Professional Advice

Manage your future with a career for all-rounders

13 April 2012

Deals are a lot thinner on the ground these days.

Despite eviction, protestors continue to occupy headlines

09 March 2012

What can landowners do to protect themselves from squatters? By Caroline DeLaney

Fateful attraction

02 March 2012

Can partners who sell their firms to multinational agencies find their niche? Christine Eade reports

With a little application... Review of apps for the property industry

02 March 2012

What are property’s favourite apps? David Doyle and Emily Simmons find out

Protect your data - don't get stuffed by staff departures

17 February 2012

In these volatile and uncertain times, there has been a lot of staff movement in the agency world.

A new dilapidations protocol for a new economic climate

20 January 2012

Amid rising tensions, the Property Litigation Association published a revised version of the dilapidations protocol on 1 January.

In land contracts, the pen is mightier than the word

06 January 2012

The message: Oral contracts relating to land must be recorded in writing.

Neighbour takes steps to sever relations

16 December 2011

The message Protect informal rights over registered land at the Land Registry.

London students left out in the cold

4 November 2011

Development shortfall means bed space provision has slowed during recession. Paul Savitz reports

Take two ... property start-ups

28 October 2011

Better to be a partnership or over 50 when starting your own business. Christine Eade reports

Q+A: me and my iPad

21 October 2011

James Darkins, joint head of property and member of the management board at Henderson, has bought an iPad. Here, he tells David Hatcher why it has changed his business life

Take five … software management tips

21 October 2011

Property companies need to find easy-to-use systems where relevant information is sensibly arranged and easily retrievable.

LandSecs’ six principles for low-carbon development

14 October 2011

Just like the previous government, the coalition is taking forever to define what is meant by “zero carbon” in non-domestic buildings.

The government is restricting our power to tackle illegal parking

16 September 2011

Many of us have suffered the indignity, inconvenience and cost of being clamped

No giant leap for Mann into tenancy

9 September 2011

The message: Intra-group dealings can bind the parties and cause complications.

Need to know: how to cash in on a Jersey trust

2 September 2011

Before the government closed a tax loophole on 22 March 2006, there was a rush of property investors that put properties into Jersey property unit trusts (JPUTs) to avoid stamp duty land tax

Realism prevails as Cushman team takes up gavel at CBRE

26 August 2011

Ex-Cushman and now CBRE auction team prepares for first sale, in November

I work for a property company and have heard about changes to case law on guarantors.

25 August 2011

When letting a property to a company which can’t satisfy us on its covenant strength, we usually require a parent company guarantee.  In the light of recent cases, must this now be regarded as unsafe?

Check list: how to work out dilapidations

5 August 2011

As leases near expiry, landlords and tenants begin to focus on the condition of the premises and the likely cost of complying with the tenant repair covenants.

Property management: how to stay on the right side of the law

2 August 2011

New rules and regulations mean landlords need to be legally dilligent

I own a building which was previously a school

28 July 2011

I am seeking planning consent to convert the premises into offices but in the meantime the property is empty. I am reviewing my insurance cover for the building, would signing up for a property guardianship scheme make me a more attractive risk to an insurer?

New president embodies RICS’s Asian aspirations

22 July 2011

Ong See Lian to divide his time between east and west

It’s good to talk, email, text and tweet

15 July 2011

How do you get someone to trust you? You talk to them. How do you get them to keep trusting you? You keep talking to them. What happens if you stop talking to them? They stop trusting you, mainly because they assume you’ve got nothing good to say any more.

Top five ... tips for preventing tenant arrears

15 July 2011

1. Do your due diligence

Surveyors exonerated at buy-to-let appeal

8 July 2011

Appeal judge finds over-estimates of rental income were not negligent

Q+A: capital allowances countdown

1 July 2011

At the end of August, Revenue and Customs is closing its consultation on changes to capital allowance for fixtures in buildings

Shining a light on feed-in-tariff schemes

1 July 2011

Leasing your property’s roof could bring in rent and cheap energy, but is fraught with difficulties

Five ways … to pick a project manager

24 June 2011

1. Strong foundations are key

Project managers should be an extension of your company

24 June 2011

Commercial property developers are driven by cost savings, efficiency and delivery, and it is the job of the project manager to deliver this

Rights of light reform still ‘years away’

17 June 2011

Law Commission report ignores need for changes to law

Westminster urged to act on rights of light

17 June 2011

West End property owners ask council to invoke “Walkie-Talkie”-style powers

Southern Cross’ call for rent cut threatens to ruin landlord

3 June 2011

Analysts claim NHP would default on loans if rents fall by more than 21%

Agency mergers are in danger of creating anti-competitive marketplace

27 May 2011

It seems only a few years ago that the industry underwent a “Big Bang” that created mega-firms such as CB Richard Ellis, Jones Lang LaSalle, Cushman & Wakefield, DTZ and Savills

Youth of today expect more from their offices

27 May 2011

Challenge for construction to meet employee expectations a hot topic at BCO conference

Five ways … to embrace localism

20 May 2011

1 Plan now

Leslau and Lipton set new course for property sector

20 May 2011

Receivers conference hears radical ideas of Nick Leslau and Sir Stuart Lipton

More compliance challenges with Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive

20 May 2011

When servicing institutional and other professional investors, property fund managers have operated within a light-touch regulation framework

Property Week Insight Guide to Global Risk Management

13 May 2011

Property Week have published a unique Insight Guide to Global Risk Management in association with Taliance

Running the rule over community infrastructure levy

13 May 2011

New legislation is changing the criteria for planning permissions

Retailers rejoice as lease accounting rules are rewritten

28 April 2011

International Accounting Standards Board abandons opaque draft

Costa Coffee joins drive-through fast-food fray

21 April 2011

Cafe chain targets 10% of its portfolio to be drive-through

Legal guidance: Land agreements subject to full force of UK competition law

19 April 2011

The Competition Act 1998 (Land Agreements Exclusion and Revocation) Order 2004, which excluded land agreements in the UK from the application of the UK prohibition of anti-competitive agreements, was revoked on 6 April 2011.

Landlords dance to HMV’s tune

08 April 2011

Retailer’s request to pay rents monthly accepted by most

APC advice - Graduate 3 and senior professional making your experience count

25 April 2008

The subject of this article echoes one of the recent awareness-raising exercises by the RICS to communicate to experienced non-chartered surveyors the opportunity to use their experience to their benefit and speed up the process of becoming chartered.

APC advice Week 49: month 23 and 24

28 March 2008

Counsellor and supervisor review, part 4 – conclusion

Rights of light reform hopes extinguished

01 April 2011

Highcross appeal over Leeds case settled out of court, industry rues missed opportunity

Tenants get more leeway in break clause negotiations

31 March 2011

Courts appear to be willing to take a more relaxed approach to compliance when it comes to break clauses

Time to shed light on rights of light insurance

30 March 2011

The Heaney judgment has raised questions for developers about how to mitigate risks if their proposed scheme would block out neighbours’ light

Councils cut parking rates to accelerate local economies

25 March 2011

Retailers welcome decision in light of reduced consumer spending

How to do a deal in seven days

25 March 2011

Quick turnarounds are made possible when all parties pull together

I am a tenant with a 30 year lease.

22 March 2011

I want to review the rent now as I think there will be a nil increase in the current market. What can I do?

Government to attack tax avoidance in Budget

18 March 2011

Stamp Duty Land Tax dodging and non-doms likely to be targeted

Advice: How valuers can protect themselves against negligence claims.

10 March 2011

In 2007, you valued an office at £10m. In 2011, the bank values that same office at £1m, and it’s asking you why £9m has vanished. What do you do?

Coffer to offer leisure investment advice

04 March 2011

Leisure company adviser Coffer Corporate Leisure is to create a European leisure investment advisory service

Advice: One of my tenants claims there are extensive construction defects in the development.

3 March 2011

The starting point is to find out what exactly those defects are, and whether they relate to works carried out under a building contract. Is the tenant claiming under the building contract or under the lease, or both?

Q&A: How can I stop demonstrators targeting my site?

25 February 2011

Developers generally do not anticipate that their sites may be targeted by protestors or demonstrators. However, with public sector spending cuts beginning to bite and greater signs of discontentment among the public, it is expected that the number of public protests and demonstrations could increase in the coming year. 

EU’s regulation treble is double-edged sword for fund managers, says Melville Rodrigues

25 February 2011

The market turmoil in recent years has been the catalyst for new European Union regulations aimed at market excess

€350m Liffey Valley sale collapses

18 February 2011

Grosvenor and Aviva’s Irish shopping centre transaction halted in advance of upward-only rent review ban

Renewed impetus for landlords and tenants to cut a deal, says Tony Lorenz

18 February 2011

Times are changing for rent review surveyors. Our focus is no longer only on rent reviews

Britain’s Bribery Act delayed

11 February 2011

Deferral could damage UK plc’s reputation

Do not let your leaders remain hidden in the ranks, says Toby Turner

11 February 2011

Lord Sugar’s show, The Apprentice, has become more about reality TV than a vigorous recruitment process

Keep an eye on the valuation tribunal to avoid an earful

11 February 2011

Management speak translated by Roger Southam

Take five: electronic media screens

11 February 2011

Installing electronic media screens to show advertising on the exterior of buildings can increase revenue and enhance a building’s value. However, various issues need to be addressed if the initiative is to be successful

CB Richard Ellis closes in on ING REIM takeover

04 February 2011

Acquisition will make CBRE world’s largest property fund manager, but is smaller deal than initially thought

Insolvencies on the retreat as businesses wise up

04 February 2011

Fidelity data show risk of tenant failure fell for sixth consecutive quarter as companies’ caution pays off

Bribery Act puts firms at risk of entrapment

28 January 2011

Firms could fall foul of the Bribery Act because of untrained staff or entrapment by rivals, a law firm has warned

Foreign investors make a bid for UK stability

28 January 2011

Far Eastern, Greek and Irish bidders turn to UK for a less volatile market

McGarry mortgage fraud was ‘avoidable’

28 January 2011

Banks and building societies failed to carry out adequate checks, court hears

Shura sues RGI for $99m over lack of synergy

28 January 2011

RGI retorts that director is making false claims in his own interest

Property insolvencies fall by 32%

24 January 2011

Property company insolvencies fell by 32.3% in 2010 compared to the previous year, according to research by Experian.

