Investment Property
Investment Property Solicitors
Whether you are considering investing in property for the first time or looking to build on your existing property portfolio, our commercial property experts are on hand to provide you with expert advice at all stages of the property investment process.
Our team can guide you through all aspects of property investment from routine portfolio management through to more complex transactions.
Our specialist, bespoke advice and plain English approach will help you to get the very best out of your investment.
Why should I invest in commercial property?
Compared to investing in residential property, which usually have lease lengths from six months to one year, the average lease length on commercial property across the UK is eight years, or 10 to 15 years for commercial property in London. This results in a relatively stable income for a long period of time.
In addition, there is big potential for capital gains in the commercial property sector and the leaseholder is responsible for repair and maintenance which can make it more economical to invest in commercial property.
What should I consider before investing in commercial property?
As with residential property, there are several factors you should consider before investing in commercial property:
- Location-Better deals and opportunities can often be found in cities other than London, and finding the right property in the right location will help you acquire higher rental yield and greater capital growth potential.
- Market trends-By keeping an eye on market trends you will be able to identify which locations are up-and-coming.
- Type of sector-Whether industrial, retail, hospitality or office space and the performance of these sectors in recent years due to online shopping, Covid/hybrid working and Brexit.
- Personal experience-Consider the experience you have of the commercial property sector so you know what type of tenants you will attract.
What are the different ways to invest in commercial property?
You can either purchase a property or invest in commercial property funds. The following options are available:
- Direct Investment-You buy a commercial property for buy-to-let or to redevelop and sell. You can make a direct investment as an individual or with others by purchasing a share in a commercial property, typically through investment funds that offer portfolios of properties.
- Direct Commercial Property Funds-You invest directly in a commercial property through an investment company which owns the building and divides it out to smaller investors.
- Indirect commercial property funds-You invest in shares of property companies that are on the stock market, offering more flexibility and less need for start-up capital .
How much money do I need to invest in commercial property?
For smaller investors, investment funds such as unit trusts or investment trusts are the best way of getting on the commercial property market, and it is usually possible to invest a lump sum starting from around £500 in a property fund.
Unit trusts or investment trusts pay returns based on rental income and growth in value.
If you buy shares in property companies, you will get returns based on the growth in value of shares and the payment of dividends.
What yield can I expect on a commercial property investment?
Yields for commercial property investors are usually higher than for residential properties.
Residential properties usually offer a 1-3% return whereas commercial properties can yield up to 10%.
Commercial properties with the highest number of tenants typically deliver the highest yields and include student housing, office buildings, apartment complexes and storage facilities.
Why use Rothera Bray for investment property?
We help clients with all legal matters relating to investment property, including:
- Acquisitions and disposal of commercial property investments of all kinds
- Capital allowances
- Conveyancing
- Freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals
- Property portfolio management
- Landlord and tenant matters
Send us a message
“We’re interested in the way your business operates”
Philip Heseltine
Head of Commercial Property-Leicester
stars
Posted 15 May 2025
Shelby was our solicitor for our mortgage the process was super fast, very shocked to say we was doing a right to buy. The communication was great and we was never sat wondering, all our questions was answered, she made us feel at ease with the whole process and was very kind and approachable and always went the extra mile to make sure we understood everything. We would definitely recommend Shelby to anyone who needs a kind caring professional solicitor.
Matthew
stars
Posted 15 May 2025
It was a pleasure to have worked with you. I really want to thank you for all your efforts. Thank you so much.
Sadia Hussain
stars
Posted 15 May 2025
Overwhelming gratitude for Sara's handling of our house buying and selling process. During what was a very stressful process with lots of setbacks in the chain, Sara was professional, efficient and friendly through it all. As first time sellers we felt we could ask any questions around the process and if the answer wasn't known she would find out for us, without any suggestion we should already know the answers. Sara was the key communicator in our house buying process, and along with her team kept the whole thing moving in the right direction. We felt prioritised and listened to. Having used Rothera Bray 8 years ago we were pleased to find the quality of service is still second to none.
Charly White
stars
Posted 14 May 2025
Emily has recently taken over my case and her advice and efforts have been top notch. Her deep understanding and then explanation of the process and procedures has been vital to allow us to work towards the best outcome for all parties
Mark Lewis
stars
Posted 13 May 2025
I recently used Shelby Richardson from Rothera Bray solicitors for my mortgage, and I couldn't be happier with the service. She was incredibly thorough and explained everything clearly, which really helped ease my stress during the whole process. Any questions I had were answered quickly and efficiently. I felt like she really had my best interests at heart and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing a mortgage solicitor!
Stacey Brown
stars
Posted 9 May 2025
Kerry, we just wanted to say thanks so much for all you have done to help us through this process. Your efficiency, professionalism and pragmatism have been much appreciated.
