By the Streathers Commercial Real Estate Team
The commercial property market continues to evolve as businesses adapt to changing economic conditions, flexible working practices, sustainability requirements and shifting investment priorities.
Whether you are acquiring an investment property, negotiating a commercial lease, refinancing a portfolio, disposing of an asset or planning a development project, obtaining specialist legal advice early can help reduce risk, avoid costly delays and protect your commercial objectives.
At Streathers, our Commercial Real Estate team advises property investors, developers, landlords, tenants, lenders and business owners on a wide range of commercial real estate matters across London and the South East. We provide practical, commercially focused advice tailored to each client’s specific goals.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters in Commercial Property Transactions
Every commercial property transaction presents unique legal and commercial considerations.
A well-structured transaction can help:
- Protect asset value
- Reduce commercial risk
- Improve financing options
- Support future development opportunities
- Streamline acquisitions and disposals
- Avoid costly disputes
By identifying potential issues at the outset, businesses and investors are often better positioned to negotiate favourable terms and avoid unexpected liabilities.
Our commercial property solicitors regularly advise on:
- Acquisitions and disposals
- Investment property transactions
- Commercial leases
- Portfolio acquisitions and management
- Property finance and refinancing
- Development projects
- Landlord and tenant matters
- Corporate support for property owning companies
Commercial Property Acquisitions: Protecting Your Investment
When acquiring commercial property, thorough legal due diligence is essential.
Issues can arise in relation to:
- Restrictive covenants
- Easements and rights of way
- Planning permissions
- Environmental liabilities
- Occupier rights
- Existing leases
- Title defects
Identifying these matters before exchange of contracts can provide opportunities to renegotiate terms, seek contractual protections or reassess commercial viability.
For investors, early legal input can make the difference between a successful acquisition and an expensive problem.
Client Success Story: Commercial Property Investment Acquisition
Roger Hoque, Partner
Roger recently advised on a strategic investment acquisition involving the purchase of a commercial property intended to generate long-term rental income. He coordinated extensive due diligence, negotiated complex contractual documentation and worked closely with lenders and property agents to ensure a smooth transaction.
Outcome: The client successfully completed the acquisition within the required timeframe and secured a valuable long-term investment asset.
Commercial Leases: Balancing Risk and Flexibility
Commercial leases remain one of the most important documents in any business occupation strategy.
In today’s market, lease negotiations increasingly focus on flexibility, including:
- Break clauses
- Alienation rights
- Rent review provisions
- Service charge arrangements
- Repairing obligations
- Sustainability requirements
- Rights to alter premises
A well-negotiated lease can support future business growth whilst protecting against unforeseen liabilities.
Whether acting for landlords or tenants, Streathers helps clients negotiate agreements that reflect commercial realities whilst minimising the risk of future disputes.
Client Success Story: Lease Negotiation and Business Expansion
Paul Catterall, Consultant Solicitor
Paul Catterall recently advised a growing business on acquiring new commercial premises to support a significant expansion programme.
The transaction involved negotiating detailed lease provisions, reviewing repairing obligations and ensuring sufficient flexibility for the business’s future operational needs.
Outcome: The client secured premises capable of supporting continued growth whilst safeguarding against unnecessary legal and operational risks.
Property Portfolio Management and Asset Optimisation
For investors, effective property portfolio management extends far beyond acquisitions and disposals.
Ongoing legal support may be needed in connection with:
- Lease renewals
- Licences to alter
- Refinancing arrangements
- Rent reviews
- Portfolio restructuring
- Landlord and tenant issues
- Asset management strategies
Our team works closely with property owners to maximise the value of their assets whilst helping manage legal and commercial risks.
Development Projects and Property Finance
Property development continues to offer significant opportunities for investors and developers, but careful planning is essential.
Successful development projects often require legal input across multiple areas, including:
- Site acquisitions
- Planning and development agreements
- Funding and finance arrangements
- Commercial leases
- Construction-related matters
- Disposal strategies
Client Success Story: Commercial Property Development Project
Aveel John, Consultant Solicitor
Aveel John recently advised a developer on the property aspects of a commercial development project involving multiple stakeholders and complex funding considerations.
The matter required careful coordination of legal documentation, management of transactional risks and ongoing support to ensure the project remained commercially viable.
Outcome: The client was able to progress the development confidently, supported by proactive legal advice and efficient project management.
Prime London Commercial Property Transactions
London remains one of the most active and competitive commercial property markets in the world.