Savills auction team under the hammer

14 January 2011 upload

Former Savills auction team welcoming bids

Good risk management will bring your premium down

07 January 2011

As many companies struggle to maintain income levels, the cost of insurance – which can account for a significant proportion of expenditure – will continue to cause concern

Lease expiries will drive retail development too, says Andrew Jones

07 January 2011

The recent development boom for offices within the City of London – such as the “Walkie-Talkie”, “Cheesegrater” and Pinnacle – has, we are told, been predicated on the raft of lease expiries that will occur in 2013, 2014 and 2015

Bribery Act brings harsh punishment for lavish hospitality

17 December 2010

The Bribery Act 2010, due to come into force in April, is causing concern in property circles, especially around the new offence that makes directors personally liable for improper payments to which they may be oblivious

Years ago, I granted a personal licence to a neighbouring company.

16 December 2010

It uses part of my service yard and for lorry parking and turning. The neighbour’s signage and staff have recently changed. Should I enquire whether there has been a change in ownership of the company or their land?

No end to retail sector's nightmare after Christmas

10 December 2010

Cotton price, VAT rises and belt-tightening consumers are thwarting retailers

My Extraordinary Hobby: Harry Spurr on his sideline as a wine importer

26 November 2010

Harry Spurr, planning barrister at Hogan Lovells, tells Nick Johnstone about his extraordinary hobby

SJ Berwin’s transatlantic romance is off

26 November 2010

It was a nine-month romance that flourished over the summer. But things turned sour and, last week, the partners told the world’s media that things are officially off

Old-fashioned companies risk losing their senior women, says Julie Rees

19 November 2010

Alan Froggatt’s recent article on the property industry’s inability to retain higher levels of senior women (How can the property industry retain more senior women?, professional, 24.09.10) touched a nerve within many property-related organisations

Take ten… tips for starting a business

19 November 2010

Simon Hordern and Dermot Morrogh-Ryan set up their own firm, Hordern Ryan, in 2004. Here are their top 10 tips for start-ups

I am planning to buy a site but I am worried that it is polluted.

9 November 2010

Is there anything I can do to protect against this risk?

How to stop the seasonal squatter surprise

05 November 2010

It is still too early to prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus. But, if you own shops that are empty, you should be prepared for the arrival of another kind of visitor: squatters

Insurers need to satisfy disgruntled occupiers

29 October 2010

I recently attended the launch of the Occupier Satisfaction Survey 2010, published by the Property Industry Alliance and CoreNet Global UK Chapter (Landlords must try harder, say tenants, PW 17.09.10).

Leeds' new spaces

29 October 2010

On 13 October, councillors at Leeds City Council agreed to spend £5.8m to refurbish Woodhouse Lane car park

Need to know: OFT land agreements

29 October 2010

Earlier this month, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) produced draft guidance for businesses in property and retail about the land agreements that could be affected by competition law changes next April

Administrators: landlords could learn to love new CVAs

22 October 2010

The property industry is likely to benefit from a new generation of company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) being created by restructuring experts

Edinburgh House wins Aviva mandate

22 October 2010

Edinburgh House has won a mandate to asset manage an £85m shopping centre for the property lending arm of Aviva

Tax regime bites into holiday and luxury homes, says Patrick Cannon

22 October 2010

There are two important property tax changes set to occur next year and property professionals will need to keep abreast of them in order to advise clients

Top ten tips for dilapidations

21 October 2010

Dilapidations is a complex process that requires considerable skill and expertise, especially when dealing with full, material or substantial break clauses. Once you have committed to a lease, you are bound to the terms you have signed up to, so it is important to ensure the lease accurately reflects what you want from the deal.

Planning ahead: your guide

15 October 2010

The government’s localism agenda has been criticised as a “nimbys’ charter”, but one aspect could help developers: the “presumption in favour of sustainable development”

CIPD guide Work-related Stress: What the Law Says

8 October 2010

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive and Acas, has published a guide for employers about how to deal with employees who are under stress.

UK and US law firms’ urge to merge

08 October 2010

Denton Wilde Sapte and Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal in latest transatlantic tie-up

Advice: I would like to establish an investment management company.

7 October 2010

Do I need to be authorised by the Financial Services Authority? If so, how long does it take and what is involved?

Under starters’ orders: the start of the graduate jobs race

01 October 2010

The graduate jobs market is more competitive than ever, but students can help their chances by making a good first impression at a careers fair. Richard Heap reports

Brave investors move into data centres

24 September 2010

Smaller, specialist firms set to be acquired in new technology race

International jobs survey: How the world of work is shrinking

24 September 2010

British workers are finding their job options limited at home and abroad

Manhattan's management tool

24 September 2010

Strategic performance management software has become a key tool as the recession forces companies to wake up to the importance of their property

Need to know: your rights on asking for study leave

24 September 2010

Employees have the right to request study leave from their employer

Protection laws aren’t helping healthy competition, says Graham Chase

24 September 2010

The Competition Act 1998 identifies that open and vigorous competition is good for consumers because it results in lower prices, new products, better quality and more choice. It is also good for fair-dealing businesses that flourish when markets are competitive.

Storedata launch iSite

24 September 2010

Retail property specialist StoreData has rebranded as iSite and launched new management software as it aims to expand into other sectors

I own a large country house which also has four acres of land annexed to it. 

20 September 2010

For the past 18 years members of the public have used a small track on my land, without my consent, in order to gain access to a nearby road.  Has a public right of way been acquired in respect of the track and if not what steps can I take to prevent a public right of way from arising?

Brixton's Lee joins GVA

10 September 2010

Industrial expert to lead facilities management and grow asset management arm

Tenants to resist lease changes in tough economy

10 September 2010

Landlords that have registered for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme may not need to start buying their allowances until next April, but there is still plenty to do

Graduates taxed: how you can show "commercial awareness"

03 September 2010

University leavers need to demonstrate “commercial awareness” in job interviews, but few know what that means

Recession puts profession under pressure to act unethically

03 September 2010

Report cites client pressure and conflicts of interest as main factors that affect surveyors’ working practices

Don’t let tenant alterations put a spanner in the works

20 August 2010

Tenant wants to expand or upgrade their premises? Jamie O’Brien explains how landlords and tenants can protect themselves

Lease is no longer more under new accounting regime

20 August 2010

After more than 10 years’ gestation, this week brings the publication by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) of a draft standard on lease accounting, which heralds the end of what is probably the oldest form of off-balance sheet accounting

Fund ‘passports’ to be put through the wash

06 August 2010

EU rules could exclude Channel Islands funds from benefits of “passporting”

Miss Sixty CVA case ‘should never have seen light of day’

06 August 2010

Parent company guarantee battle bears “striking” resemblance to Powerhouse case, and ruling remains in favour of landlords

Chelsea Barracks saga concludes

30 July 2010

The Chelsea Barracks dispute has been brought to an end after Christian Candy’s CPC Group and Qatari Diar reached a last-minute out-of-court settlement

Fines for firms that miss carbon reduction date

30 July 2010

Thousands of businesses will be liable ahead of September deadline

Regulation burdens property

30 July 2010

The latest Business Perceptions Survey sheds light on sector’s doubts

Supreme Court backs minimal damages for Al Fayed over "trespass"

28 July 2010

Judgment backs Court of Appeal award of £1,000 damages from Star Energy to Mohammed Al Fayed’s Bocardo

Beating the Breakdown: former planning officer speaks

23 July 2010

Four years after stress forced him to leave his job as a Croydon Council planning officer, Stephen Whiteside can finally begin to rebuild his life

Sainsbury’s tastes CBRE’s difference

23 July 2010

Agent wrests sole property management advisory role from NB Real Estate

Bank lending is about to get even trickier

16 July 2010

The Basel III rules will make it even harder for banks to lend to property companies and investors

Need to know: surveyor surveillance

16 July 2010

True romance and the internet do not always mix well, particularly at work

Administrators are taking £1,000,000,000 a year

09 July 2010

In fees from insolvent companies. So what do the creditors get?

My tenant has made significant alterations to the office space I leased to them.

18 June 2010

The lease has now expired and I have omitted to request re-instatement prior to lease expiry. Is there anything I can do?

Irish property community reels from 29 suicides in last 12 months

11 June 2010

As Ireland’s lenders take increasingly drastic action over troubled property loans, Deirdre Hipwell reports on the personal cost of the Irish and the UK banking crisis

Wolseley trims lease liabilities

04 June 2010

Plumbers merchant offloads 177 assets in pioneer transaction

Warning for private companies over Equality Act

28 May 2010

Davies Arnold Cooper head says the planned legislation “goes too far”

Green shoots are emerging for sustainable developments, writes Tatiana Bosteels

21 May 2010

If the last two or three years have taught us anything, it is the urgent need to improve the identification and management of long-term risks.

HCA appoints Capita Symonds for barracks work

18 May 2010

The Homes and Communities Agency has appointed Capita Symonds to provide advisory services on its proposed redevelopment of a Kent barracks.

