Blog
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 MoreKaren’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 MoreWhen 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 MoreBuilding 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 MoreA Lifetime in Commercial Property Auctions: An interview with Richard Auterac
Richard Auterac is a founding Director of Acuitus and one of the UK’s most experienced commercial property auctioneers. In this interview, Richard shares his perspective on the evolving commercial property market, the role of auctions, current sector challenges, and the trends shaping its future. What is your background and experience in the property industry? I…
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 MoreSix things for 2026: what commercial tenants should be thinking about
For commercial tenants, 2026 is likely to remain a year where occupier decisions are made under pressure. Businesses want flexibility, cost certainty and operational resilience. Many organisations are still adjusting their footprint, responding to evolving working patterns, and keeping a close eye on budgets. At the same time, landlords are often seeking stronger protection and clearer control, particularly…
Read MoreSix things for 2026: What commercial property developers should be thinking about
For commercial property developers, 2026 brings opportunity, but it also demands discipline. Funding remains selective, but well-located schemes with a clear commercial rationale are still attracting attention, particularly where risk has been properly structured. At the same time, the route from site to completed development remains complicated. Planning timetables are hard to predict, procurement risk continues to sit behind most…
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 More