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 12 May 2026
We instructed Rothera Bray Solicitors to act on our behalf for the sale and purchase of our properties in Derby. Lucy & Karen were our points of contact. Everything went smoothly and feedback to us was very good indeed. We were so impressed with the Rothera Bray team, our son on our recommendation has also instructed them to look after their sale and purchase. A five star service which me and my wife would highly recommend.
Gavin Aitken
stars
Posted 9 May 2026
We have used Sara Odedra multiple times for our house buying / selling - she has just helped us to buy our dream and forever home and we cannot be more grateful. She is fantastic, has excellent communication and we cannot thank her enough!! Would definitely recommend.
Glenn Parks
stars
Posted 8 May 2026
Our experience of working with Kerry and Beccy has been nothing but positive. They have made what can be a very stressful experience much less stressful. The communication between us has been great, they have been prompt in responding to my emails but also with the other solicitors involved in our house sale and purchase. They have been attentive and thorough, we felt confident in their ability and service from the very beginning. I would recommend Rothera Bray to friends and family. This is the third time I have used this firm and they would be my first choice should I need a solicitor in the future.
Aimee Crawford
stars
Posted 8 May 2026
Ellie guided us with our help to buy payment from start to finish. She was very polite, friendly and even had to chase me up on stuff which I really appreciated as it can usually be the other way round. She continuously kept us in the loop and even let us know when she was going to be on annual leave in case we couldn’t reach her at any point. Help to buy are notorious for their lack of communication and Ellie smoothed this out for us and made this so much easier. Grace was also fantastic at taking over our account when Ellie was on annual leave and she also kept us in the loop of the proceedings. Thank you both!
Coral
stars
Posted 7 May 2026
I had an excellent experience working with Jo and the team at Rothera Bray throughout my first home purchase. From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. They explained every step of the process clearly, which was especially helpful as a first-time buyer. The team was prompt in responding to my questions and kept me updated regularly, ensuring I felt informed and reassured. They handled the legal paperwork efficiently and smoothly, making what could have been a stressful process much more manageable. Overall, I highly recommend Rothera Bray Solicitors to anyone looking for reliable and friendly legal support when purchasing a home. Their expertise and dedication made my first home purchase a positive experience.
First Time Buyer
stars
Posted 6 May 2026
Following the death of our mother, we sought advice, guidance, and help with the probate and potential inheritance tax processes... We were not disappointed. From start to finish, Nelissa Hicks and Rothera Bray solicitors have provided a super-professional and speedy service. We'd recommend anyone, regardless of position and requirements to your needs, engage with them at the earliest opportunity, as we will do so again in the future.
Trevor F
stars
Posted 6 May 2026
Joanne handled my conveyancing case with great professionalism and patience. The volume of emails coming from the estate agent in the south was overwhelming, and the process became far more stressful than it should have been. Despite this, Joanne and Nirvair managed every stage as effectively as possible and were consistently on top of everything. I truly appreciated their dedication and professionalism throughout. I would only choose Joanne to act for me in any future conveyancing matters, and I’m confident I’ll be using her services again.
Wing
stars
Posted 4 May 2026
I had a really positive experience working with Will during my employment redundancy. He took the time to clearly explain all the legal jargon in a way that was easy to understand, made sure I was fully aware of my options and offered guidance wherever I needed it. What could've been a very stressful and overwhelming process felt much more straightforward and manageable. I'd highly recommend Will to anyone needing expert and approachable employment law advice.
Isha T
stars
Posted 2 May 2026
Very pleased with the services of Rothera Bray. Marneya did an excellent job managing a very challenging situation. He successfully secured the lease and remained extremely proactive and professional throughout the negotiations. Marneya was a pleasure to work with and would highly recommend.
Robert
stars
Posted 1 May 2026
The whole process was a delight and I very much appreciate the professional, straight forward way in which you dealt with myself and my sister. May I thank you very much indeed for all your work in this matter and please be assured that Rothera Bray will be my first choice for any further matters of this nature.
Dr Gregg
stars
Posted 30 April 2026
Great support, always keeping us in the picture. A first rate service at a very competitive price. I would not hesitate to recommend Rothera Bray conveyancing services.
Simon Wilton
stars
Posted 29 April 2026
Ed, thank you so much for your totally efficient service over this work and especially the speed with which you have turned everything around. You really have starred throughout. We are extremely grateful to you.
Trust clients
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.
Marneya Chauhan
Senior Associate Solicitor
Marneya is a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Commercial Property department, based at our Leicester office. He acts for commercial property lenders, property investors and landowners.
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.
Marika Whiteman
Associate Solicitor
Marika Whiteman is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property team and is based at our Leicester office.
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.
Katie Sampson
Trainee Solicitor
Katie Sampson is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Alison Gill
Paralegal
Alison is a Paralegal in our Commercial Property department and is based at our Lace Market office.
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