Relevant areas of expertise

Commercial Real Estate

We have market leading expertise in placemaking and legacy development projects, providing highly skilled advice on every step of the process. We offer full support to landowners, developers, investors, property finance providers (whether debt or equity), housing providers and operators on major, complex projects. Our commercial real estate specialists have a partner-led service, offering sound commercial advice and solutions, rather than just legal analysis.

Construction

Our construction team advise on the formation of building contracts, professional appointments, and all related security documents, including bonds, guarantees and collateral warranties. The team is fundamental to our placemaking practice and wider development offering, connecting with key parties to ensure transactions are completed smoothly and efficiently.

Planning and Environmental

We advise on the full range of planning, compulsory purchase, and environmental issues, including the site allocation process and strategy, pre-application process, infrastructure planning, development control, planning application documents, Biodiversity Net Gain, approval of reserved matters, planning conditions and satisfaction and scheme amendments, planning agreements, due diligence, legal challenges and compulsory purchase.

Tax

We advise on all aspects of property taxation for both UK and overseas clients, offering comprehensive advice in areas such as tax ownership structures, corporate taxes, stamp taxes, ATED, VAT and fund taxation.

Banking & Financial Services Regulation

Our Banking team regularly advises both lenders and borrowers on the financing of commercial and residential development projects and investment transactions throughout England and Wales.

Property Litigation

We advise clients on a range of real estate and construction issues, including troubleshooting advice, contractual interpretation; restrictive covenants, third party rights, adverse possession, trespass and rights of way, boundary disputes, rights to light, party wall disputes; and property related insolvency.

Corporate

We provide expert advice on the corporate aspects of transactions in the real estate sector. We support our clients on the structuring of their placemaking projects, direct and indirect investments, joint ventures and partnership and collaboration arrangements and fund-raising work.

Rural Property

We are proud to have the largest landed estates practice in the country. Our experience and expertise are unrivalled. We are recognised by the legal directories as the UK’s leading law firm for agricultural estates.

Residential Property

We have one of the largest teams of dedicated residential property lawyers in the sector. We advise clients from all over the world: individuals and families, developers, and private banks across every aspect of buying, financing, and selling residential property.

“For next gen landowners, it is hard to balance the temptation of selling to a commodity developer for immediate cash against the risk, time and expense involved with legacy development. There is a trade-off between a quick upfront return and the loss of stewardship control.”

“The placemaking sector must speak up to the government, or their voices are overshadowed by housebuilders and promoters, whose concerns dominate discussions.”

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Farrer & Co, 66 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LH, United Kingdom

Farrer & Co LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (ID 447822)