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A 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 MoreFlexibility, not prophecy: An interview with Ben Copithorne
Ben Copithorne is the Managing Director of Camargue and works with real estate clients in brand building and corporate communications, as well as helping clients navigate the planning system. What is your background and experience in the property industry? I’ve spent nearly 30 years working with clients across real estate to help them to build…
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 MoreQuiz – How much do you know about property?
We have a Christmas treat for you in the form of a property quiz! We are offering a prize of a free bottle of champagne to the first set of correct answers sent to karen.mason@newmanor.com so get you answers in as soon as you can. Newmanor Can you name the UK’s largest online real estate…
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