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 MoreThe 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 MorePop-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 MoreIs 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 MoreSix 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 MoreWhat 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 MoreWhy the 2025 UK retail property recovery is contractual, not speculative
UK retail property delivered the strongest total returns of any traditional commercial property sector during 2025. Research published by Knight Frank indicates total returns of 9.2 per cent to the third quarter, ahead of industrial property at 9.1 per cent and significantly outperforming offices. Shopping centres and food stores were the strongest performing retail sub-sectors,…
Read MoreWhat the Budget statement means for UK commercial property
The Chancellor’s 26th November Budget arrived at a time when the commercial property market was already dealing with difficult conditions. Borrowing remains expensive, construction activity has slowed, and occupier confidence varies from sector to sector. Against that backdrop, the Budget did not contain dramatic measures or unexpected giveaways. Instead, it set out a series of changes that shift…
Read MoreRetail restructuring: A landlord’s guide to CVAs and store closures
Q3 2025 has been a sobering quarter for shopping centre landlords. According to Savills’ latest Shopping Centre and High Street report, the sector witnessed a wave of retail casualties. Revolution Bars closed 25 venues, reducing its estate from 90 to 65 sites. Prezzo continued its downsizing strategy with further closures following an earlier decision to…
Read MoreBusiness Rates Reform 2026: Legal strategies for retail landlords
The Chancellor’s business rates reform, set to take effect from April 2026, is being framed as a rebalancing act. It lifts the burden on small high street businesses while asking larger operators to pay more. According to Savills’ latest Shopping Centre and High Street report (Q3 2025), the reform introduces a higher surcharge of up…
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