Government proposes to ban upwards only rent reviews for new commercial leases
Most commercial leases include rent reviews every few years. Traditionally, these are “upwards only”, meaning rents can rise or remain the same but never fall. Reviews are usually linked to open market rent or inflation. While this protects landlords from declining rental values, it often leaves tenants paying above-market rents during downturns. For businesses, particularly in the retail sector, this can create financial pressure at already challenging times.
The Property Forum - Inspiring Women
BPE would like to invite you to join us for the next instalment of The Gloucestershire Property Forum's 'Inspiring Women in Property'.
Successful sale: BPE act on the sale of Gloucestershire based retail space
BPE was delighted to act on behalf of developer, Robert Hitchins Ltd, on the sale of Gloucester-based retail space. The retail hub, built by EG Carter, sits on a 0.75-acre site alongside the A35 and contains five, fully let retail units including a 4,000 square foot Midcounties Co-Operative.
BNG - What's coming up and what does it mean?
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) introduced biodiversity net gain (BNG) as a way of ensuring that developers are environmentally minded when undertaking projects. The idea was to create a clear framework to ensure that new major infrastructure developments left biodiversity in a measurably better state than before the development took place, in alignment with the legally binding Environment Act 2021 targets for biodiversity.
BPE Solicitors assist Karndean Designflooring with new HQ
BPE Solicitors’ Commercial Property team were delighted to assist Karndean Designflooring with the lease of their new, 80,236 sq ft flagship distribution centre in Evesham, Worcestershire.
Warner’s Retail Lettings at Cleevelands Centre, Bishops Cleeve
Warner’s Retail, a family-owned, locally established business with deep roots in the Gloucestershire community, has been a key player in the region’s retail sector for many years. Their latest venture, the Cleevelands Centre in Bishops Cleeve, is a prime example of their proactive approach to retail development.
BPE’s Commercial Property team advise on new lease for social enterprise
Under team leader Douglas Armstrong, the BPE Commercial Property team has had the pleasure of working on some exciting deals recently, advising on new leases, securing lettings and assisting companies with their expansion.
Greenbelt housing: a boost to landowners or an increase in government control over development?
The Labour government has now given further details surrounding its ambitious pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2030. New powers are being proposed by ministers to allow councils to compulsorily buy up green belt land that would previously have been ineligible for development.
BPE Solicitors advises Dodo Pub Co on a 20-year lease of The White House from Brasenose College
The team at BPE, led by partner Doug Armstrong, has assisted Dodo Pubs Co with the acquisition of its latest project – The (Grade II Listed) White House in Oxford. Dodo Pub Co now has nine community focussed pubs in its growing portfolio (including The Bottle of Sauce in Cheltenham and The Rusty Bicycle in Oxford), each offering a quirky yet welcoming style.
Assisting Stroud Town Council’s Office Move
Thomas Christie from the BPE Solicitors LLP Commercial Property team recently advised Stroud Town Council on their purchase of the former Locking Hill Surgery.
Securing Your Smile: BPE Acts on Lease of New Dental Office
Thomas Christie in BPE’s Commercial Property team recently assisted Nuyu Cheltenham in securing a lease for a new state-of-the-art dental office on Market Place Retail Park, Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham due to open later in 2024.
Purchase and finance of property valued over £900,000 completed by BPE’s Commercial Property team
Thomas Christie in BPE’s Commercial Property team recently assisted a client with the purchase of a multi-use investment property in Oxford.