Property Development Solicitors
Lawyers for property developers
If you’re looking to buy land or buildings, or develop your own land or buildings, our commercial property solicitors can help. We’ll make sure that the legal decisions made along the way are the right ones.
Our team is on hand to advise you on how to protect your interest in relation to property development, including support with different types of contracts.
Our advice will be honest, straightforward and designed to help you achieve the outcome you seek from your development.
What is an option agreement?
An option agreement gives the buyer the option to buy land from a seller for a limited period.
This can be useful if you want to develop the land once planning permission has been granted and avoid becoming the owner of land which can’t be developed the way you intended.
Typically, an agreed payment is made by the buyer to the seller in exchange for binding the land with an option agreement.
During the limited period the buyer can apply for planning permission for that land and if granted they can exercise the option to buy the land or allow the option to lapse if planning permission is denied.
What is a conditional sale contract?
This is a contract to sell land to a buyer on the condition that the buyer will apply for or successfully obtain planning permission for the land.
If the buyer does not obtain planning permission, then the sale of land will not be completed.
The contract should include details on what the condition is, who needs to satisfy it, how long the party has to satisfy the condition, who will decide whether the condition has been met and whether the parties will share the cost arising from the party satisfying the condition.
Do I need planning permission to develop land or buildings?
Planning permission is usually required if you are building a new dwelling, even if it is on your land.
Some builds such as smaller additions and improvements might fall under Permitted Development which is an implied consent for builds that meet requirements.
However, it is important to check with your local authority before you start building without planning permission and obtain a Lawful Development Certificate as proof that the development was legal at the time of building.
How do I finance a commercial property development?
There are several options for financing a commercial property development, including:
- entering a joint venture with a party that is willing to financially contribute
- entering a limited liability partnership with a party willing to financially contribute
- using equity finance by issuing new shares in your company
- or obtaining a loan
Loans tend to be based on a stage release basis. The initial release of funds is usually only a percentage of the total facility.
When the site has been acquired and the initial loan made, the remainder of the loan is paid out in stages as the building progresses.
The types of commercial development finance available are:
- Building to sell: the loan application will depend on the saleability of the units being built
- Building to hold: if you are planning to hold the build as an investment the lender will look at the rentability of the properties being built, and your ability to secure finance for it when let. Where some or all units have been pre-let it’s more likely your application will be successful
- Building for your own business: the lender will focus on your ability to secure a commercial mortgage once the property is built
Who can I sell my commercial property land to?
You can sell your land to an individual, a company, a joint venture, or a partnership.
Depending on who you sell to, you may need to draw up certain contracts such as a conditional sale contract or option agreement. In which case, it can be helpful to instruct a Commercial Property Solicitor who will be able to advise you on which contracts and provisions you will need and help you draw them up.
Why use Rothera Bray for property development?
We help clients with all legal details in property development, including:
- Options and conditional contracts
- Investigation of sites – checking legal title, restrictive covenants and rights of third parties, and relevant searches
- Assistance with funding – reporting to your lender on the title; liaising with any other professionals involved, such as the lender’s valuer
- Overage provisions – an agreement by a buyer, typically of undeveloped land, to pay a further sum of money to the seller if certain situations arise. A seller often wishes to reserve a right to that further sum on very strict terms, and a buyer needs to ensure the provisions are not so stringent as to blight the land.
- Agreements with service providers – liaising with the relevant company or authority on easements, wayleaves and Section 104 agreements
Send us a message
“We’ll work seamlessly with your property development business.”
Catherine Angrave
Head of Commercial Property
stars
Posted 23 December 2025
I purchased my first home with an ex-partner and needed to get an equity transfer completed. The situation was very messy and chaotic involving Help to Buy. Lucy and Karen were beyond helpful in explaining everything and dealing with Help to Buy when they were being not very helpful and slow. I feel that the whole drama would be ongoing without their expertise and help. Thank you.
Kirk
stars
Posted 23 December 2025
We enjoyed exceptionally good service from Rothera Bray. Jackie Murphy who handled our conveyancing was outstanding. She is highly professional and dealt with enquiries promptly, often on the same day! Her communication was very good and we always felt well informed. I'd have no hesitation in calling on Rothera Bray again.
