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Property Development

Our Property Development team advises on the legal aspects of development projects, providing clear, commercially focused support to help schemes progress efficiently and with managed risk.

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CONTENTS

Overview
Our development services
Who we work with
Our approach
How we work with you
Frequently asked questions

Get in touch

Overview

We support property development projects from early structuring and site acquisition through to development agreements and delivery.

Acting for developers, landowners and promoters on residential and mixed-use schemes, we provide practical advice grounded in the commercial realities of development, including timescales, risk management, and construction review.

Our development services

We advise on a wide range of property development matters, including:

acquisition and disposal of development land
options, conditional contracts and promotion agreements
overage and clawback provisions
development agreements, collaboration arrangements
strategic land and land promotion structures
site assembly and title due diligence
infrastructure and documentation required to support development
planning (section 106) agreements
nutrient mitigation and BNG agreements
construction agreements
collateral warranties
deeds of grant
support through delivery and onward disposals
development finance
leases

We can also provide advice on construction and dispute resolution. Where appropriate we work closely with colleagues across the firm to bring a wide range of expertise to deal with any problem.

Who we work with

We act for a broad range of clients involved in development, including:

residential and mixed-use developers
landowners and land promoters
investors and joint venture partners
agents and other professional referrers
lenders

Our team is experienced in adapting its approach to suit the scale and complexity of each scheme, from smaller developments through to more complex, multi-party projects.

Our approach

Development projects often involve competing commercial pressures, evolving documentation and tight deadlines. Our role is to help clients navigate these challenges with confidence.

We focus on:

understanding the commercial objectives behind each project
identifying and managing legal risk at an early stage
providing clear, pragmatic advice
working collaboratively with other professional advisers

This approach enables us to support clients not only at the outset of a development, but throughout the life of a project as issues arise and circumstances change.

How we work with you

Whilst based in the South of England, with offices in Southampton, Winchester and Bournemouth, Paris Smith acts for businesses and families throughout the UK. Technology has enabled us to provide a high level of service to our clients whether they are local to our offices or not. Our advice can be given in many ways:

Over the telephone
Online appointments
In face to face meetings

We will talk through how you would like to be contacted and the best ways for us to meet in our early conversations with you.

Agricultural Land, Farms & Estates Services

Property Development

How we’ve helped our clients

“Sources say “The practice has significant expertise in virtually all areas of real estate law – a real ‘one stop shop’ for all our legal requirements.'”; ‘By combining fantastic availability with a commercial outlook and a strong knowledge of property finance and the local market, Paris Smith is second to none in the Southampton area; ’’The firm have an excellent local presence, in terms of networking, sponsorship and charitable activities, which strengthens their position as a prominent and important part of the local professional community;” “Paris Smith’s strengths lie in not just having the technical expertise across most sectors but also having the personal touch that enables communication and long-standing business relationships”; “Nothing is too much trouble and transactions are dealt with with care and real attention to detail. Pragmatic, professional, and personable!”. Other sources say “The individuals I work with are available to both us as business & our mutual clients – nothing is too much trouble. This, coupled with a commercial outlook & strong knowledge in their chosen area of law (property finance) & local market, make them second to none in the Southampton/ surrounding area,” and “My company has worked with PS for some time and would say that their strengths lie in not just having the technical expertise across most sectors but also have the personal touch that enables get communication and long standing business relationships.””

Legal 500 2026 Edition – Client Testimonials

“Sources say “Paris Smith provides good, sound market-backed advice and understands commercial drivers of the client’s business;” and “Paris Smith offers a multidisciplinary approach with high-quality approachable partners and associates.””

Chambers Legal Directory 2025

“Sources say ‘The team at Paris Smith are highly experienced and knowledgeable in their field. They will always go the extra mile to ensure they provide a great service’; ‘They are quick to respond when contacted. They have excellent knowledge of the business sector. They are very keen to see the best outcome for clients’; ‘The team stands out due to its expertise, knowledge and experience’; and ‘They are a highly regarded multi-faceted law firm with expert people that provide an exceptional service’.”

Legal 500 2025 Edition – Client Testimonials

“I approached Paris Smith to provide legal support for the acquisition of a substantial commercial property which involved some very complex bespoke terms, dealing with a large corporate company in the UK. I have known of Paris Smith for some time via business connections and networks, where they always come very highly recommended. Alex supported in 16 months of solicitor negotiations, including keeping things pushing forward across a national lockdown thanks to COVID-19, offering quick and personal updates on progress of the acquisition and a demonstrated a high level of detail when reviewing a large amount of documentation. I often recommend Paris Smith to fellow business connections and we will certainly be using Alex and the Paris Smith team again in due course. ”

Steven Northam – The IncuHive Group

“One referee says “The team has a very strong technical ability and is good at finding compromises in some complex issues;” whilst another adds “Exceptional legal advice delivered at a sensible price. They are commercial lawyers and are willing to listen.””

Chambers Legal Directory 2024

“Referees say “The property and planning department at Paris Smith proved to be the perfect place to go for expert advice. They adopt a very collegiate and professional approach, are well respected in the industry, communicate very well, build constructive relationships between the contracting parties’ legal teams (which is so important) and are also really nice and decent to deal with”; “They have all the expertise you need to guide you through what can be a minefield. Costs are clearly laid out and all the work was delivered within pre-agreed budgets”; For a large business they are very friendly and approachable. I’m not a huge customer but I always feel like my business is valued. With a wide range of skills I have yet to find a matter they cannot help me with. Also what I like is that I have a few key contacts I deal with and if my issue needs to be handled by a different person within the firm they will direct me to the correct person” and “What make them different is they will make sure I get looked after and follow up. It’s the small things that make the difference. This is all backed up my simple and clear billing – which is done with a bit of common sense. They are about more than just billing!” ”

Legal 500 2024 Edition

Property Development Resources

VIEW ALL BLOGS

Blogs

biodiversity net gain landowner opportunities

Emma Ship | 21st October 2025

Biodiversity Net Gain Key Considerations – Part 2: Opportunities for Landowners

Read article

Emma Ship | 8th October 2025

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Key Considerations – Part 1

Read article

Frequently asked questions

What types of development projects do you advise on?

We advise on a wide range of property development projects, including residential and mixed-use schemes. Our work covers matters such as site acquisition, development agreements, construction agreements, strategic land arrangements and support through delivery.

At what stage should I involve a property development solicitor?

It is often beneficial to involve a solicitor at an early stage, particularly where land is being acquired, options or promotion agreements are being considered, or development structures are being agreed. Early advice can help identify and manage risk before it becomes costly.

Do you act for both developers and landowners?

Yes. We regularly act for developers, landowners and promoters, and tailor our advice to reflect the objectives and commercial priorities of each client in the context of a development project.

Can you advise on strategic land and promotion agreements?

Yes. Our team advises on strategic land arrangements, including options and promotion agreements, and works with clients and their professional advisers to support the progression of development opportunities.

Do you work with other professional advisers on development projects?

Yes. We work closely with agents, planning consultants, surveyors and other professional advisers to ensure legal advice aligns with the wider commercial and practical aspects of a development.

Can you support projects beyond the initial acquisition stage?

Yes. We can provide ongoing support as a project progresses, including advice on development documentation, delivery issues and onward disposals.