Transactions involving prime assets frequently raise complex issues requiring specialist legal expertise, including:
- High-value acquisitions
- Complex funding arrangements
- Title investigations
- Multi-party transactions
- Development opportunities
Client Success Story: High-Value Central London Transaction
Janine Gibbs, Senior Associate
With more than 20 years’ experience advising on residential and commercial property matters, Janine Gibbs recently acted on a significant Central London commercial property acquisition.
The transaction required detailed investigation of title issues together with careful management of financing arrangements.
Janine’s proactive approach allowed potential obstacles to be identified and resolved before exchange of contracts.
Outcome: The client completed the acquisition with confidence, having addressed key risks at an early stage.
Commercial Property Disputes: Early Action Minimises Risk
Even well-structured property transactions can give rise to disputes.
Common commercial property disputes include:
- Rent arrears
- Service charge disputes
- Dilapidation claims
- Lease interpretation issues
- Breach of covenant claims
- Possession proceedings
- Forfeiture actions
Obtaining specialist advice at an early stage can often help resolve disputes quickly and commercially, preserving business relationships where possible and protecting clients’ interests when litigation becomes necessary.
Meet the Team
Roger Hoque, Head of Real Estate & Partner
Roger Hoque joined Streathers in 2024 as a Partner and now leads the firm’s Real Estate department.
With more than 20 years’ experience practising in the City, Roger is recognised for advising investors, developers, landlords, tenants, entrepreneurs and businesses on complex commercial property matters. His expertise covers all aspects of commercial real estate, including acquisitions and disposals, investment transactions, commercial leasing, real estate finance, development schemes and asset management.
In recent years, Roger has developed a particular specialism in high-value development and strategic land transactions across London and the South East. His expertise includes:
- Strategic land acquisitions and disposals
- Development option agreements
- Conditional contracts
- Section 106 planning agreements
- Development funding and finance
- Commercial acquisitions and disposals
- Investment property transactions
- Commercial leasing
- Portfolio management
- Landlord and tenant work
- Mixed-use development schemes
Roger’s recent deal highlights include:
- Advising on a complex development involving site assembly of multiple properties, negotiating the section 106 agreement to secure planning consent for the construction of several residential blocks and a railway station car park
- Acting on the acquisition of a farmhouse and equestrian centre in Kent for redevelopment opportunities.
- Advising a tenant operating a chain of charity retail stores.
- Acting for an organisation acquiring children’s homes throughout the UK as part of a nationwide expansion programme.
- Advising on the sale of a market-leading supermarket on the South Coast.
Roger is particularly valued for his commercial approach and ability to understand the wider business objectives behind every transaction. Whether acting for investors seeking long-term returns, developers delivering substantial projects or occupiers expanding their businesses, Roger provides strategic advice that helps clients maximise value whilst managing legal and commercial risk.
Janine Gibbs, Senior Associate
Janine joined Streathers in January 2026 and brings more than 20 years’ experience advising on both commercial and residential property matters.
Her expertise includes:
- Commercial acquisitions and disposals
- Landlord and tenant work
- Property finance
- Development transactions
- Asset management
- Title investigations
- Lease negotiations
Janine is known for her technical expertise, commercial awareness and proactive management of complex property transactions.
Paul Catterall, Consultant Solicitor
Paul advises landlords, tenants, investors and occupiers across a broad range of commercial property matters.
His practice includes:
- Commercial leasing
- Lease renewals
- Acquisitions and disposals
- Asset management
- Business occupation strategies
- Landlord and tenant negotiations
Paul is recognised for delivering practical solutions and commercially focused advice that supports business growth.
Aveel John, Consultant Solicitor
Aveel advises developers, investors and commercial property owners on acquisitions, disposals and development projects.
His work frequently includes:
- Development site acquisitions
- Commercial property transactions
- Property finance
- Strategic development projects
- Investment acquisitions
- Portfolio management
Clients value Aveel’s pragmatic approach and ability to manage complex real estate transactions efficiently.
Why Choose Streathers?
Commercial property is one of Streathers’ core areas of expertise.
Our Commercial Real Estates team advises a wide range of business activity including:
- Property investors
- Developers
- Landlords
- Tenants
- Banks and lenders
- Pension funds
- International businesses
- High-net-worth individuals
- Charities
- Restaurant chains and pubs
We combine technical legal expertise with a practical commercial approach, helping clients achieve their objectives whilst managing risk throughout the property lifecycle.
Whether you are purchasing your first investment property, negotiating a commercial lease, managing a substantial property portfolio or delivering a development project, our team can provide strategic support every step of the way.
Speak to Our Commercial Real Estate Team
For advice please contact Roger Hoque, Head of Real Estate, Janine Gibbs, Paul Catterall, Aveel John or a member of the Streathers Commercial Real Estate team.
