Commercial Property
Any commercial property transaction needs careful management, whether you are acquiring your first commercial property, or you manage a full portfolio. Using our experience in the UK property market, our large commercial property team will work with you to understand your needs and business strategy and make sure your transaction happens smoothly in line with your commercial objectives.
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Key Commercial Property Services
- Property development, property management, property finance, acquisition and sale of property portfolios
- Full commercial conveyancing service including ownership investigation, searches, enquiries and a review of suitability for your intended use
- Property litigation including boundary and rights of way disputes
- Property telecommunications advice, agreements and leases relating to the Electronic Communications Code
- Construction projects
- Planning consultancy and planning law advice
- Landlord and tenant advice including lease negotiations and lease agreements, assigning/transferring a lease, subletting, dilapidations, surrendering, lease renewal, break clauses and changing the use of the premises
- Leasehold enfranchisement
Retail
Retail is a challenging industry and has been dealing with huge changes in consumer buying behaviours and demands over the last 12 months. Now more than ever retailers are having to adapt quickly, changing the use of their technology and their premises and storage facilities. With our experience in the UK retail sector we understand the challenges and are able to work with you to provide strategic advice and support, enabling your business to retain a competitive edge.
Some of the businesses we work with include:
- Co-operative
- Haskins
- Hobbycraft
Development projects
Our experienced team of property development solicitors can support you in all aspects of property development and regeneration. Working with our combined group of specialists throughout the commercial property department, we can advise you on everything from site acquisition and planning applications through to construction and disposals of commercial space.
Our development specialists advise investors, landowners and property developers to ensure that projects are delivered in line with commercial needs.
Clients we have helped recently include:
- Pirelli
- McAleer Rushe
- Drew Smith
- Forelle Estates
Leisure
The leisure industry is facing a period of rapid transformation, driven by consumer habits, technology and the use of space. You need innovative, commercial advice from your legal team at this time and we have a wealth of experience of working with restaurants, public houses, coffee shops, hotels, holiday parks, marinas, cinemas, sports facilities and theatres and nightclubs, giving us a rounded view of what is happening in your industry right now.
For schools
Our Commercial Property team have specialist experience working with schools and education establishments. We can assist with:
- general property management enquiries;
- leases of education land from local authorities, faith bodies and other organisations;
- tenancies granted to occupiers and users of the educational land;
- building contracts and associated works in connection with building projects carried on at the educational establishment; and
- planning enquiries and applications for the development of educational land.
In-House Counsel
Our team of experienced lawyers is well-equipped to support you in various ways. Whether you require advice on a specific issue, additional resources due to capacity constraints, or a second opinion, we are here to help. Explore our legal counsel page for more information and details on our schedule of seminars, specifically designed for in-house counsel.
How we work with you
Whilst based in the South of England, 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
- Via video conferencing
- 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.
Get in touch to speak with an expert.
Introducing your key contacts
John Mansell
Partner – Head of Property and Development
Stuart Allen
Partner – Head of Property Finance, Winchester
Rachel Saint
Partner – Head of Retail & Leisure
Commercial Property Services
How we’ve helped our clients
Chambers and Partners Legal Directory 2024
What the team is known for
Paris Smith offers particular expertise in the retail sector, acting for various well-known clients on leases, acquisitions and disposals. The firm continues to carry out commercial development work. Its mandates include multimillion-pound residential development schemes across the South of England. In addition, the firm is experienced in advising on real estate finance matters.
Strengths
“The team has a very strong technical ability and is good at finding compromises in some complex issues.”
“Exceptional legal advice delivered at a sensible price. They are commercial lawyers and are willing to listen.”
Notable Practitioners
Jo Spittles
Joanne Spittles is experienced in acting for both developer and commercial clients. She advises clients on a range of matters spanning development, acquisitions and disposals.
“Joanne is an exceptional lawyer with great commercial acumen. She understands the big issues and always delivers for her clients.”
“She provides an excellent and comprehensive service.”
“A very knowledgeable and professional lawyer. She’s easy to speak to but at the same time is business-focused. Her work is always of the highest standard.”
Legal 500 2025 – Top Tier
Paris Smith LLP is well-placed to assist clients with the full gamut of leasehold enfranchisement, commercial and residential development projects, and property finance matters. John Mansell heads the team in Southampton, while the ‘hugely experienced’ Joanne Spittles advises on a wide variety of issues, including acquisitions and promotion agreements. Rachel Saint specialises in transactions within the retail and leisure sectors, and Hannah Winchester has vast experience in acting for retailers in landlord and tenant matters. Claire Long is a standout member of the team, who is recommended for her skill in managing real estate portfolios. In Winchester, Stuart Allen routinely acts for challenger banks and private lenders in property finance mandates.
What our clients say:
‘Claire Long and Rachel Saint are both extremely personable and dedicated to providing a bespoke service.’
‘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.’
‘The team stands out due to its expertise, knowledge, and experience.’
‘They are a highly regarded multi-faceted law firm with expert people that provide an exceptional service.’
‘Joanne Spittles is a hugely experienced commercial property lawyer. She possesses expert knowledge of all commercial property transactions, including leasing, pre-lets, investment acquisitions/disposals, and funding solutions. Her greatest strength is her commercial acumen, which she uses to help advise and steer clients through complex negotiations and deliver a successful outcome.’
‘They are quick to respond when contacted. They have excellent knowledge of the business sector. They are very keen to see best outcome for clients.’
‘Joanne has been great to work with. She provides sound advice, prompt responses, and she is patient under testing circumstances.’
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