Departments target 10% carbon cuts in a year

14 May 2010

Prime minister David Cameron has said that central government buildings will publish more energy data as they attempt to cut their emissions 10% over the next year.

Deficit target cuts “unrealistic”

14 May 2010

Despite talk of spending cuts from central government, local authorities are less resolute

My best day

14 May 2010

David Davidson, managing director, Cushman & Wakefield, Scotland

Police launch property portfolio savings investigation

14 May 2010

Over the next three weeks, Property Week shall examine the property strategies of the emergency services

Public profile: Kent County Council

14 May 2010

What is Kent doing?

Savills gang can in Surrey

14 May 2010

Savills graduates have been making a move into the construction sector, all in the name of a good cause

Supermarkets’ sweep stymied to protect competition

14 May 2010

Competition Commission order limits restrictive covenants in leases

ACES conference: Liverpool needs two new stadiums

13 May 2010

The stadiums of football clubs Liverpool and Everton need to be replaced ahead of a bid for the 2018 World Cup, Liverpool council’s regeneration director said this afternoon.

Career advice

7 May 2010

Anthony Phillips, head of BNP Paribas Real Estate’s Cardiff office

Historian lessons

7 May 2010

On 22 April, TV historian Dan Snow launched the Prince’s Regeneration Trust’s Green Guide for Historic Buildings with the trust’s chief executive, Ros Kerslake (pictured, above)

People Moves: Corestate, British Waterways and more

7 May 2010

Western Heritable Investment Company and Base2stay have relocated to 2 Babmaes Street, London SW1Y 6HD. Tel: 020 7491 2948.

Property named “worst payer” by Experian

7 May 2010

Property is the worst sector of UK business for paying its bills on time

Self-storage + roadside: Caisson boxes clever

7 May 2010

Fund manager believes sector has potential to reach 3,000 stores in the UK

Students’ Prague property pilgrimage

7 May 2010

Nottingham Trent postgrads broaden professional minds in Czech capital

‘Open source’ policies could become open wound

30 April 2010

Conservative planning policies have been subject to fresh scrutiny from the property industry

Half-a-million-jobs axe will fall hardest in regions

30 April 2010

Half a million public sector workers face the axe in the next five years, says the latest forecast from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), in its Election 2010 Briefing published on 19 April

Labour and rivals clash over future of PFI

30 April 2010

PFI programmes such as Building Schools for the Future could be cut

People Moves: Devono, Hurford Salvi Carr and more

30 April 2010

Devono has hired Tobias Crosbie (left) as an agent in its inner and outer London office agency team, based in St James’s. Email: tc@devono.com

Professional Opinion: Jon Lovell

30 April 2010

CRC refreshes lease structures other regulations cannot reach

Student accommodation: London’s exam nerves

30 April 2010

Capital’s supply shortage unlikely to be relieved by London Plan

A day in a life

23 April 2010

Rhys Evans, partner, Monmouth Dean

Energy firms to come green about changes

23 April 2010

The Energy Act 2010 aims to make the UK’s energy network “greener” and to give energy customers better information about changes to their gas and electricity tariffs

Green bank “not enough”

23 April 2010

Labour and Conservative pledges to create a £2bn green investment bank will not raise enough private finance for the £200bn infrastructure funding needed before 2015, the Institution of Civil Engineers has warned

Local authority auction sales raise only £26m in first quarter of 2010

23 April 2010

In the first quarter of 2010, local authorities sold 148 properties at auctions in England, Scotland and Wales, raising just £26m

Manchester’s Leese steps down

23 April 2010

Manchester City Council’s Labour leader gave up his post temporarily on Wednesday 14 April after being arrested for allegedly assaulting his stepdaughter

Organisations issue flood warning over legislation

23 April 2010

The Flood and Water Management Act aims to protect property owners by more clearly defining the roles different public sector bodies should play in protecting areas from flood risk

Planning permission needed to rent property to students

23 April 2010

New rules target homes with three or more tenants

Professional opinion: Stuart Robinson

23 April 2010

Further national planning reforms inspire a vote of no confidence

South London kids hit the top in cricket contest

23 April 2010

Myatt Gardens school from Lewisham beat 192 other teams, from 16 London boroughs, to win the final of British Land’s Kids Cricket League at Lord’s on 23 March

Digging it Maureen McDermott

16 April 2010

Blackstone does its homework to pass student accommodation test

My best and worst day

16 April 2010

Chris Bond (pictured), head of real estate, UEI Real Estate

Perpetrators of green crimes face sanctions

16 April 2010

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has paved the way to toughen civil sanctions against property owners for environmental crimes.

Rates revaluation hits Scots and Welsh

16 April 2010

Large rises are not limited by the transitional relief that applies in England.

Redundant professionals head to Westminster to gain new skills

16 April 2010

Unemployment in the UK is still a huge issue

European ruling allays Roanne concerns

9 April 2010

Case gives hope to developers

My Extraordinary Hobby: Adam Wadlow talks about being a jockey in his spare time

9 April 2010

Adam Wadlow, partner at petrol station adviser Barber Wadlow, tells David Hatcher about his unusual pastime

People Moves: H2SO, Treveria Asset Management and more

9 April 2010

This week’s movers

Recession makes arson a burning issue

9 April 2010

Thousands of businesses have vacated premises during the recession and arson is rocketing as a result. Now the fire service is fighting back

Take five … how to get the most out of work experience

9 April 2010

During the Easter holidays, firms are flooded with an influx of young and eager work experience interns. David Hatcher gives five tips to ensure both employer and employee get the best out of the arrangement

Tories promise Wandsworth developers planning shake-up

9 April 2010

Neill says new planning laws will be a priority for a Tory government

I am negotiating the sale of some retail premises and am concerned at the financial strength of the proposed purchasers.

8 April 2010

They have though offered to put up 40% of the purchase price on exchange by way of deposit which the contract says I will be able to forfeit in the event that they fail to complete (completion is due 4 weeks following exchange). I have a vague recollection that deposits of more than 10% might be unenforceable. Is my 40% secure?

I am a residential landlord but my tenant is being a nightmare.

8 April 2010

Neighbours have lodged numerous complaints about their behaviour. What is the best way to deal with the problem?

Quiz British Land's planning chief

6 April 2010

Take your chance to quiz British Land’s planning chief on how the company will approach development at a time when positioning a company for economic growth has never been more important.

Business school enters the real world

01 April 2010

The most highly regarded MBA will soon feature real estate on its syllabus

Council shopping centres to ‘serve communities’

01 April 2010

Agents and bankers are responsible for the crisis that face shopping centres, one in five of which risk defaulting on their loans

Ex-Tory minister puts contractors in driving seat

01 April 2010

Conservative leader David Cameron plans to get the party elected by making it look younger and fresher

Need to know: Penfold report

01 April 2010

What is it?

Professional opinion: Jerry Schurder

01 April 2010

Rating reform would be a property vote winner

The estate we’re in

01 April 2010

On 17 March the Office of Government Commerce published its State of the Estate 2009 report on the size and cost of the central government property estate

Village green ruling is just not cricket

01 April 2010

Supreme Court places increased burden of evidence on developers

I am a property owner and I have heard a neighbouring site has a problem with Japanese Knotweed.

31 March 2010

I have heard this can be a big problem. Do I need to worry?

I am a landlord.

31 March 2010

If I serve a section 6 notice on its sub tenant, can I provide the sub tenant with a VAT invoice for the rent?

Heseltine: local planning hero

26 March 2010

A bonfire of the quangos; elections for council chief executives; and towns and cities bidding for regeneration money

Land Registry u-turn

26 March 2010

The Land Registry has scaled down plans to close five offices and axe 1,500 jobs in the south-east of England

Liverpool seeks Pall Mall partner

26 March 2010

Liverpool Vision launched a search for a development partner for its Pall Mall Exchange site at MIPIM last week

Scotland leads way in tax-increment finance

26 March 2010

Edinburgh will create the UK’s first tax-increment finance scheme

Call to put energy credentials on display

19 March 2010

The government could encourage more sustainability in property by making display energy certificates mandatory in commercial buildings

Companies start to warm to Carbon Reduction Commitment

19 March 2010

Two weeks before scheme starts, experts report upswing in interest

Business rates appeals on the rise

16 March 2010

The number of appeals against business rates has risen by 21% over the last two years, according to statistics obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

Tenants play hard ball at older and secondary malls

12 March 2010

Landlords say cutting service charges could have dire consequences

Laurence launches OGC property asset management campaign

9 March 2010

Vice Admiral Tim Laurence has launched an Office of Government Commerce campaign to improve property asset management across the public sector.

Sharing public property could save Lewisham £15m a year

8 March 2010

Public bodies in Lewisham could save up to £15m annually through jointly managing their property, a report has shown.

Planning experts running scared on Conservative policy

05 March 2010

“Open source” is the concept whereby users of a service can change it themselves. The property industry describes its application to planning policy as “scary”

What’s the plan in the City and Westminster?

05 March 2010

London’s two most influential councils, Westminster and the City of London, are both setting planning policies for their core strategies. These will influence the planning policy in their local development frameworks

Public Property UK: Councils to partner energy firms on green homes

2 March 2010

Local authorities should work more closely with energy companies to deliver greener housing, according to a government strategy published today.

I am a landlord and my tenant has stopped paying their rent.

26 February 2010

What can I do? Is it possible to evict them?

Defence Estates chief Vice Admiral Tim Laurence speaks to new public property website

26 February 2010

The Office of Government Commerce is due to report on skills gaps among public sector property managers this spring to help government save money from managing its properties better

Calling all budding writers ...

