The UK commercial real estate market has experienced a period of significant adjustment over the past two to three years, shaped by post-pandemic recovery, rising interest rates and shifting occupier priorities.
While certain sectors – such as industrial and logistics – have continued to show resilience, others, like office and retail, have faced ongoing challenges due to hybrid working trends and changing consumer behaviour.
Investment volumes have fluctuated, due to rising borrowing costs in response to inflation, decreasing asset values and increased scrutiny on deal viability. But in 2024 and into 2025, investor sentiment has begun to stabilise, with cautious optimism returning, especially where assets offer strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials or redevelopment potential.
Occupiers continue to prioritise flexibility, energy efficiency and technology-enabled spaces, driving landlords to adapt their offerings accordingly. Meanwhile, planning and infrastructure constraints, as well as regulatory changes around energy performance and sustainability, remain critical hurdles for developers and investors alike.
Overall, the market remains active but selective – with quality, location and long-term sustainability now key drivers of value. While challenges persist, those able to adapt quickly and embrace innovation are finding opportunities in a market that is steadily redefining itself.
As Head of the Commercial Real Estate Department at FG Solicitors, I’ve always believed that legal advice should do more than tick boxes – it should help businesses thrive through the challenges highlighted above.
FG Solicitors is a law firm, but beneath the day-to-day legal elements is a business which can only run successfully with all the key business functions, (operations, accounts, marketing and IT) working together. We understand the pressures, the risks, and the constant need to stay commercially agile. That understanding shapes everything we do for our clients. We don’t just advise on property transactions – we deliver practical, commercially driven solutions that align with your wider business strategy.
With offices in Northampton and London, we work with clients across the UK and internationally – from local entrepreneurs to large multinational corporations. No matter the size or sector of the business, our mission is the same – to provide you with unsurpassed legal and business expertise.
What we do
Our Commercial Real Estate team advises on every aspect of real estate law, including:
- Buying and selling commercial property
- Commercial leases and lease negotiations
- Development projects from site assembly to final sale
- Investment acquisitions and disposals
- Property finance and refinancing
- Supporting corporate transactions that involve property assets
We take a dynamic approach and apply our knowledge and skills across a broad range of sectors including retail, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, office and industrial developments – and we tailor our approach to the unique needs of each.
My team and I pride ourselves on delivering legal advice that’s rooted in real-world business thinking. We know our clients want more than a legal sounding board – they want solutions that work in practice, not just in principle.
Because we’re a business ourselves, we understand our client’s challenges – cash flow, pipeline, compliance, risk and growth. When you work with us, you’re not just getting legal advice – you’re getting strategic input from professionals who live and breathe business every day.
A wider network, a broader perspective
One of the most valuable things we offer our clients is access to a wider network of trusted professionals. Over the years, we’ve built strong working relationships with accountants, independent financial advisers, commercial agents, tax consultants and IT and risk specialists.
That means when a client comes to FG Solicitors with a commercial property challenge, we don’t just look at the legal side. We’ll consider the tax implications, the financing structure, the operational strategy – and if needed, bring in the right people to make sure every angle is covered.
This collaborative approach is what sets us apart. It ensures that our clients benefit from not only expert legal advice but also wider business insight – all delivered with commercial pragmatism.
Although we’re based in Northampton and London, our work is anything but local. We regularly act for overseas clients investing in the UK, UK businesses expanding abroad and nationally, and operating companies dealing with multi-site portfolios.
Neither time zones nor jurisdictional complexities or cross-border considerations faze us. Our strength lies in our ability to manage the process of establishing commercial operations in the given jurisdiction, through overseeing the whole process whilst always ensuring your interests are protected.
Your success is our focus
What I love most about working in commercial property law is that no two clients are the same – and neither are their goals. Whether you’re a start-up taking your first lease, or a developer piecing together a major site, you need more than legal representation. You need a partner who understands where your business is heading, and who can help get you there with confidence.
At FG Solicitors, we’re proud to be that partner.
So, if you’re looking for more than just legal advice – if you want a proactive, business-savvy team that’s invested in your success – we would love to hear from you.
By Harshinder Hundal, Head of Commercial Property at FG Solicitors
Find out more about FG Solicitors on 0808 172 9322, email info@fgsolicitors.com, or visit their website.
