Martyn’s Law: What commercial property owners and occupiers must know
The quiet progression of a vital piece of public safety legislation became official on 3rd April 2025 with the passing of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act – better known as Martyn’s Law. Its formal enactment represents not only the fulfilment of a government promise, but also the culmination of years of determined campaigning by…
Read MoreFlex office leases: Negotiating with commercial landlords
As flexible workspace becomes a mainstream office model, providers are stepping into increasingly complex lease negotiations with commercial landlords. This was certainly our experience during our negotiations for our landlord client at Victoria, where the provider had a lot of operational requirements to accommodate. These aren’t your standard institutional leases. Operators offering short-term licences to…
Read MoreBDW v URS Simplified: The Case Every Property Professional Should Understand
Why This Case Matters In May 2025, the Supreme Court handed down a major judgment in BDW v URS, now regarded as one of the most important construction cases in recent years. The central issue was this: can a developer recover the cost of fixing dangerous building defects, even after the building has been sold,…
Read MoreInsurance rent and the Picturehouse dispute: What the Trocadero case teaches us about transparency in commercial leasing
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…
Read MoreThe rise of semi-commercial property investments
The UK property market is in a state of transformation. While traditional commercial and residential investments remain prevalent, a new contender has steadily risen to prominence over the past years: semi-commercial properties. Combining residential and commercial elements within a single development, these hybrids bridge the gap between two sectors and offer opportunities for both diversification…
Read MoreAre private members’ clubs the future of commercial property investment?
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…
Read MoreWhy it is still worth taking care over a short-term lease
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…
Read MoreCommercial Property Trends: A Q1 2025 Market Overview
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…
Read MoreThe Limits of Ground F argument: Spirit Pub Company v Pridewell Properties
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…
Read MoreStrategic Considerations following RTM Reform
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,…
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