26 February 2010

Would you like to see your ideas published in Property Week? David Hatcher explains how to enter our essay contest

E.surv adopts Quest system

26 February 2010

Quest, the IT infrastructure supplier in the surveying and mortgage valuation market, has announced that surveyor firm E.surv has agreed to adopt Quest’s Q-Guard AuditSure system for valuation risk management across its business. The system checks valuations and highlights potential risks for the audit team.

Further curb on lap-dancing clubs

26 February 2010

The Home Office on 12 February announced enhanced planning powers for local councils to stop lap-dancing clubs opening in their area

My working day

26 February 2010

Peter Ferrari, joint managing director, Heron International

Public land plan launched

26 February 2010

Housing minister John Healey last week launched the first phase of the Public Land Initiative

Site that came back to bite Crest Nicholson

26 February 2010

Developer is found responsible for contamination despite obeying the law

Soton network is UK’s largest

26 February 2010

Last Tuesday, Southampton City Council connected city centre housing scheme the City Centre Gantry into its district energy network

Technology: a cloud hangs over the next 10 years

26 February 2010

A whole new way of working is floating towards office occupiers

Wilson takes aim at property for charity shoot

26 February 2010

With the Glorious Twelfth still more than six months away, clay pigeon shooting can be a good opportunity to get your eye in

And finally …

19 February 2010

How is liquidation similar to hit film Avatar?

Segro allays long-term advisers’ fears

19 February 2010

Industrial REIT retains Brixton adviser SJ Berwin on legal team

How to cope with the new higher 50% rate of tax

17 February 2010

Regardless of who wins the general election, the new higher 50% rate of income tax appears to be here to stay. Stacy Eden, head of property and construction at international accountancy firm Mazars, says that now is the time to explore the options that will minimise the impact of the big tax squeeze.

Find your way around Conservative planning ‘green paper’

12 February 2010

The Conservative Party was due to publish its “Green paper” on planning earlier this week.

OGC’s small business campaign

12 February 2010

Small businesses need support to bid for government contracts, the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) said last Monday

Post-Lehman transactions void leads to rent review rows

12 February 2010

Lack of rental evidence after September 2008 is leading to more disputes

Property young stung by demotivating recession

12 February 2010

Young property professionals are suffering a double blow of poor morale and the industry downturn

RTPI: Conservatives’ ‘true’ planning regime

12 February 2010

The Conservatives will impose the developments they want on to communities, despite pledging to promote local democracy in planning, the Royal Town Planning Institute warned at its annual conference

Targets take their toll on morale

12 February 2010

Government targets have demotivated public sector staff and public sector bosses do not have the management skills to address the problem

While oldies soldier on past retirement age

12 February 2010

Most people dream of the day they can finally put their feet up and retire from work

I am a developer and landowner.

5 February 2010

What do I need to do in light of the UK government repealing the Land Agreements Exclusion Order?

Government policy is ‘poorly thought out, overambitious and media-driven’

5 February 2010

High volume, ill-conceived and too knee-jerk. Those are three criticisms of government policymaking made by a group of senior civil servants last week

Old school lessons

5 February 2010

A survey by English Heritage has shown that 83% of the adults it questioned believe councils should do more to find new uses for old, empty schools

Planners and developers unite against fees freeze

5 February 2010

The government says freezing planning fees will help developers, but councils believe it will leave a budgetary black hole

RICS ‘green book’ puts sustainability at heart of valuation

5 February 2010

In April, the RICS is to publish the 2010 edition of the Red Book outlining valuation standards for its members

Law firm Maxwell Winward offers legal advice on structuring real estate funds

29 January 2010

With a 45% drop in property values since the peak of the market in 2007, many new funds have been launched with the aim of picking up bargains. Raymond Levine and Michael Giess of Maxwell Winward LLP highlight the issues to be considered by those who are new to these types of structures.

PWTV: Ellen MacArthur and Dan Labbad on sustainability in 2010

29 January 2010

World record holding sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur was the guest of honour at the Movers & Shakers sustainability breakfast last week.

Councils’ “garden grabbers” brief

29 January 2010

Councils are to get advice on how to use planning powers to stop developers buying up back gardens to develop on them

Houston’s relaunch

29 January 2010

The former chief of ING is back with a new venture, but this time at the other end of the fund management scale

Lib Dems’ £1bn social housing ambition

29 January 2010

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg (right) put housing at the heart of a proposed economic stimulus package unveiled on 14 January to construction students at the College of North West London

Nothing “decent” about targets

29 January 2010

The National Audit Office revealed last Thursday, in its report on the Decent Homes Programme, that the government would miss its target of improving 100% of social housing to a “decent” standard this year

Walk this way

29 January 2010

Planners can learn more about pedestrians’ habits in a book called Pedestrian Behaviour: Models, Data Collection and Applications that was published last week

LandSecs and Henderson agree £80m TIF with Glasgow Council

25 January 2010

Land Securities and Henderson have agreed in principle an £80m Tax Increment Financing deal with Glasgow City Council for the extension of the Buchan Galleries shopping centre.

Developers whip up plans for offshore wind farms

22 January 2010

On 8 January, the Department for Energy and Climate Change announced the winning developers for offshore wind farms in nine areas off the coast of the UK owned by the Crown Estate (see attached map below).

Property should learn from car industry, says government construction tsar

20 January 2010

Property should follow the car industry by setting milestones to achieve government targets for cutting energy waste, the government’s construction tsar has warned.

CBI urges climate-change action

15 January 2010

The Confederation of British Industry has launched its third annual climate-change tracker

Norton Rose to tap Asia-Pacific

15 January 2010

Law firm Norton Rose has concluded its purchase of Australian law firm Deacons Australia, which will be renamed Norton Rose Australia

Rentokil launches rat pack

15 January 2010

Rentokil has launched a pest information pack to advise homebuyers and other property buyers on problems they could face from rodents

I am a landlord opposing my tenant's lease renewal because I am proposing to redevelop the property.

14 January 2010

The development no longer makes financial sense, but I am hoping the tenant will still move out. Do I have to tell the tenant that my intentions have changed?

I am a property developer and own a brownfield site.

14 January 2010

How can I persuade funders that I am managing the risks on the site effectively?

Heron Tower gets BREEAM Excellent rating

11 January 2010

The Heron Tower has today been awarded a BREEAM Excellent rating.

PFI has sown seeds for developers that must now be harvested

8 January 2010

The private finance initiative (PFI) model has long seemed to create opposition between the private and public sector.

REITs could help release public property cash

8 January 2010

Study to start this week on the government’s £1bn-plus behemoth

I have recently bought a brownfield site and got planning permission for a 50,000 sq ft office block.

7 January 2010

However, the site will be costly to remediate. Is there any government assistance I can get for this work?

10 ways to cut property spending

18 December 2009

The white paper, Putting the Frontline First: Smarter Government, set out plans to cut spending across the public sector. Here are the top 10 points for property

Full reckoning after 2009’s wage slip

18 December 2009

The 2010 salary survey will provide an in-depth view of one of the most turbulent job markets in recent years

People Moves: Land Securities, Endurance Estates and more

18 December 2009

This week’s movers

RICS code for pub landlords

18 December 2009

The RICS plans to launch more guidance on how to conduct rent reviews on pubs next spring

Stanhope’s plan to certify energy

18 December 2009

Stanhope has called for the government to ditch energy performance certificates in favour of display energy certificates

Van Dal wins Rymans appeal

18 December 2009

The Court of Appeal has overturned a judgment against Van Dal Footwear over a terminal dilapidations claim on a property it let to Rymans in Ipswich

Case news: Thompson v Bee (20.11.09)

11 December 2009

The message: Disputes over the extent of the use of a right of way are common between neighbours

Pressure on suppliers to cut carbon

11 December 2009

Research published last week into the eco-credentials of government suppliers has found that property companies working with the public sector must do more to understand their carbon emissions and set more ambitious targets to cut them

Private lessons for public authorities

11 December 2009

Planning departments to be trained in difficulties faced by developers

Public Sector: News in brief - 11 December 2009

11 December 2009

Locals to be given say in planning

I am applying for planning permission for an investment property but am conscious that a buyer may not want to carry out the development in the current economic climate.

10 December 2009

With this in mind, is there anything that I can do to make the permission more attractive to potential buyers?

I am a landlord and my tenant has sub-let in breach of covenant.

10 December 2009

What can I do?

I've heard about a bizarre squatters' rights case where someone successfully claimed rights to the bed of the Thames.

4 December 2009

Is that true? And does it change the score for landlords dealing with normal squatters?

Need to know: Valuer registration

04 December 2009

UK valuers have been praised for responding quickly to falling property values, but the RICS still wants to raise the standard of valuations.

Last chance to register for our free ratings revaluation online seminar

30 November 2009

Learn the real story behind next April’s rating revaluation at the Property Week webinar tomorrow.

Floods highlight lack of funding on defences

27 November 2009

Environment Agency points to shortfalls in spending on flood protection

Landlords and their incredible shrinking leases

27 November 2009

New research from the British Property Federation and Investment Property Databank shows leases are growing ever shorter

Olympic legacy in spotlight

27 November 2009

Olympic bodies will explain on 11 December how London could learn lessons on planning and procurement — such as closer collaboration between public and private sectors — from work on the 2012 Olympics

Support for green networks

27 November 2009

The public sector has strong support for Green infrastructure projects, a report by the UK Green Building Council and Zero Carbon Hub revealed last Tuesday.

We’re stuck with Roanne, but procurement can be made easier, says Paul Ellis

27 November 2009

The impact of the European Court of Justice’s controversial Roanne ruling in 2007 is still being felt in towns and cities across the UK.

I am worried about the impending increase in business rates and am thinking of demolishing my vacant property to avoid paying the increased rates.

26 November 2009

Is this an advisable strategy and do I need planning permission?

