Commercial Lease Conveyancing Fees

At Gordon & Thompson Solicitors, we provide legal advice and representation to landlords, tenants, investors, and businesses in relation to commercial lease transactions across Bromley, Maidstone, Plumstead, Woolwich, Central London, Gillingham, and throughout England and Wales.

We are committed to providing transparent pricing information in accordance with the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority Transparency Rules.

Our Commercial Lease Legal Fees

Fixed Fee and Hourly Rate Services

Our fees for commercial lease transactions generally range from:

£399 – £10,000 plus VAT

The precise fee will depend on several factors, including:

• The value and complexity of the transaction;

• Whether the matter involves a new lease, renewal, assignment, variation, surrender, or subletting;

• The length and complexity of the lease documentation;

• Whether negotiations are required;

• Whether the property is leasehold or mixed-use;

• The timescales involved;

• The number of parties involved;

• Whether lender consent is required;

• Whether the transaction is urgent.

Some matters may be charged on a fixed-fee basis, while more complex transactions are charged according to the time spent by the solicitor or legal professional handling the matter.

Details of how we charge, together with hourly rates and the qualifications of the person handling your case, will be confirmed in your client care letter at the outset of the matter.

VAT

VAT is charged at the prevailing rate of 20% on our legal fees and certain disbursements where applicable.

Additional Costs and Disbursements

Disbursements are payments made to third parties in connection with your matter. We handle payment of these on your behalf where appropriate.

Typical additional costs may include:

Additional disbursements may apply depending on the nature of the transaction, including:

• Landlord’s legal fees;

• Managing agent fees;

• Notice fees;

• Deed of Covenant fees;

• Licence to Assign fees;

• Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable);

• Companies House fees;

• Surveyor or valuation fees.

We will advise you of likely disbursements as soon as reasonably practicable.

What Is Included In Our Fees?

Our fees generally cover the following work in relation to a standard commercial lease transaction:

• Taking your instructions and providing initial legal advice;

• Reviewing title documentation and lease documentation;

• Drafting or reviewing the lease agreement;

• Negotiating lease terms where appropriate;

• Advising on rent review clauses, break clauses, repair obligations, alienation provisions, and service charges;

• Reviewing replies to enquiries and supporting documentation;

• Raising enquiries with the other party’s solicitors;

• Advising on searches where applicable;

• Preparing and completing transaction documents;

• Exchanging contracts and completing the transaction;

• Registering the transaction at HM Land Registry where required;

• Corresponding with all parties involved in the transaction.

What Is Not Included?

Unless specifically agreed in writing, our fees do not include:

• Tax advice;

• SDLT liability calculations or specialist tax planning advice;

• Planning or environmental advice;

• Litigation or dispute resolution;

• Lease disputes arising after completion;

• Advice on insolvency matters;

• Surveyor or valuation fees;

• Barrister’s fees;

• Costs arising from unexpected title defects or complex negotiations.

Where additional work becomes necessary, we will discuss any revised costs with you before carrying out further work.

Factors Which May Increase Costs

The following factors may increase legal fees:

• Complex or heavily negotiated lease terms;

• Urgent completion requirements;

• Defective title issues;

• Multiple parties involved in the transaction;

• Transactions involving lenders;

• High-value commercial premises;

• Mixed-use properties;

• Significant amendments to lease documentation;

• Delays caused by third parties;

• Additional regulatory or compliance requirements.

Timescales

The length of time required to complete a commercial lease transaction depends on the complexity of the matter and the cooperation of all parties involved.

As a general guide, a standard commercial lease transaction may take approximately:

8 – 14 weeks

More complex matters or transactions involving multiple parties, lenders, or substantial negotiations may take longer.

Typical Stages of a Commercial Lease Transaction

The precise stages involved vary depending on the circumstances of the transaction. However, the process typically includes:

• Taking your instructions and providing initial advice;

• Reviewing title and lease documentation;

• Conducting due diligence and searches where appropriate;

• Negotiating lease terms;

• Raising and responding to enquiries;

• Preparing and reviewing transaction documentation;

• Agreeing completion arrangements;

• Exchanging agreements;

• Completing the transaction;

• Registering the lease where required;

• Accounting to you for completion monies.

Some stages may not be required depending on the nature of your transaction.

Our Commercial Conveyancing Team

Our Residential and Commercial Conveyancing Department has more than 10 years of combined experience advising clients on residential and commercial property transactions.

Your matter may be handled by one of our solicitors or conveyancing professionals under the supervision of Raphael Newton.