The path to a successful development project can be challenging. At Peter Ross, we provide specialist legal support to guide you through every stage of the land acquisition process.
Our dedicated team, led by John Cook, a specialist in commercial property law with many years of experience in acting for developers of all sizes, offers unparalleled expertise to developers, investors, and landowners. We manage every aspect of the process with precision and care, allowing you to focus on the future of your project with complete peace of mind.
Our comprehensive land acquisition service
Land acquisition is a strategic move that lays the foundation for your entire project. Our role is to ensure that the foundation is as solid as possible. We provide a full-spectrum legal service that covers every detail.
Our approach is proactive and client-focused, designed to mitigate risks and secure your investment.
Mitigating risk
Firstly, you need to be certain that the land is suitable for your project. Our team conducts meticulous due diligence to uncover any potential legal issues that could affect the site’s viability, value, or development potential. This critical phase includes:
- Thoroughly examining the title to the land to confirm ownership and identify any issues with boundaries, rights of way, or other third-party rights.
- Confirming the availability and connection status of essential utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and drainage. We also check for adequate road access.
- Scrutinising any pre-existing agreements tied to the land, such as Section 106 agreements or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charges, which can significantly impact your project’s profitability.
By performing these checks, we provide you with a clear and accurate picture of the land’s potential, allowing you to make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises down the line.
Tailored legal solutions for land development
Beyond the initial acquisition, we provide strategic legal advice to structure and secure your development project from start to finish. Our expertise extends to a range of complex legal agreements that are often pivotal in successful land development. These include:
Option agreements
An option agreement gives you the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a piece of land at a future date. This is an excellent tool for developers who need time to obtain planning permission before committing to a full purchase. We can draft and negotiate these agreements, setting clear terms for the purchase price, the option period, and any other conditions.
Joint Venture (JV) agreement
For larger or more complex projects, a JV may be the ideal structure. It allows two or more parties to pool their resources, expertise, and capital to undertake a project. We provide bespoke legal support to draft comprehensive JV agreements that clearly define the roles, responsibilities, profit-sharing arrangements, and dispute resolution mechanisms for all parties involved.
Maximising your returns
Even after your development is complete, our work continues. We can also assist with the sale of individual plots or units. Our plot sales service is designed to:
- Protect your interests by drafting and managing all the necessary legal documents, including contracts, transfers, and leases, to ensure a seamless sale process.
- Finalise sales quickly, ensuring that your investment yields the highest possible returns.
- Simplify the process as we handle all communications with buyers, their solicitors, and lenders, streamlining the transaction from start to finish.
Why choose Peter Ross?
We are committed to being strategic partners throughout your development journey. We pride ourselves on offering a service that is both bespoke and highly responsive. By choosing Peter Ross, you can benefit from:
Expert leadership
Our service is led by John Cook, a lawyer with extensive experience in the intricacies of land law. His deep knowledge and practical approach ensure that every project is handled with the utmost professionalism.
Tailored solutions
No two development projects are the same. We take the time to listen to your specific needs and goals, crafting a legal strategy that is perfectly aligned with your business objectives.
Complete transparency
We act proactively and will keep you updated on progress and potential challenges, ensuring that you are always in the loop.
Get in touch
Whether you are considering the acquisition of a greenfield site for a new housing estate or a brownfield site for a mixed-use commercial development, our team has the expertise to support you. We handle projects of all sizes and complexities, from single-plot acquisitions to large-scale site assemblies.
Ready to take the next step in your land acquisition journey? For more information or to speak to us about a specific project, please contact us. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and how we can assist you.
Contact John Cook directly:
Phone: 0191 488 8200
Email: jjc@peterross.co.uk
Let us help you lay the legal foundation for a successful future.