IPD Conference: Two thirds of UK properties sold at below valuation, IPD says

26 November 2009

More than two thirds of UK property disposals last year were sold at below price valuation, according to the Investment Property Databank (IPD).

Cameron reissues RDA threat

23 November 2009

David Cameron reiterated his threat to regional development agencies that their future under a Conservative government could be short if the party wins the next election.

Banks issue wind farm loans

20 November 2009

MCR’s new fraud team

20 November 2009

MCR, the corporate insolvency and restructuring firm headed by Graham Edwards and Victoria Butler, has set up a fraud investigations team

Osborne slams £16bn asset sale, but vows to continue it

20 November 2009

Shadow chancellor says asset sale will not be enough to reduce £175bn deficit, and calls for “proper fiscal discipline”

Service charge seminar

20 November 2009

Property Solutions will host a commercial property service charge seminar on 26 November at the Institute of Directors at 116 Pall Mall in London’s West End

The dos and don’ts of exercising lease breaks

20 November 2009

At the Property Litigation Association’s Autumn Training Day on 5 November, Falcon Chambers barristers Janet Bignell and Anthony Tanney gave tips for tenants and landlords on how to avoid the pitfalls of exiting a lease

I own some commercial properties but am worried about clearing ice from my premises.

16 November 2009

I have heard that trying to clear ice could mean I take on greater liability. Is it better to leave things as they are?

Anti-money-laundering deadline

13 November 2009

The Office of Fair Trading has reminded estate agents that they have until 31 January to register on its database under its anti-money-laundering regime

Carbon reduction complaint

13 November 2009

Emissions trading scheme the Carbon Reduction Commitment is weighted against property, the College of Estate Management heard at an event on 28 October

Corporate manslaughter guide

13 November 2009

The Sentencing Guidelines Council published draft guidelines on corporate manslaughter, and health and safety offences that cause death on 27 October

Flood bill debate begins

13 November 2009

The House of Commons is this month due to begin debating the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ flood and water management bill, which says government needs to double annual spending on flood protection to £1bn by 2035

I own a property that has planning permission for industrial use.

13 November 2009

Can I build a mezzanine floor without first obtaining planning permission?

Law firms slash hourly rates

13 November 2009

Law firms have cut hourly rates to ride out the recession, costs lawyer Jim Diamond reports

Mail drives sell-off

13 November 2009

While Royal Mail’s workers resist modernisation, it is progressing with plans for selling property

People Moves: Cala Homes, Notting Hill Housing Trust and more

13 November 2009

This weeks movers

RICS wins friends for backtracking on valuation standard

13 November 2009

Accreditation off the agenda as RICS consults on registration scheme

Swine flu insurance policy

13 November 2009

Insurance broker Aon has created an insurance policy for companies worried about their properties or surrounding areas being closed because of a pandemic

Thames Gateway eco-quarter

13 November 2009

The Communities and Local Government department is due to end consultation on 8 January on proposals for an eco-quarter in the Thames Gateway

Canny councils will receive more funding for schemes

06 November 2009

Money is tight so local authorities need to be creative if they want to fund infrastructure projects, thinktank New Local Government Network has warned

Give us a job

06 November 2009

They may have secured firsts at Oxford Brookes and won prizes for their dissertations, but these three graduates just want to find paid employment in the property industry. David Hatcher reports on a frustrating few months for the trio

Landlords given recession masterclass

06 November 2009

At a time when many relationships between landlords and tenants are under strain, property owners need all the advice they can get on managing their buildings

People Moves: Fleurets, London Clancy and more

06 November 2009

This weeks movers

Lorenz unveils UK-wide dilaps network

5 November 2009

Rent review specialist launches Dilaps UK franchise venture

Valuation accuracy holds steady in Europe says RICS

3 November 2009

The accuracy of commercial property valuations fell slightly in the UK last year but increased in three of largest property investment markets in Europe “despite unprecedented circumstances”, according to the RICS.

British Council of Offices discusses challenges to skyscraper schemes

30 October 2009

Rising skyscrapers, enormous cranes and the sound of hammer against metal have become a distant memory of the boom

Charity in power lines protest

30 October 2009

The charity Children with Leukemia has criticised the government for failing to bring in new laws to prevent developers from building homes and schools near high-voltage overhead power lines

Councils grapple with Johnson’s tough new targets

30 October 2009

London’s mayor sets out detailed guidelines in a departure from predecessor’s 50%-affordability approach

Government flip-flops over competition test

30 October 2009

Planners, developers and councils lose patience over changes to PPS4

It’s time project developers and deliverers got their act together

30 October 2009

Why in the UK do we separate the roles of project development and project delivery?

OGC clarifies impact of Roanne ruling

30 October 2009

Office of Government Commerce says European Union rules do not apply for some UK cases

RICS serves up pub lease guidance

30 October 2009

The RICS is to improve guidance on how pub leases should be valued and establish a code of practice to help tenants negotiate with pub companies

RICS publishes transparency consultation responses

29 October 2009

The RICS yesterday published the summary findings from the responses to its consultation into the transparency of professional fees.

PW TV: How can CVAs, prepacks and turnover rents work for you?

27 October 2009

Hear from three top legal minds at law firm Lovells on prepack administrations, company voluntary arrangments and turnover rents.

I am entitled to a new lease under the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act when my current lease comes to an end.

23 October 2009

How much room is there for re-negotiating the terms of the lease on renewal?

Tweets ahead

23 October 2009

Are social networking websites time-wasting distractions, or can they help business? Claer Barrett finds out how many property companies are plugged in

CABE launches planning network

16 October 2009

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment has teamed up with eight regional design panels to form a network to advise planning authorities on 800 schemes each year

Devolved planning to delay 'competition test'

16 October 2009

Devolved planning powers could delay plans to stop retailers opening in areas where they already have a large presence

Emissions trading 'more sustainable'

16 October 2009

Sustainability experts have welcomed government changes to the Carbon Reduction Commitment

Managed offices: a real contender to traditional leasing

16 October 2009

With Mike Slade’s recent endorsement, the sector may quickly shed its stopgap status

My best and worst day - 16 October 2009

16 October 2009

Bill Gloyn, partner at Jardine Lloyd Thompson

School's out as funding shortfall threatens developments

16 October 2009

Educational establishments need to develop, but will have to be inventive if they want to fund it

Valuers question tribunal’s new powers

16 October 2009

Valuers “in dark” over what Valuation Tribunal for England will be able to do

I own a shop unit which is currently vacant.

9 October 2009

I've had an offer from a small business to take a short term pre-Christmas let of the unit. Is there anything legally I need to bear in mind?

I am trying to improve telecommunications services to my office.

8 October 2009

The provider is keen to help but wants the installation of new equipment to be covered by a wayleave agreement. What is a wayleave agreement and is it really needed for this sort of activity?

I work for an expanding company and am negotiating heads of terms for the leases of its new premises.

02 October 2009

Are options to renew or options to break the lease better for SDLT purposes?

Local authorities sceptical over Tax Increment Financing plans

02 October 2009

Councils have yet to wake up to the advantages of tax incremental financing

Need to know

02 October 2009

Today, Communities and Local Government closes consultation on Strengthening Local Democracy. Here is everything you need to know about the plan

OFT fines contractors £129m for rigged bids

02 October 2009

The Office of Fair Trading has landed a blow against the recession-hit construction industry over bid rigging. On 22 September it fined 103 companies a total of £129.5m for illegal practices such as “cover pricing”. Now, contractors are preparing their retaliation

UK Supreme Court opens for business

02 October 2009

The new UK Supreme Court opened for business in London’s Parliament Square yesterday

Vague targets halt asset managers

02 October 2009

The Audit Commission criticised the government over the targets it sets for local authority property managers at the Association of Chief Estates Surveyors (ACES) conference last month

My tenant has an LPA receiver appointed over a property.

18 September 2009

Do I have to pay business rates?

Surfers ride wave into new BCO site

25 September 2009

A new information portal provides clearer information to BCO members

Experts’ zero-carbon warning

18 September 2009

Last Wednesday the Confederation of British Industry held its How Can You Make Green Buildings Happen? event at London’s Centre Point

I have heard about a scheme to defer payment of the increase in my business rates in the 2009/10 financial year

18 September 2009

How does this work and how can I apply?

St Modwen goes to court over road to Hull

18 September 2009

Developer seeks more than £2m from secretary of state for transport

Euro property fund managers unite against regulation

11 September 2009

Lobby groups across Europe join forces against tighter European Union rules

I am selling some properties, but the land registers show leases on my title that were registered years ago and have expired.

11 September 2009

The buyer wants me to get rid of all of the entries and this is delaying the transaction. How has this happened?

Scotland’s green build burden

11 September 2009

Developers in Scotland have warned that environmental legislation will to add 60% to their building costs

Fire risk at seven out of 10 blocks

04 September 2009

Residents in seven out of 10 housing blocks in south-east England are being put at risk because of obstacles by fire exits, a property maintenance company has warned

Green Building training proposal

04 September 2009

The UK Green Building Council is searching for partners for a training scheme on sustainable development

I am the freeholder of a block of flats and the tenants have served a notice to acquire the freehold. I’m thinking of building some flats on top of the block and want to do this before I sell.

04 September 2009

Is there anything I can do to delay the sale?

