial changes to the development landscape in England, marking a critical response to the need for safer building standards following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. While its implementation has been delayed to autumn 2026, developers cannot afford to postpone their preparations. Here, we explore the key aspects of…

Navigating the sale of a commercial property while a lease is active requires a careful balance between legal obligations, tenant rights, and the expectations of potential buyers. Unlike selling a vacant property, transferring ownership of a tenanted commercial property introduces additional complexities that landlords must address to ensure a legally sound and commercially viable transaction.…