Known for our straightforward, strategic advice, we advise buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants as well as developers, investors and funders in the public, private and third sectors.
Our commercial property experts are based in Aberdeen and Inverness, and our clients operate across the whole of Scotland, spanning a range of industries including energy, housebuilding, hospitality and property investment.
They include Kirkwood Homes, Carlton Rock, Schlumberger, Wood, Cornerstone, and Charlie House.
Our services include —
Property leasing, sales and purchases — acting for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants
Property finance — acting for borrowers and lenders
Housebuilding — acting for landowners and developers
Alcohol licensing
Planning and construction
Corporate transactions — the commercial property aspects of deals such as mergers, acquisitions, and management buy-outs
Purchase and sale
Whether you’re buying or selling offices, industrial units, retail or leisure premises or even land for commercial purposes, you need the right support to make an informed decision, as well as achieve the best deal for your business.
Our expertise covers the buying and selling process from start to finish including —
Titles — examining title and transferring ownership, as well as identifying and resolving any title issues
Due diligence — reviewing information about a transaction: highlighting risks as well as relevant conditions, obligations and liabilities
Funding — working with lenders and buyers on the granting of security over commercial property
Negotiation of contracts — including option contracts, purchase missives, and planning agreements
Property funding
Funding is at the forefront of all commercial property activity and we work with lenders and borrowers to get deals over the line and ensure investments are protected.
Support includes —
Loan agreements
Standard securities
Ranking agreements
Guarantees
Floating charges
Housebuilding
We act for housebuilders and landowners in the acquisition and disposal of land for residential development.
Acquisitions — negotiating and concluding contracts for site purchase, including suspensive contracts, option agreements, joint ventures, and consortium agreements
Planning — guiding you through the planning process, including assisting with site promotion, planning appeals, affordable housing provision and Section 75 agreements
Construction — handling matters such as project due diligence, building contracts, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution
Disposals — we work closely with our estate agency team handling plot sales and any associated part exchanges, whole or partial site disposals, sub-sales, and land swaps
Commercial leasing, development, and investment
A large part of our practice focuses on commercial leasing.
We act for PLCs and SMEs, whether they’re occupiers or landlords and we are also active in the property investment market.
We’re well versed in pre-letting of new build developments, as well as the sale and purchase of commercial premises and large office and industrial lettings.
Our construction team provides valuable support in matters such as building contracts and collateral warranties.
And, with the energy transition front of mind, a growing aspect of our role is supporting landlords or tenants on their ESG requirements as part of any contract. Plus, if you’re diversifying into the renewables sector, we advise on wind, hydro, biomass, and other clean energy projects.
Licensing and hospitality
We are at the forefront of licensing matters in Scotland.
This includes working with clients on securing new premises licences for alcohol, late night hot food and drink or entertainment. We regularly appear before the licensing boards around the country on a range of matters and handle the purchase and sale of hospitality businesses, such as hotels, bars, and restaurants, as well as commercial leasing.
Plus, if you’re considering setting up a property, or part of your home, as a short-term let there are specific licensing rules you’ll need to bear in mind. You may also need planning permission, if you’re in a control area, such as Edinburgh or Badenoch & Strathspey.
We’ll guide you through this process, including all licensing and planning aspects.
Planning law
You’re likely to need planning permission for any new development you’re intending to carry out, or if you’re proposing changing the use of land or buildings.
We’ll guide you through the legal aspects with strategic, straightforward advice that’s geared towards the best result for you, or your organisation.
Our expertise covers —
The planning process
Development plans
Appeals and hearings
Planning agreements
We have specialist knowledge of the renewable energy market, acting for landowners, developers, objectors, and planning authorities.