Ministry of Justice puts hub hunt on ice

04 September 2009

Search for regional base shelved in favour of asset management

Carbon Reduction Commitment starts

28 August 2009

Next month businesses will start to receive qualification packs for emissions trading scheme the Carbon Reduction Commitment

Crest Nicholson faces £11.7m counterclaim

28 August 2009

A property investor wants Crest Nicholson to pay it £11.7m because of an alleged breach of contract in the purchase of a site in Guildford

Expert warns of rising mortgage fraud

28 August 2009

Chelsea and Bradford & Bingley fraud losses may be tip of iceberg

Last chance saloons

28 August 2009

Alterations to leases could help keep Britain’s pubs open

Boris to pay for Crossrail with empty rates

21 August 2009

Empty rates bills in London will go up by almost 5% next April if mayor Boris Johnson makes owners of empty properties pay an additional business rates levy to fund the capital’s east-west rail link, Crossrail

December deadline for business rates deferrals

21 August 2009

Occupiers only have until December to defer part of this year’s business rates bill over the next two years, rating experts warn

Professional advice - 21 August 2009 - Break notice

21 August 2009

My firm acts as managing agent for a corporate landlord, and has received a break notice from a property we manage. The notice was addressed to my firm in its capacity as landlord of the property, which is clearly wrong. Is the notice valid?

Portillo to lead BCSC conference speakers

07 August 2009

Michael Portillo, the former Conservative cabinet minister, is among the political speakers who will be taking part in this year’s BCSC Conference and Exhibition in Manchester on 9-11 November

Professional advice - 7 August 2009 - Tenant in administration

07 August 2009

My tenant provided a deposit at the start of the lease and granted me a charge over the money. The tenant is now in administration and the administrator is not paying the rent. Can I draw on the rent deposit to help cover the arrears?

RTPI cautions against cull in local authority planners

07 August 2009

Institute urges councils to take ‘long-term view’ of staffing requirements

Spending 'health check' to hit local government property

07 August 2009

Total Place initiative will force councils to capitalise on rise in values in the public estate

Edinburgh commercial property is greenest

31 July 2009

Carbon emissions from commercial properties in Edinburgh and Newcastle are far lower than those in Sheffield and Birmingham, a new report has revealed

Halabi wins green light to turn City office into hotel

31 July 2009

Simon Halabi has won planning consent to convert the Millennium Bridge House office building to hotel use

My tenant has gone into administration and it appears a new company is trading from the premises.

31 July 2009

The administrator is not responding to my letters. What can I do?

A local authority has endlessly strung out our planning application, which has incurred substantial costs for us.

24 July 2009

What options do we have for recovering these costs?

Allied Carpets landlords resist retailer’s ransom demands

24 July 2009

British Land leads 14 landlords in playing hard ball with prepack store operator

Construction works on my property will result in a deviation of my neighbour’s right of way over a small part of my property.

24 July 2009

What are the dangers?

London relief means pain in Midlands...

24 July 2009

Transitional relief would keep capital rises at 3% but regions would suffer

The aims of valuation

24 July 2009

With deals still thin on the ground, the question of the accuracy of valuation is more relevant than ever. To stir debate about possible solutions, the Investment Property Forum today publishes a paper, written by professor Neil Crosby. Here is an abridged version, followed by your letters about RICS plans to accredit valuers

BPF reporting drive

17 July 2009

The British Property Federation is planning a campaign among its members on reporting the sustainability achievements of the property industry

Clean tech to help recovery

17 July 2009

Law firm CMS Cameron McKenna’s new report on the impact of ‘clean technology’ said development of energy-reduction technology would help economies to emerge from the financial crisis

Green claims rules coming

17 July 2009

This autumn the Department for Energy, Food and Rural Affairs is to launch new rules governing the claims companies can make about the environmental performance of their products, including property

Infrastructure commission

17 July 2009

Housing and planning minister John Healey said this week the Infrastructure Planning Commission would be ‘up and running from October’ to accept applications from the energy and transport sectors from 1 March 2010

Professional advice - 17 July 2009 - Penalties for acts by previous owners

17 July 2009

I am buying a commercial property that is subject to a tree preservation order. Can the local authority penalise me for acts by the property’s previous owners, which were in contravention of the order?

Prupim sets tenants sustainability targets

17 July 2009

‘Improver’ portfolio occupiers’ carbon emissions to be monitored

The coast with the most

17 July 2009

The Crown Estate plans to lease land for wind farms in nine areas off the coast as the government aims to create 25% of energy used in the UK by 2020 offshore

Westminster's green canvass

17 July 2009

Westminster City Council is next week to consult interested parties on how future planning policies can be made more sustainable

Controlling administration property

10 July 2009

My tenant has gone into administration. How can I take back control of my property?

NB Real Estate breathes in O2

10 July 2009

MP Property Management has appointed NB Real Estate to manage the O2 Centre on Finchley Road in north-west London on behalf of the owners, a joint venture between Matterhorn Capital and retail entrepreneur Sir Philip Green’s stepson, Brett Palos

RICS asset management advice

10 July 2009

The RICS last week launched a series of best practice guides for local authorities on how to manage their property assets effectively

20,000 civil servants in 'Lyons II' exodus

03 July 2009

Second phase of relocations from London will boost markets around UK

Family dispute decision sets precedent

03 July 2009

The High Court has refused a family the right to appoint a receiver to sell a London building that has been the subject of a 10-year feud

Professional advice - 3 July 2009: Business partner dishonouring verbal agreement

03 July 2009

My business partner and I had a verbal agreement that he was going to sell his old office from a previous venture to me, but he has now put it up at auction. Do I have a legal case against him?

RICS under fire over fees and salary levels

03 July 2009

Members ask for scrutiny of subscriptions and salaries in light of recession

Six-year planning consents may cause costs and delays

03 July 2009

Government plans to let local authorities extend planning consents to six years could add costs and delays to developments, consultants have warned

Enfield Council faces claim for negligence

26 June 2009

Laxcon Developments sues over ‘fraudulent planning permission’

Jones Lang LaSalle settles with Preston

26 June 2009

Ex-employer makes out-of-court settlement over dismissal of valuer

Squatter on my land

26 June 2009

I inherited some land 10 years ago. A squatter, who has been living on the land, has applied for adverse possession and claims I have no legal right to stop it because I have not registered the land in my name. Is it correct?

Delph seeks reparations for 39 Cardiff flat sale defaults

19 June 2009

Housing group launches High Court action against insurer Contractors Bonding

My adjoining neighbour has submitted yet another planning application. I think he is trying to wear down the local authority.

19 June 2009

What can the authority do?

Persimmon lodges High Court claim

19 June 2009

Housebuilder Persimmon lodged a High Court claim against insurer First Assist for £460,000 on 27 May

A badge too far?

12 June 2009

As the RICS completes its consultation on a proposed new accreditation scheme for valuers, opinion remains divided on the merits of the project

Professional advice - 12 June 2009: Lease assigned to company in administration

12 June 2009

In 2000, I entered into a 10-year lease of warehouse premises. Two years ago I assigned my lease but have just found out the company I assigned to has gone into administration. Should I be concerned?

Beyond belief

05 June 2009

Grainger’s former head of sustainability believes his environmental beliefs cost him his job. Grainger says climate change is based on scientific fact. Richard Heap hears both sides

Daventry Icon construction to start in the summer

05 June 2009

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation is to start construction in the summer on the 43,350 sq ft Icon scheme in Daventry

I’ve heard that Socio-economic Impact Assessments can speed up the process of obtaining planning consent. What does it involve?

05 June 2009

Socio-economic Impact Assessments are a way of informing decision makers and planners of the potential benefits and adverse effects on local communities that a development may cause

'10 years of starvation' will stifle planning system

29 May 2009

Westminster head tells BCO conference developers and planners must generate innovative ideas

Professional advice - 29 May 2009: Selling commercial property

29 May 2009

I am considering selling a commercial property and understand in the current market the due diligence process has become more protracted. How do I minimise this?

Robert Peston kicks off British Council for Offices conference

29 May 2009

BBC business editor Robert Peston kicked off last week’s British Council for Offices conference in Edinburgh by warning that economic recovery would be slow

Hopkins Architects to review St Bartholomew's Hospital restoration

22 May 2009

Barts and the London NHS Trust has appointed Hopkins Architects to review how to restore the grade I-listed north wing of the historic square at St Bartholomew's Hospital in West Smithfield in the City of London to raise money for the hospital.

Occupational hazard

22 May 2009

With 2.2 million people unemployed and growing social unrest, employers and landlords can find their property targeted by protestors

BREEAM rival launches

15 May 2009

A new assessment tool has been launched to allow property fund managers to compare the environmental performance of international property portfolios

Changes to planning system will hinder decision making

15 May 2009

Experts say extra criteria for retail schemes’ social and environmental impact will slow process

Professional advice: Tenancy and planning permission

15 May 2009

I intend to obtain planning permission for a site and then sell it before works start. I served a notice to quit on my tenant but he has claimed a new tenancy. What is the safest way to proceed? 

Ganja warfare

08 May 2009

Could your property be harbouring a cannabis factory? Richard Heap looks for the warning signs

My tenant has gone into administration. Can I send in the bailiffs?

08 May 2009

You must be clear about what the bailiff is being asked to do, but if an administrator has been appointed, your options are already limited.

A retail tenant of mine is in administration and has stopped paying its rent

01 May 2009

There is now an unauthorised occupier in my shop. what can I do?

What rights do squatters have to reside in a property that is not theirs?

01 May 2009

Although squatters occupy premises unlawfully, they do enjoy rights

Tenant vacated without reinstating alterations

24 April 2009

My tenant has exercised a break option that is conditional upon it giving vacant possession, but has vacated without reinstating alterations. Is the break still effective?

As a charitable organisation, I am buying a property that will have a mixed use

17 April 2009

Can I recover the VAT for part of the purchase that will cover the non-business use?