Mr Page
stars
Posted 23 December 2025
A brilliant experience from start to finish. A fallen through chain and a few complications on the way, but the service provided was fantastic. Rothera Bray were clear and helpful at all times. Would highly recommend to anyone.
Amy O'Neill
stars
Posted 22 December 2025
I can highly recommend George Cokkinos at Rothera Bray for advice on a settlement agreement. George took the time to fully understand my situation before giving clear and appropriate advice. He was transparent on fees, kept me updated throughout and handled correspondence with my former employer efficiently. The outcome was positive and the process felt well managed from start to finish.
Anonymous
stars
Posted 22 December 2025
I saw Julie about re doing my will. I found her very caring thoughtful and understanding. She really put me at ease and helped with suggestions.
Patricia Wood
stars
Posted 19 December 2025
From the outset, my experience working with Rothera Bray, and in particular, Lauren, has been outstanding. I was navigating a stressful settlement process and wasn’t sure what to expect, but Lauren took the time to explain everything clearly, set realistic expectations, and guide me step-by-step. Her advice was always proactive and well considered, and I felt fully supported throughout. Lauren’s professionalism, calm approach and attention to detail gave me confidence at every stage, and ultimately helped secure the outcome I was hoping for, one that truly protected my best interests. I would absolutely recommend Rothera Bray. Having someone who is responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about the result makes all the difference. Lauren made a challenging situation feel manageable, and I’m incredibly grateful for her help.
Employment Law client
stars
Posted 19 December 2025
We have recently completed our house purchase with Rothera Bray. From the outset Sade Love provided us with clear instructions and advice and has been absolutely brilliant throughout. The charges for services are fair and certainly reasonable. I would highly recommend Sade and Rothera Bray as a 5 Star team, professional and friendly. Thank you!
Michael O'Neill
stars
Posted 18 December 2025
Our experience with Rothera Bray has been very positive. Abbey and Luisa were consistently professional, approachable, and supportive at every stage of the process, which made what could have been a stressful situation feel much more manageable. Their communication was timely and transparent, and we always felt reassured that our case was handled with care and expertise. We can highly recommend Rothera Bray, and in particular, Abbey and Luisa.
Lydia
stars
Posted 18 December 2025
I recently used Rothera Bray for the first time. They were so helpful with their amazing services. Thank you so much Sharan Sian and Julian Ryan. I would highly recommend.
Aneth
stars
Posted 18 December 2025
Having been using Rothera Bray (previously Woolley, Beardsleys and Bosworth) for almost the last 10 years, I can honestly say that it is by far the best solicitors that I have used, in the Loughborough area. Having used them between 25-30 times in that period, not just for house sales and purchases, but for other tasks too, their work on everything has been exceptional, prompt and meticulous. Everything is explained clearly and no question ever feels too silly to ask... I must say a huge thankyou to Suzanne Riozzi, and her PA's over the years, who have been handling everything for me during this time. Her professionalism and dedication to her work, and clients, is second to none, and her time and effort has made the legal landscape for me personally, and for my work, a lot easier to navigate. Suzanne is the reason I have used, and will continue to use, Rothera Bray.
Waleed
stars
Posted 17 December 2025
My call was answered by Tom Barry and he was incredibly conscientious and helpful in giving me initial advice towards settling a dispute I have had with the seller of a pony I purchased, which was misrepresented and mis-sold and has put both myself and that is my young child in danger! I really really appreciate appreciated Tom’s support and knowledge and I’m very thankful.
Victoria
stars
Posted 17 December 2025
Simply the best! Gurpreet was kind considerate took time to listen and I couldn’t have had a better outcome nothing was to much for him always there to help. Extremely knowledgeable would high recommend this company very professional.
Maria
Catherine Angrave
Partner & Head of Commercial Property
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
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 & Head of Licensing
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, Commercial Property
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.
Marneya Chauhan
Senior Associate Solicitor
Marneya is a Senior 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.
Amy Moore
Senior Associate Solicitor
Amy is part 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.
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.
Amie Hardy
Solicitor
Amie Hardy is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Danielle Marshall
Solicitor
Danielle Marshall is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Sabita Kandel
Trainee Solicitor
Sabita Kandel is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Leicester 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.
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