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Property development projects involve significant financial commitment, commercial risk and long-term planning. Whether you are acquiring land, progressing a residential scheme or undertaking a commercial development, the legal framework underpinning your project is critical to its success.
Our property development solicitors advise developers, investors, landowners and businesses at every stage of the development lifecycle. From initial site acquisition through planning, construction, funding and eventual disposal, we provide clear, strategic legal support designed to keep your project commercially viable and legally secure.
As experienced property development lawyers, we understand that no two developments are the same. Each project brings its own challenges, from planning constraints and funding structures to joint venture arrangements and exit strategies. Our commercial property solicitors ensure that legal considerations support your commercial objectives rather than hinder them.
Based in West Sussex, our property development solicitors combine local insight with wide-ranging expertise in residential property development and land development matters. Whether you are an experienced developer or approaching your first project, we deliver practical property development advice you can rely on.
Speak to our property development solicitors in West Sussex
If you are considering a development project or require legal support for an existing scheme, our property development solicitors are here to assist. We advise clients in Bognor Regis, Chichester, East Wittering and Selsey on commercial development, residential property development and land development projects of all sizes.
Why work with our property development solicitors
Property development requires careful coordination between legal, financial and technical professionals. Our conveyancing solicitors take a proactive, collaborative approach, working closely with planning consultants, surveyors, architects, funders and other advisers involved in your scheme.
We focus on identifying potential issues early and addressing them before they escalate into costly delays or disputes. Our property development lawyers provide commercially focused advice, helping you assess risk, understand your obligations and make informed decisions at every stage.
Clear communication is central to our service. We explain complex legal matters in straightforward terms, ensuring you understand both the risks and opportunities associated with your development. You will also receive transparency around fees and anticipated timescales from the outset, allowing you to plan with confidence.
Our property development services
Commercial site acquisitions
Purchasing land or buildings for development is rarely straightforward. Our land development solicitors advise on the full range of acquisition structures, including unconditional purchases, conditional contracts, options and promotion agreements.
We carry out detailed investigations into title, access arrangements, restrictive covenants, rights of way and third-party interests that may affect development potential. Our property development lawyers also advise on overage provisions, clawback arrangements and phased acquisitions, ensuring terms are commercially balanced and legally robust.
Where land is being acquired as part of a larger scheme, we work to align acquisition documentation with planning strategy and funding requirements, helping to avoid conflicts later in the process.
Planning permission and development agreements
Legal input is essential when dealing with planning-related documentation. Our property development solicitors advise on development agreements, landowner arrangements and collaboration contracts that underpin planning strategies.
We assist with drafting and negotiating agreements that clearly allocate responsibilities, costs and risk between parties. This includes advising on obligations linked to planning outcomes, infrastructure requirements and long-term development timetables.
While planning consultants manage applications, our property development lawyers ensure that the legal framework surrounding planning permission supports the commercial viability of your project and protects your interests over time.
Commercial construction, funding and joint ventures
Once planning permission is secured, legal complexity often increases. Our property development solicitors advise on construction documentation, including building contracts, professional appointments and warranties, ensuring appropriate protections are in place throughout the build phase.
We also support developers with funding arrangements, whether through traditional lenders, private finance or joint venture structures. Our property development lawyers draft and negotiate funding agreements and joint venture documentation that reflects commercial realities while clearly defining rights, obligations and exit mechanisms.
For joint ventures, we focus on risk allocation, decision-making processes and dispute resolution provisions, helping prevent disagreements that could otherwise derail a project.
Commercial property disposal, leasing and asset management
As developments near completion, attention often shifts towards disposal, leasing or long-term asset management. Our property development solicitors advise on the sale of completed developments, whether as individual units or as investment portfolios.
We also assist with commercial leasing arrangements, ensuring lease terms align with asset value, funding requirements and long-term investment strategies. For clients retaining ownership, we provide ongoing legal support with property management, refinancing and future development opportunities.
Our aim is to help you maximise value while maintaining legal compliance and commercial flexibility.
Frequently asked questions about property development
How much does a property development solicitor cost?
Fees for property development legal work vary depending on the complexity, duration and structure of the project. Factors such as planning conditions, funding arrangements, joint ventures and the number of stakeholders involved can all affect cost.
Our property development solicitors provide a clear estimate at the outset and keep you informed throughout the process. We focus on delivering value-driven advice that supports the commercial success of your development.
Can a solicitor help me with planning permission issues?
Although planning consultants lead on applications and negotiations with local authorities, a property development lawyer plays a crucial supporting role. We advise on planning agreements, development obligations and legal conditions linked to planning consent.
Our solicitors also review planning documentation as part of due diligence, helping you understand how planning outcomes may affect land value, funding and future disposal.
How long does the legal process take for a development site purchase?
There is no fixed timeframe for development site acquisitions. An unconditional purchase may complete relatively quickly, while a transaction subject to planning or structured through options or promotion agreements can take considerably longer.
Our property development solicitors work proactively to progress matters efficiently, coordinating with all parties involved and addressing issues promptly to minimise delays wherever possible.
What is “due diligence”, and how does a solicitor help with it?
Due diligence is the legal investigation carried out before committing to a development site. This process identifies potential risks and constraints that could impact development viability or future value.
Our land development solicitors review title documentation, planning history, environmental considerations, access rights and existing agreements. We then explain our findings clearly and advise on how identified risks can be managed or mitigated.
What legal checks are done before I buy the land?
Before you purchase development land, our property development lawyers carry out a wide range of checks. These include reviewing ownership records, boundaries, rights benefiting or burdening the land, restrictive covenants and planning restrictions.
We also review search results and raise detailed enquiries with the seller to uncover any issues that could affect your ability to develop, fund or sell the land in the future.
Speak to our property development solicitors in West Sussex
If you are considering a development project or require legal support for an existing scheme, our property development solicitors are here to assist. We advise clients in Bognor Regis, Chichester, East Wittering and Selsey on commercial development, residential property development and land development projects of all sizes.
To discuss your requirements or obtain tailored property development advice, please contact our team today. We aim to provide an accessible and responsive service, and we are happy to accommodate any specific needs. Use the numbers below to call our offices.