What property wants from the Budget

17 April 2009

National debt is set to exceed £118bn in 2009 and the economy is forecast to contract by up to 3%. Even so, the property industry is sticking with its calls for reform ahead of chancellor Alistair Darling’s Budget on Wednesday

Practical necessity

09 April 2009

The growing number of practical completion cases highlights the need to study the finer points of a contract

Buy some, get some free

03 April 2009

Actium Consult’s 2009 Total Office Costs survey has revealed that owners are offering sizeable incentives in a bid to lure tenants

Professional advice: Public highway construction

03 April 2009

I want to ensure that a road to be constructed on a greenfield site I am developing becomes a public highway. Before it assumes responsibility for my road, The council insists highway works are carried out on a strip of adjoining land whose owner is unknown. How can I proceed?

Breakdown cover

27 March 2009

Surveyors are finding professional indemnity insurance either impossible to find or prohibitively expensive

I am about to submit a complex, multi-use planning application and the local planning authority has asked me to enter into a Planning Performance Agreement. What is this?

20 March 2009

A planning performance agreement (PPA) between the applicant and the local planning authority sets out how a complex planning application will progress through the council’s decision-making process

Signs of the times

20 March 2009

Developers are finding that alternative uses such as advertising and car parks are facing their own problems

The credit insurance crunch

13 March 2009

The withdrawal of trade credit insurance for thousands of suppliers could be the nail in the coffin for struggling occupiers

I am a struggling retailer and would like to pay my rent monthly rather than quarterly. My landlord has refused my request. Is there any legal challenge I can bring?

06 March 2009

A landlord is entitled to insist upon payments being made in compliance with the lease

Not in their back yards

06 March 2009

The end of the property boom has sparked a rise of protests against development

Condemned

27 February 2009

A Town Centre Securities retail park in Rochdale will be the next victim of empty rate relief

Carbon conundrum

20 February 2009

The government is about to unveil details of new sustainability rules

Our tenancy ends next year and the landlord intends to redevelop

20 February 2009

Can we request a new tenancy and be paid compensation even though we intend to move? Does the Fraud Act 2006 make a difference?

Question: I have heard of something called Business Premises Renovation Allowance to encourage regeneration. How do I know if I am eligible for it?

13 February 2009

Business Premises Renovation Allowance is a tax scheme designed to encourage the reuse of vacant commercial property for economic and social regeneration.

Prepacks: no open and shut case

06 February 2009

A recent raft of ‘prepack’ administrations has reopened the debate over who benefits

Question: My tenants regularly dispute their service charge. What can I do to reduce the time it takes to resolve or the number of challenges I receive?

06 February 2009

If you are confident that your service charges are fair, there are two things that you can do. One is to adopt the RICS code of practice, service charges in commercial property, which encourages methods to achieve best practice, such as benchmarks and training.

How is compensation for loss of light calculated?

30 January 2009

Where a judge considers that damages are appropriate for a rights of light injury, there are two main methods for calculating compensation

Abu Dhabi's masdar plan

23 January 2009

The emirate’s Masdar initiative will feature the development of the world’s first zero-carbon city by 2015

I intend to sell the site of a building that is due to be demolished and redeveloped to shell and core

23 January 2009

Do I have to provide an energy certificate?

The Persuaders

23 January 2009

As the heads of sustainability at Segro, British Land and Lend Lease, Claudine Blamey, Sarah Cary and Janet Kidner have to convince the property industry of the need to be green

Killed in our classrooms?

16 January 2009

Teacher Gina Lees died after exposure to asbestos. Her husband believes many more workers and students are at risk

Run for cover

Global January 2009

How do you refinance in a collapsing market? First Title Insurance’s Phillip Oldcorn explains

War on terror

09 January 2009

Developers are being coached on how to plan schemes to lessen the impact of terrorist attack

Professional advice 19.12.2008

19 December 2008

I entered into a lease in 2000, which, five years ago, I then assigned to a separate company. I have now received a Section 17 Notice under the Landlord and Tenant (Covenants) Act 1995 from my old landlord demanding rent because that company has gone into liquidation. What does this mean and what are my options?

Reinstatement obligations

12 December 2008

Can I require my tenant to reinstate alterations at the end of its lease, if the alterations were carried out during a prior lease with that same tenant?

Break with the borders

Global December 2008

New rules on cross-border mergers have had a positive and profound effect on property transactions in Sweden and Finland, say Mika Alanko and Marcus Hedén of Roschier

Global moves: December 2008

Global December 2008

This month

Illuminating issue

05 December 2008

How Does One Acquire a Right of Light?

Full Power ahead

28 November 2008

I have been told that I need to arrange inspections of the air conditioning systems in the buildings I own. What do I need to do and when?

Crossrail levy looms

21 November 2008

Does the Government propose to fund Crossrail through the business rates system?

Beyond the call of duty

14 November 2008

My company took a 15-year lease in December 2003 and paid Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Will it have to pay further SDLT after the first five years?

10 things you need to know about: Mumbai

Global November 2008

The former Bombay is at the heart of India’s staggering economic growth. Ajoy Veer Kapoor guides you through an ancient city where history and spirituality exist alongside high technology and commerce

French lessons

Global November 2008

Leading figures from France’s property markets dispensed their wisdom at October’s Global Investment Club.

Global Q+A

Global November 2008

Investment security in Dubai and the benefits of Jersey trusts

Planning contravention notices

31 October 2008

QUESTION: My tenant has received a planning contravention notice alleging a breach relating to sale of goods excluded from the planning permission. If I keep the tenant on, am I at risk of being deemed to have waived this breach?

Contract termination

17 October 2008

My contractor employs a lot of non-English-speaking workers and I am worried that an accident will occur. Can I terminate the contract?

Planning permission in flood risk areas

17 October 2008

I believe it is still possible to get planning permission for flood hazard areas. Is this the case and will it affect my insurance policy?

An opening for closed

Global October 2008

Stephen Miles looks at how Germany’s closed-ended funds are starting to shift the limelight away from their more famous open-ended brethren

Global moves

Global October 2008

This month

Professional advice

3 October 2008

This week: rates on part-empty buildings, reinstatement cost assessments and common land

Competency: inspection

26 September 2008

Inspection is a core competency for many of the APC pathways. I must admit that I am always surprised to note how many pathways do not have inspection as a core competence – after all it is difficult to advise clients without an inspection at some point in time.

Recovering rent arrears

19 September 2008

Question: My tenant, whose predecessor was granted the lease in 1992, is substantially in arrears of rent and cannot pay. How can I recover the arrears?

10 things you need to know about: Kazakhstan

Global September 2008

Forget the Borat stereotypes – the Kazakhstan property market has huge investment potential. Ilyas Begaliyev and Tatyana Dolgopolova from DTZ’s office in Almaty give you the low-down

Global Q + A

Global September 2008

We are planning some sale and leasebacks in Germany. Are there any legal requirements we should be aware of?

The moral maze of I-REITs

Global September 2008

As Middle Eastern funds look to place their wealth into global real estate, Islamic real estate investment trusts are growing in number. DLA Piper’s Oliver Agha and Paul Jayson look at how to make REITs sharia-compliant

Lease obligations for land next to rivers

22 August 2008

My building adjoins a river. I understand I have certain obligations in relation to the river. Can I pass these on to my tenant?

Farm business tenancy changes

01 August 2008

Question: I want to lease agricultural land that is subject to a farm business tenancy to develop a wind farm. The landowner says it has a break option in the lease. Will I be able to take the wind farm lease free of this tenancy?

Compulsory purchase compensation

18 July 2008

The local authority wants to acquire my property and says I will be fully compensated. Is it correct?

Soil directives

18 July 2008

I hear there is some sort of European soil directive in the pipeline that could affect development sites. What are the details?

Extensions of building contracts

11 July 2008

Question: Someone has told me that, following a recent court decision, building contractors will have an easier time proving claims for an extension of time under their building contract. Is this correct?

10 things you need to know about: Expo Real

Global July 2008

Munich’s annual commercial property fair is just round the corner. Here are some tips from Roger Sherman of Expo Real’s London office on how to get the most out of the three-day event

Global moves

Global July 2008

This month

Spain relief

Global July 2008

As Spain’s property market charges towards meltdown, Lovells’ Emilio Gómez looks at how investors can protect their purchases.

10 things you need to know about: Ukraine

Global June 2008

Jaroslav Kinach, executive director of XXI Century, a Ukrainian property company listed on London’s AIM stock market, gives you the low-down on the former Soviet republic

Global moves

Global June 2008

This month

Let’s be clear

Global June 2008

Market transparency varies massively in the former eastern bloc countries. Andrew Jackson of insurer First Title looks at the pitfalls awaiting investors

APC advice 23 May 2008: Update: the RICS’s new rules of conduct explained

23 May 2008

Do you know about the RICS’s New Rules of conduct?

Listed building dilemmas

23 May 2008

There are rumours that the property I am about to redevelop is to be listed. Is this a problem?

Shooting rights

09 May 2008

Question: I own some agricultural land with development potential as a wind farm. One of my neighbours has asked for shooting rights over the land. Would this be a problem?

Tenant eviction

09 May 2008

Question: As a residential landlord, can I still evict my tenant if I have not complied with the correct deposit procedure?

Culture: Warsaw

Global May 2008

Where to be entertained in Warsaw

Global Q+A

Global May 2008

Czech and Ukraine investment

Property investors seek greater transparency from fund managers

Global May 2008

Investors are seeking greater transparency from the people they employ to manage their property funds. John Forbes sifts through a survey that will make sobering reading for fund managers

Hotel investment

25 April 2008

Question: With hotel investment, is a lease or a management contract the better option?

Dilapidations claims

18 April 2008

Question: Why do so many dilapidations claims arising at lease expiry take so long to resolve?

Management fees

18 April 2008

Question: Our landlord has started to include a management fee in its service charges, even though we have never paid one before and the lease does not refer to it. Do we have to pay it?

