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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CONTENTS

Key Commercial Property Services
Retail
Development projects
Leisure
For schools
In-House Counsel
How we work with you

Get in touch

Key Commercial Property Services

Property development, property management, property finance (including secured lending services), 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

Buying, selling or letting a mixed-use property? Our free Renters’ Rights Act Guide includes an analysis of what the Act means for your transaction.

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, 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.

Construction Services

Commercial Property

Construction Disputes

Planning

How we’ve helped our clients

“Sources say “They provide transparency, breadth of experience and a strong understanding of client needs. They have a strong commercial awareness and understanding of business needs;” “They are approachable and very aware of the market;” and “At Paris Smith, advice is delivered punctually and in clear English, making it easy for the business to digest and make informed decisions.” Further sources say “They have a strong team that has the necessary range of experience;” “Their breadth of knowledge is great and wide-reaching;” ”

Chambers Legal Directory 2026 – Client Testimonials

“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

“Our need for a great solicitor’s team is key in our field as a number of our projects are pretty complex. Sean, Ollie and the Paris Smith teams attention to detail to ensure that no rock is left unturned puts us at ease. We have used Paris Smith for lease renewals, new leases, licences and property purchases, as well as just general advice. We would highly recommend Paris Smith for any commercial solicitor works.”

Long Standing Commercial Property Client

“Claire, Janay, Rebecca and the team are so good, great communication and such a can do attitude. They see things from both sides and offer good advice.”

Graham Wade, Director

Draper Tools

“We have been using Paris Smith for over 35 years for business and personal issues. I have always been more than happy with the service and in particular the relationship we have with the Property Team”

Barbara McDowell, Director

McDowell’s Development Company Limited

“I have worked closely with the Paris Smith team for a number of years on a range of property issues and have found them to be responsive, knowledgeable and excellent value for money. Their experience is evident in the professional manner they adopt and the outcomes achieved. They are very personable and their interest in both work and personal well being has earned my trust over numerous years. ”

Darren Nelson-Hall, Head of Estates

Co-Operative Group

“I would highly recommend working with the commercial property team at Paris Smith. Over the course of the last 5 years the client care provided by Hannah Winchester has been exceptional with numerous complex transactions being dealt with in a pragmatic and efficient manner. Hannah is always available to provide timely advice on a multitude of legal queries and it is a pleasure to work with her and the team. ”

John Hillman, Regional Acquisitions Manager – Co-Operative Group

“Good quality, clear and regular communication and matter dealt with to a high standard to achieve a positive outcome for all those involved. Many thanks for your excellent service. We would highly recommend Paris Smith. ”

Paul Spencer, Executive Director

Winchester BID

“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

“The solicitors have a lot of knowledge, and deal with even the most complex Telecom cases. There is a focus on client, ensuring that advice and support is always available.”

DH – Telecom Lease

“The team is highly competent and knowledgeable. Advice is very clear and timely. ”

Paul Kelly

Norma UK Ltd

“Emma has excellent ability to understand her client needs and deliver the solution”

Towerblock Ltd – Lease renewal

“After many experiences with solicitors over the years I am impressed by the performance of Jin Takhar, every email and phone call has been answered promptly and in a friendly helpful manner which is reassuring. Conveyancing can be stressful and I’d like to thank Jin for his help.”

Bing O’Toole – Commercial Property Purchase

“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

“A referee says “Paris Smith demonstrated professionalism, patience, tenacity and, above all, a practical and commercial approach to get the matter completed.””

Chambers & Partners 2023 – Referee Comments

Chambers and Partners Legal Directory 2026

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

“They have a strong team that has the necessary range of experience.”

“Their breadth of knowledge is great and wide-reaching.”

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 high-value developments, acquisitions and disposals.

“Joanne is very competent with good attention to detail.”

“She is pragmatic and quite commercial in her views.”

“I like Joanne, she has been in the Southampton market for a long time.”

“Joanne provides very clear and concise advice.”

Legal 500 2027 – Top Tier

Acting on high-value transactional and financial mandates, the commercial property group at Paris Smith LLP acts for a roster of clients spanning banks and lenders, retail groups and property developers and private landowners on a range of real estate instructions. Providing counsel on planning permissions, acquisitions and sales of premises and land, and major financings and refinancings are all capabilities of the firm. Leading names in the practice include Joanne Spittles, a specialist in residential and commercial property acquisitions, leases and disposals, Hannah Winchester, a retail sector specialist on landlord and tenant work. Alexander Cheele focuses on financings, merger processes, and acquisitions and Rachel Saint, who is active in the retail and hospitality sectors. With a depth of experience, other key contacts include experienced acquisition and development partner Edward Watson and planning arrangement specialist Emma Ship.

What our clients say

‘They are very responsive, always pleasant to work with, and very knowledgeable. If they don’t know something, they will go out of their way to find the answer.’

‘Very knowledgeable and easy to pay bills.’

‘Joanne Spittles and her team give the very best service in a timely and efficient manner.’

‘Paris Smith is a trusted legal provider and understands our needs and the importance of timescales.’

‘Rachel Saint and Hannah Winchester are both invaluable and offer excellent knowledge and service.’

‘Their strength was technical expertise in the subject matter.’

‘The associate I dealt with was Alexander Cheele. He was technically competent, as far as I am able to judge.’

‘Very good combination of skills and experience in all aspects of commercial property. Compact firm with fee earners who do the work and don’t just flip it on to the cheapest trainee or associate.’

‘Lisa Busby has good experience in the electronic communications code and the ability to push back at the other side when the deal needs it. PS charges reasonable fees as well and does not profiteer just because they know the Operator will often pay the costs. That enables them to get deals done in a reasonable time, without undue delays, nor to an excessive level of detail.’

‘They are approachable and knowledgeable. They are happy to assist you through something you have never done before and make the process easy.’