Protect return on your property investment
Commercial property can create long-term income and growth, but a poor lease, title issue or overlooked restriction can undermine the deal. We investigate the asset, test the legal assumptions and keep the transaction moving, giving you a clear view of the risk before you commit.
From offices in Exeter, Plymouth, Plymstock, Torpoint and Tavistock, our commercial property solicitors support investors, developers, lenders and portfolio owners across the South West.
Commercial
Personal
- Administration of Estates
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- Appeals before the First Tier and Upper Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
- Applications to join British or settled residents
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Commercial
- Can you explain the new inheritance tax laws to me?
- What is commercial litigation?
- What do I do about tenants sub-letting?
- How many specialities does your team have?
- How long have you been practising in this field?
- What are the laws on paternity leave?
- Can you help me decide on insolvency for my company?
- Will my trademark stand in EMEA?
- How long does a merger take?
- How do I protect myself from negligence?
- I have a question on property litigation
Personal
- What time should I allow for conveyancing?
- How are assets split in a divorce?
- I think I was unfairly dismissed - can you help?
- What are your main Family Law services?
- Immigration laws have changed - help!
- My landlord has just sold the property - what are my rights?
- I've been served an eviction notice - please help!
- My neighbour is claiming my land - who is right?
- I have tinitus from army service - can I get compensation?
- Can you adivise on probate?
Know what you are buying before you commit
A strong investment starts with due diligence that looks beyond the title register. We examine ownership, access, rights, restrictions, planning history, environmental issues and the terms of any occupational leases. We also identify liabilities that could affect income, future use or resale, including repairing obligations, service charges, break rights and unresolved disputes. You receive clear advice on what matters, what can be negotiated and what may change the value of the deal.
How we can
help you
We advise on acquisitions and disposals, portfolio transactions, funding, joint ventures, conditional contracts, options, leases and ongoing asset management. Where a property is occupied, we review the tenancy and income position in detail. We also coordinate with lenders, agents, accountants and tax advisers, keeping the legal process aligned with the wider commercial plan.
Why choose CWC Solicitors
Property investment decisions are time-sensitive and numbers-driven. You need advice that identifies the real issue, explains its commercial effect and gives you a practical route forward. Our real estate investment lawyers combine careful investigation with firm negotiation and responsive project management. You will know where the risks sit, which points deserve attention and what is needed to reach completion without losing sight of the return.
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure or need something explained in more detail? Contact us, and we’ll guide you through it.
1. What should legal due diligence cover before I buy an investment property?
The review should cover ownership, title restrictions, access, rights benefiting or burdening the property, planning and building regulation documents, environmental matters, utilities and any occupational leases. For an income-producing asset, the tenancy documents, rent position, service charges, repairing obligations, guarantees, break rights and outstanding disputes are central to understanding the investment
2. When should I involve a commercial property solicitor or real estate investment lawyer?
Bring your solicitor in before heads of terms become fixed or you commit to an auction, exclusivity agreement or non-refundable cost. Early advice can expose legal issues that affect price, funding or timing and allows the transaction to be structured around your investment objectives rather than repaired later.
3. How do existing tenants affect a commercial property purchase?
You usually acquire the property subject to the existing leases. Their terms influence the income, management obligations and flexibility you inherit. We review rent, review dates, arrears, deposits, guarantees, repair liabilities, service charge provisions, break clauses, renewal rights and any concessions or side letters that may not be obvious from the headline figures.
4. Can I buy commercial property through a company or joint venture?
Yes. Commercial property may be acquired through a company, partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture or other structure. The right route depends on funding, tax, ownership, decision-making and exit plans. We deal with the property documents and can work alongside your accountant, tax adviser and corporate lawyer on the wider structure.
5. What should I check before buying commercial property at auction?
The legal pack should be reviewed before you bid because the contract becomes binding when the hammer falls. The title, searches, leases, special conditions, VAT position, completion timetable and funding requirements may contain significant risks. You should also arrange any survey, valuation and finance in advance.
6. What legal issues can reduce the value of commercial property?
Common issues include inadequate access, restrictive covenants, short or poorly drafted leases, difficult break provisions, unresolved rent reviews, repair liabilities, service charge shortfalls, planning restrictions, contamination, missing rights, boundary problems and disputes. Their importance depends on the intended use, income model and exit strategy.
7. Can the same solicitor act for the buyer and the lender?
Sometimes, but only where the lender permits it, the firm is accepted on the lender’s panel and no conflict of interest arises. Separate representation may be required for more complex funding or where the parties’ interests differ. We will explain the position as soon as the funding arrangements are known.
8. How can solicitors support a property portfolio after completion?
We can assist with new leases, renewals, rent deposits, licences, assignments, refinancing, disposals and title matters across the portfolio. We can also help address lease breaches or disputes and keep key documents consistent, making future transactions and asset management more straightforward.
Related services
Commercial development and regeneration
Buying or developing agricultural land can create opportunity and risk. We investigate title, occupation, access and restrictions before they compromise your wider plans.
Landlord and tenant
The lease can determine the income, flexibility and future value of an investment. We advise on new lettings, renewals, assignments, licences and the management of landlord and tenant obligations.
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