Category: Commercial Property

Leasehold Reform: England Is Still Waiting

Leasehold reform in England currently occupies a curious position. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LFRA) is law. It has passed Parliament, but is currently being challenged in the Courts, and much of it remains unimplemented. Most of its central provisions were never meant to commence immediately and require…

Companies House – Update Statements for Overseas Entities

For those already registered as an Overseas Entities with Companies House, this is a reminder that they will be collecting additional information from 31 July 2025 as part of the annual update statement. Companies House want to know about beneficial ownership changes during the pre-registration period. This…

The Impact of SDLT changes under the Autumn 2024 UK Budget on Property Purchases for Investors and Overseas Buyers

Stamp Duty Land Tax Following the Autumn Budget 2024, significant changes to the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)  effective today impact investors in UK property, particularly those form overseas and those  purchasing second homes or rental properties. The Chancellor has announced an increase in the SDLT surcharge from 5% to…

Break clauses in commercial leases – advantages and what can go wrong

A break clause is a contractual provision in a commercial lease which allows either the landlord or the tenant to terminate early. Break clauses are often one of the most important negotiation issues in the grant of a new commercial lease. Why tenants generally want break clauses From a tenant’s…

Commercial lease assignment – how it works, risks and alternatives

What is commercial lease assignment? A significant number of commercial leases, whether for retail shops, offices, warehouses or industrial units, are let on long leases, often with a 10 year term or more. As circumstances change, tenants often decide they would like to exit the lease part way through the…

Register of Overseas Entities Owning UK Real Estate

The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 (the Act) received Royal Assent on 15th March 2022, this being one of the steps towards the government’s agenda to increase transparency.  The Act introduced a new requirement for overseas entities that own/hold UK property to register the details of all beneficial…