Commercial property transactions are often more complex than simply buying and selling commercial property. That’s why at HK Law, we are proud to have an experienced team who are able to cover all aspects of commercial property law.
With the recent addition of Kayleigh Medland and Charlotte Bunch joining Scott Harrison, our Commercial Property team has grown, and now combines a broad range of experience with a collaborative, commercially focused approach.
In this Q&A, the team shares insight into the work they do, the challenges clients face, and how they support businesses and investors through commercial property transactions.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role within the Commercial Property team?
Kayleigh – I am a Partner in the Land Department at HK Law and head up the Commercial Property team at the firm’s Poole office. I am passionate about delivering exceptional legal advice and commercially-focussed solutions to the firm’s business clients and supporting the team in providing excellent service and a client-centred approach to commercial property transactions.
Charlotte – I am a Senior Associate Solicitor in the Commercial Property team at HK Law. I handle a broad spectrum of commercial property transactions and adopt an approachable and pragmatic attitude – I genuinely care for my clients and achieving their objectives.
Scott – I am an Associate Solicitor in the Commercial Property team at HK Law. I have a breadth of experience across a wide range of commercial property transactions in a large number of sectors. I offer commercially sound advice, achieving clients’ objectives in a timely manner.
What types of commercial property transactions does the team typically handle?
The team has extensive experience at dealing with all aspects of property investment and development, including:
- Sales and acquisitions of commercial and mixed-use property;
- SIPP and SSAS pension work;
- Development matters including options, overage, conditional contracts, promotion agreements and site set up for sale;
- Landlord & Tenant matters across all sectors including retail, industrial, offices and hospitality;
- Administration of estates involving complex property trusts;
- Dealing with the property aspects of company share sales, mergers and acquisitions; and
- Managing large-scale portfolio and refinance transactions.
What makes HK Law’s Commercial Property team different from others?
Our personal approach is unique. The team brings together experienced lawyers with broad sector knowledge, able to tailor our advice to best suit the needs of the particular client, whether a seasoned property investor or venturing into a commercial property transaction for the first time.
We provide our clients with easy-to-understand, commercially-focussed advice, and pride ourselves on really looking after our clients and their business goals
What are the most common challenges your clients face during commercial property transactions, and how do you help them overcome them?
Commercial property investors are navigating a combination of economic uncertainty, evolving lender requirements, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Clients need to be able to act quickly and meet often challenging deadlines.
We take the time to understand the commercial drivers behind each transaction and proactively engage with everyone involved in the transaction, including agents, brokers and other third parties, to drive transactions forward. By doing this, we are able to collaborate effectively to meet deadlines and regulations.
What trends or changes are you seeing in the commercial property market in Dorset and the wider UK?
In Dorset, we are seeing sustained interest in logistics and industrial space, driven by the region’s strategic location and distribution demand. Coastal and tourism-related commercial assets also remain active, with investment tied to leisure and hospitality. Notably, BCP Council have adopted the High Street Rental Auction scheme to tackle empty shops and the impact of this initiative both locally and nationally is awaited.
Across the wider UK market, traditional retail and office sectors are undergoing restructure and re-use strategies. Environmental sustainability standards are increasingly shaping investment due diligence and asset management strategies at both local and national levels.
What should business owners and entrepreneurs look for when choosing a commercial conveyancing solicitor?
Clients should look for an adviser with technical expertise and sector experience, who will explain matters clearly and, importantly, be responsive.
A great solicitor should be able to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice and anticipate issues before they become obstacles. Trust and reliability are also critical – clients want confidence that their adviser will protect their interests whilst facilitating the transaction.
How do you keep commercial property transactions moving smoothly and on time?
Having the experience of handling complex transactions means that we can anticipate issues before they become a problem. We expertly and swiftly tackle potential issues in a commercially-focussed way, taking into account the client’s strategic priorities.
Matters are handled efficiently, with a strong emphasis on costs-transparency and meeting transaction deadlines whilst protecting clients’ interests. We keep in close contact with the various stakeholders to a particular transaction, working collaboratively with them to keep matters moving.
Can you share a tip or insight that clients often overlook when buying or selling commercial property?
We recommend that you get advice from your solicitor as early as possible, ideally before Heads of Terms are finalised, to settle any material points and minimise negotiation of documents.
Seek expert tax advice, and in particular capital allowances advice, at the outset of the transaction as this will help to prevent delays later on.
By working closely with your wider professional advisory teams (agents, tax advisers, mortgage brokers and planning consultants) we are able to ensure that transactions are structured efficiently and aligned with clients’ long-term objectives.
We welcome commercial property investors, or anyone considering venturing into property investment, to call us to discuss the initial stages of buying and selling a property and we can guide you through the process.
If you are looking for an experienced Commercial Property team, contact Kayleigh, Charlotte, or Scott on 01202 725400.
HK Law has offices in Blandford, Bournemouth, Crewkerne, Dorchester, Poole, Swanage, and Wareham.