Donna Varley
stars
Posted 30 April 2025
Carol, Gail, Steph, what a conveyancing team. They get you through all the obstacles the other side throw at you completely unnecessarily when selling a house in 2025. If you are a Landlord in 2025 selling lots of houses, expect torture and pain. Carols' team will at least make it less pain & get the completion over the line.
Mick Roberts
stars
Posted 28 April 2025
We had an excellent experience with Rothera Bray and specifically Carol and Gail. Their efficiency and communication were superb through our very long process (due to issues in the chain). It was great on completion day when they rang to confirm the news and it did bring a tear to my eye. Rothera Bray were good at pursuing other legal teams elsewhere and ensuring we got a fair deal and what we wanted. I would strongly recommend Rothera Bray to other prospective house buyers/sellers.
Ben Whitmarsh
stars
Posted 25 April 2025
Excellent service from Carol Freeman and her team at Rothera Bray. I'm highly satisfied with her conveyancing work. Highly recommended.
Hui-Ling Kerr
stars
Posted 23 April 2025
Carol Freeman and her team were simply brilliant in the handling of our sale and purchase when we recently moved down to Suffolk. With their help and support a stressful and at times complicated transaction was made to seem easy.
Rex Coleman
stars
Posted 22 April 2025
I would highly recommend Marneya who has been a fantastic solicitor, who guided us through the process with great communication, always helpful and very patient.
Rachael Heard
stars
Posted 18 April 2025
This divorce started off as a very stressful time for me, but the professional support, on a very specialised subject, provided by Rothera Bray, made all the difference... I can only describe Rebecca as my “GUARDIAN ANGEL” . At the very first telephone call I had with Rebecca, I could sense only fantastic positive vibes, that made me feel comfortable.
A Mullath
Catherine Angrave
Partner
Catherine deals with all types of commercial property work and has acquired substantial experience in acting for residential property developer clients in the acquisition and disposal of development land. She’s based at our Leicester office.
Antony Fyson
Partner
Antony Fyson is a Partner at Rothera Bray Solicitors. He works from our Lace Market office and offers clients a wealth of expertise in commercial property, property development and conveyancing matters.
Phillip Heseltine
Partner & Head of Commercial Property
Phillip has specialised in Commercial Property Law since 1997. He deals with sale and purchases of investment property and investment portfolios, but also the sale and acquisition of development land.
Russell Thompson
Partner
Russell Thompson is a Partner in the Commercial Property department at Rothera Bray Solicitors and is based at our Lace Market office.
David Tomlinson
Partner
David is a Partner at Rothera Bray Solicitors. He works from our Derby office and offers clients a wealth of expertise in commercial and commercial property matters.
Fiona Moore
Senior Associate Solicitor
Fiona Moore is a senior associate solicitor specialising in commercial property and residential property at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors and is located at our Lace Market office in the heart of Nottingham City Centre.
Marneya Chauhan
Associate Solicitor
Marneya is an Associate Solicitor in the Commercial Property department based at our Leicester office. He acts for commercial property lenders, property investors and landowners. He’s based at our Leicester city centre office.
James Gray
Associate Solicitor
James is based at our Spa Place, Leicester office within the Commercial Property team. James’ specialisms include advising on all areas of freehold and leasehold commercial, agricultural and (aspects of) residential property.
Amy Moore
Associate Solicitor
Amy is apart of our busy Commercial Property team at our Leicester city centre office. She specialises in commercial leases, renewal leases, and acts on behalf of pension schemes in relation to purchases, sales and lease aspects.
Kirsty Stening
Solicitor
Kirsty Stening is a solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Lace Market office in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
Amie Hardy
Trainee Solicitor
Amie Hardy is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market and Leicester offices.
Will Trotter
Trainee Solicitor
Will Trotter is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Derby office.
Alison Gill
Paralegal
Alison is a Paralegal in our Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Katie Sampson
Paralegal
Katie Sampson is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Dividing finances during divorce: what you need to know about consent orders
One of the most challenging aspects of any separation is deciding who gets what, and how to make those decisions legally binding. Whether it’s the family home, pensions, savings, or other assets, reaching a fair financial settlement is crucial for moving forward with confidence and clarity.
Can I be sacked for working a second job whilst I’m off sick?
It’s not uncommon for people to have more than one job. But if you’re off sick from one of them and still working the other, can your employer fire you?
Corporate team advises on another strategic merger with TC Group
Our Corporate team has advised Haines Watts Tamworth on its successful merger with the rapidly-growing TC Group. This merger completed just one week after the team finalised the merger of Haines Watts’ Derby, Nottingham and Leicester Audit offices.
Nottingham Attacks survivors give their first interview
Survivors of the Nottingham Attacks have given their first and only TV interview following the June 2023 attack. They shared their experience and hopes for the upcoming Inquiry, as well as what it means for the city they still live in.