Property Development

Whether you are a developer, land promoter, house builder or landlord, the process of developing a land can be complex and stakes can be high. Advice from our specialists can ensure your transaction runs as smoothly as possible from beginning to end.

Areas and agreements we can help with include;

Acquisition and disposal of development land

With or without planning permission, we advise on sales arrangements such as options, conditional contracts, and promotion agreements, and manage related issues like planning and infrastructure agreements, access rights, restrictive covenants, and easements.

Promotion Agreements

For landowners lacking the experience or resources for development, a promotion agreement is a practical solution. A land promotion agreement serves as a legal contract between a landowner and land promoter.

This agreement allows landowners to leverage the promoter’s experience, expertise and financial support for obtaining planning permission and potentially increasing the land’s value. Upon sale of the land, the promoter receives a share of the increased value, ensuring mutual benefit.

Option Agreements

An option agreement is a valuable tool that benefits both landowners and developers. It grants a potential buyer the right (but not an obligation) to purchase a property, typically in exchange for an option fee paid to the landowner. This agreement often spans a number of years , but can be adjusted as needed depending upon complexity.

For developers, the agreement provides the freedom to secure planning permission while deciding if they want to proceed with the purchase.

Conditional Contracts

If you’re negotiating a property purchase for development, you might need a conditional contract. This type of contract is binding, but only becomes fully effective when certain conditions are met – the most common being obtaining planning permission not subject to conditions that are unacceptable to the developer, but could also be used for other factors, such as securing funding, or connecting utilities.

Once these conditions are fulfilled, the contract proceeds to completion on the agreed terms. A conditional contract provides both parties with the assurance that, once any uncertainties are resolved, the sale will be finalised as planned.

Deeds of Easements

When purchasing property or land, developers must determine if there are any easements in place, as these can significantly affect how the site is used.

An easement allows one property (the “dominant land”) certain rights over another (the “servient land”), such as laying water pipes or electricity cables. Generally, easements persist despite changes in ownership, meaning these rights remain with the land itself.

At Laceys, we can review the property’s title you plan to buy, ensuring that you have a full understanding of any easements that might affect development. For sellers, we can draft and assess any rights or restrictions you wish to impose on a property you’re retaining.

Why use Laceys?

Every property transaction is unique and our team of commercial property experts help each client to consider which agreement is right for their circumstances, and to think through the implications of any conditional terms included within it. Each agreement is meticulously drafted to ensure it accurately reflects what is agreed between the developer and the landowner from negotiating terms to completion, ensuring a seamless process.

Contact our team today to see how we can support your development projects.