Real Estate

Practical property advice for businesses and charities.

Buying, selling, leasing or managing property is a big step. Whether you’re investing in a new development, a listed building, or anything in between, we can help. Including if you’re a not-for-profit, with charity law to navigate alongside the usual financial, people and planning challenges.

We work with commercial and other organisations, social enterprises and charities alike, working in a range of sectors – from negotiating property agreements to leases to finance to development agreements.  We work alongside the large and the small, from owners such as the BFI to smaller community organisations.

The market is increasingly demanding accountability and transparency from organisations around their environmental, social and governance commitments. As a B Corp, sustainability is close to our hearts. So, we also advise on environmental and sustainability issues – meaning your property makes its mark, without making a mark on the planet.

If you are focusing on ESG, we are here to help. We understand your priorities because we share them. ESG is in our DNA. We were the first UK law firm to certify as a B Corp, cementing our commitment to go beyond profit to have a positive impact on our people, our communities and the environment.

How we help

We can advise you on the full life cycle of your property assets, including supporting you on development projects and funding, as well as buying, selling and landlord and tenant matters.

We’ll solve disputes. We also handle planning and tax issues, as well as insolvency and receivership. We can even assist with getting your phones and internet set up if wayleaves are needed.

If you’re a charity, we’ll also make sure you understand your responsibilities and how charity law affects your property plans.

Explore

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: what faith-based charities need to know

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and represents one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in decades. Although not yet fully in force, the Government is implementing its provisions in phases, allowing landlords – including faith-based organisations and charities providing housing or accommodation as part …
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Real estate: Stay vs Go

Whether you’re thinking about disposing of your office, moving to a new location or reconfiguring your existing space we are here to advise on your options. We will: We’ve developed a fixed fee package, so whether you decide to stay or go, we can help you choose your path with confidence. Prices for the above …
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Keys with conditions: What you need to know about service occupancies

Service occupancies are a common but often misunderstood arrangement, especially for organisations like charities, schools, care providers and religious institutions that offer housing to employees as part of their job. While convenient in many ways, service occupancies carry significant legal complexity, particularly if the employment relationship ends or changes over time. What is a service …
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The Charities Act 2022, explained: revisiting the key changes to the rules relating to charity land

Now that the majority of the changes to the rules on disposals of charity land introduced by the Charities Act 2022 have been implemented on a phased basis, we revisit the various key amendments which could save charities time and money when disposing of property. What do you need to know? Part 7 of the …
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Changing seasons heralding changes to private rented sector

This month we saw a test case brought in the High Court by a group of registered social landlords in Wales who sought clarification on whether contract-holders were required to pay rent whilst a landlord was in breach of their obligation to provide them with electrical condition reports.   The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 …
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“Bates Wells are easy to talk to and direct. They always respond quickly in a sensible manner and offer the most efficient way forward.”

Real Estate, Chambers 2026

“Bates Wells provide advice that is clear, solid and commercially driven. They are extremely competent.”

Real Estate, Chambers 2026

“Bates Wells is aware of the nuances of the London real estate market.”

Real Estate, Chambers 2024

“The firm brings different expertise in as required and work seamlessly together.”

Real Estate, Chambers 2024

‘This practice has a wide range of expertise, and everyone I have dealt with has been knowledgeable and approachable with an uncomplicated approach to topics and issues. They take a practical approach and give you a straight answer.’

Real Estate, Legal 500 2024
Meet our team

We can advise on the full property life cycle and help you to influence sustainability through your building strategy.

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Whether you’re thinking about disposing of your office, moving to a new location or reconfiguring your existing space we are here to advise on your options.

View our real estate fixed fee packages