Every land acquisition has its challenges. When that land is defined as strategic, there is an additional layer of complexity and it takes an experienced team of lawyers to guide clients through.

Strategic land is any land or property which hasn’t yet reached its development potential. It may be that planning permission, consent or allocation is needed before it becomes viable and valuable development land.

Developers buy strategic land, often for a discounted price, in the hope that they will be granted the permissions they need to deliver their proposed residential or commercial development. The common theme in every strategic land acquisition is an element of speculation; there is risk involved.

Our commercial property lawyers help manage that risk. They work with commercial and residential developers to identify land – usually brownfield or greenfield – which has the potential to offer everything that client needs. They also advise clients on the financial and practical suitability of strategic land they have identified, in the context of the Local Development Framework.

Where strategic land has been bought at a discount, clients may have to pay more during and after the planning stage. This is an important consideration in any potential purchase, as is the issue of tax. This all needs to be balanced against the potential value of the land with the permission and consents in place and, ultimately, once the development project has completed.

Strategic Land Solicitors

Our team of solicitors advise on the full range of issues relating to strategic land acquisitions including:

• promotion agreements
• option agreements
• conditional contracts
• pre-emption agreements
• overage agreements
• infrastructure agreements
• collaboration agreements
• ransoms
• tax issues
• planning

With a wealth of experience in planning, development, and environmental matters, our lawyers help clients make the very best of their strategic land options and their developments.

Please contact us to discuss how our commercial property solicitors can help you.