We advised a property developer on the unconditional acquisition of an office building in East Sussex, purchased for conversion into 20 self-contained residential units under permitted development rights.
The project had a Gross Development Value (GDV)
of approximately £5 million and involved complex
coordination between acquisition, development finance, and the creation of a lease structure to support buy-to-let investment funding.
The transaction required careful management of legal and commercial risk. The purchase was unconditional, placing greater emphasis on thorough due diligence and certainty around deliverability. In addition, the development relied on permitted development rights rather than a full planning application, requiring specialist knowledge of the relevant legislative framework.
Key challenges included:
We provided comprehensive legal support throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Site Acquisition
Development Finance
Lease Structuring & Investment Finance
The acquisition completed successfully, enabling the developer to proceed with the conversion works without delay. The project progressed as a permitted development scheme, and the lease structure allowed the client to secure buy-to-let development scheme, and the lease structure allowed the client to secure buy-to-let investment finance across the completed units.
If you are considering an office-to-residential conversion, development acquisition, or funding-led project, our commercial property team can provide clear, pragmatic legal advice tailored to your objectives.
Contact us today for a confidential discussion about how we can support your next development or investment project.
Contact us today and our
team will be happy to assist
with your enquiry.
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In handling my commercial leases and property transactions, Brendan at Ashworths Solicitors has demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism and expertise. He approaches every matter with precision, efficiency, and a clear focus on achieving…
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