Recovering repair costs

11 April 2008

Question: I am the landlord of a building with several tenants with leases that will end in the next year or so. Can I recover from them the cost of replacing the lifts?

The latest Total Office Cost Survey reveals the real rents behind the headlines

11 April 2008

The latest Total Office Cost Survey, published this week, reveals the gap between headline rents and what tenants are actually paying.

Culture: Amsterdam

Global April 2008

Where to stay

Global moves

Global April 2008

This months movers

New contract for construction consultants

04 April 2008

Question: I understand there is a new standard contract available for appointing consultants on a construction project. Is it any good?

Watch your steppe

Global April 2008

Russia is one of the world’s fastest-growing and most exciting markets. But, as Freshfields’ Ursula Harriss and Daniel Cooke explain, overseas investors can be tripped up by red tape

Church rates

28 March 2008

Question: I occupy commercial premises and my company has received a demand from a local parish church for payment of the annual church rate. Is this the same as chancel repair liability?

Access to adjoining land

20 March 2008

Question: I intend to build up to the boundary of my site. To do this I will not only need access to my neighbour’s land but my crane will oversail some of his properties. Do I have a right to do this?

Brighter building design

20 March 2008

Question: How can you make the best use of natural light in building design?

APC advice - Week 47: month 23 and 24: Supervisor and counsellor review, part 2 – explanation

14 March 2008

This article describes the final phases of the candidate’s role and preparation leading up to the pre-submission of all final assessment documentation. There are clearly defined steps and a variety of other key items that candidates should consider.

Right to buy

14 March 2008

Question: I am buying a mixed retail and residential scheme. Under what circumstances do I need to be concerned about the residential tenants having a right to buy? Is this the seller’s problem rather than mine?

Trouble on site

14 March 2008

When a developer client recently asked me how to go about sacking his structural engineer, he was surprised by my response.

Affordable housing quotas

07 March 2008

Question: I am developing a scheme where the local authority will accept a payment towards affordable housing built on another site. But in calculating, it did not recognise my site value before granting planning permission. Why?

Culture: New York

Global March 2008

For sheer luxury and style it has to be the IM Pei—designed Four Seasons hotel (1), which rises over Manhattan’s premier shopping district between Park and Madison Avenues, writes Laura Chesters.

Global Q+A

Global March 2008

March 2008

Subletting hurdles

07 March 2008

Question: My landlord would not allow me to sublet at a rent below the market level. I agreed a market rent, but the landlord is now concerned about the financial viability of the subtenant. Can he keep moving the goal posts?

APC advice - Final assessment presentation preparation

29 February 2008

Week 45: month 23/24

Subletting premises

29 February 2008

Question: My tenant has asked me to agree to a subletting of its premises at a lower rent than it is paying. Its solicitors say I have to agree as I will continue to receive the full rent under the main lease. Is that correct?

APC advice Pre-submission – final checklist of required documents

22 February 2008

Week 44

RICS service charge code

22 February 2008

Question: We are negotiating to grant a lease of a shop in a small shopping centre. The tenant’s agent has said we must comply with a new code dealing with service charges. Are they right?

APC advice: Pre-submission – final assessment record and summary of experience

15 February 2008

Week 43

Subletting under a building lease

15 February 2008

Question: I am a tenant under a building lease granted for 50 years in 1960. I wish to sublet the demised premises and there is a provision in the lease that requires me to obtain landlord consent to do this. Must I comply?

Affordable housing

08 February 2008

Question: The amount of affordable housing required by my local authority means my development appraisal does not add up. Is there anything I can do?

Conversion to limited liability partnerships

08 February 2008

Question: I have appointed the same consultant on a series of projects for several years. It has now told me that it is converting from a partnership to an ‘LLP’. What is this and how does it affect me?

APC advice - Week 41: month 21

01 February 2008

Counsellor and supervisor review, part 4

New growth points

01 February 2008

Question: What is growth point status and how can it help developers?

Adverse possession

25 January 2008

Question: I am buying a property. There is a strip at the side, which the sellers say they have occupied since 1975, but it is registered as part of the next-door neighbour’s land. Is it safe to go ahead?

Contractors' employees' rights

25 January 2008

Question: I am selling a property where I have a contract with a security firm. Do I need to be concerned with the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) Regulations 2006 in regard to the contractor’s employees?

APC advice - Supervisor review, part 2, candidate preparation

18 January 2008

Week 39: month 21

Options for water disposal

18 January 2008

Question: I am proposing to discharge surface water run-off from a new office development through a soakaway. How do I gain approval from the Environment Agency?

Completion delays

11 January 2008

Question: I have exchanged contracts to sell a tenanted property, but my buyer will not be able to complete on the date we have agreed because he cannot secure bank funding. What are my options?

Temporary planning permission

11 January 2008

Question: I have acquired a vacant site and applied for residential planning permission. While I wait for the application to be determined, can I start a temporary car park?

Rates demands

04 January 2008

Question: We have never received a rates demand on the offices we occupied three years ago and now the local authority has issued demands covering our entire period of occupation. Can it do this?

Church repairs

21 December 2007

Question: What is chancel repair liability, and what are the options open to property owners?

Warehouse sprinkler systems

21 December 2007

Question: What is the law on sprinkler systems in warehouses?

Residential developments

14 December 2007

Question: We are developing an area of land next to a motorway. What steps can we take to determine whether the site is suitable for residential development?

Access rights

07 December 2007

Question: I want to put scaffolding on my neighbour's land to carry out works to my property, but the neighbour has refused permission. Can I do anything?

Security of tenure

07 December 2007

Question: I am granting a commercial lease and do not want to give security of tenure to my prospective tenant. What type of declaration do I need before completing the lease?

Cascade mechanisms

30 November 2007

Question: What does the recent report on the use of cascades for affordable housing mean for developers?

Dilapidations

23 November 2007

Question: My lease has just come to an end and I have vacated the property. Can the landlord make me pay for the complete replacement of my leaking roof, or will patching up the problem suffice?

Real estate funds

23 November 2007

Question: I hear there is a review of the European Union laws on real estate funds. What is going on?

Head tenants as ‘landlords’

16 November 2007

Question: We have a 99-year lease of a property. Our freeholder has granted a lease to a third party who appears to be our immediate landlord. What happens to our lease if the freeholder forfeits that ‘superior’ lease?

Shares 'at a discount'

09 November 2007

Question: I have been informed that shares in a property investment trust are available ‘at a discount’. What exactly does this mean, and is it necessarily as beneficial as it sounds?

Who pays VAT on a sale

09 November 2007

Question: I work for a fund management company. We recently bought an investment property for a group of beneficiaries. The company made a VAT election, but Customs says our VAT costs are irrecoverable. Is this right?

Case news

02 November 2007

Jonathan Ross reports on a deception by a project manager, while Warren Gordon highlights court decision based on the greater good

Energy performance: expert help

02 November 2007

Property Week readers can get free advice on energy performance certificates from a panel of respected industry experts.

Fire certificates

02 November 2007

Question: I understand there have been changes to the fire regulations for tenants. I have a fire certificate, but is there anything else I need to do?

Investor defaults

02 November 2007

Question: I am the manager of a real estate fund. What options do I have if an investor fails to honour a capital call?

Local authorities are not moaning about empty rates relief

02 November 2007

If councils take a joined-up approach, they will benefit from the new law

Rating reductions

02 November 2007

Question: I run a coffee shop in a shopping centre. I pay less rent than similar shops around me but my business rates are as high as theirs. Can I get a reduction?

Case news

26 October 2007

Warren Gordon looks at how a solicitor failed to warn its client of a rent hike, while Jonathan Ross reports on a litigant that was penalised for not pursuing an out-of-court settlement

Fraud prevention seminar

26 October 2007

Property Week and law firm Mishcon de Reya are to host a seminar on preventing fraud in the property industry on 8 November.

Liquidated contractors

26 October 2007

Question: The contractor that is building an office block for me has gone into liquidation. I am due to pay for last month’s works and the final date for payment has passed. What are my rights and obligations?

Responsibility for repairs

19 October 2007

Question: We run a Jersey-based property company. Provided we hold board meetings offshore, why do we need to have directors who are resident in Jersey?

Energy performance certificate

12 October 2007

Question: What should I be doing about energy performance certificates?

Statutory declarations

12 October 2007

Question: I am taking a lease that is contracted out of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. My solicitor says I must swear a statutory declaration in front of another solicitor at a different firm. Is this correct?

Changing leases

5 October 2007

Question: I am a tenant of a ground-floor bar/ restaurant and I wish to acquire the basement area of the building for storage. My landlord is agreeable. Will it affect my current lease and mortgage, and how will it be documented?

When a tenant fails to renew its lease

5 October 2007

Question: A tenant in my multi-let building has not agreed terms to renew its lease, which expired on 8 July 2004. It has continued to pay rent at the original rate. All attempts to agree a renewal have failed. What are my options?

Contaminated land liability

28 September 2007

Question: I have heard the House of Lords recently ruled on liability for contaminated land, but the case involved a gas company. Is the case relevant to the property industry? If so, how?

Eviction of campaigners

21 September 2007

Question: Campaigners have arrived on land we own. Is it possible to have them removed from our land on the same day and at no cost?

Third-party rights

21 September 2007

Question I am taking an FRI lease in a newly completed office. I will get third-party rights rather than collateral warranties from the construction team. Is the developer right that they are as good as, or better than, warranties?

Landlords ‘learn to treat tenants better’

14 September 2007

Landlords have achieved big improvements in customer service over the last three years, according to an industry benchmarking group.

No smoking’ signage,

14 September 2007

uestionN: I am a business tenant in a multi-let building with a communal entrance staircase and lift. What ‘no smoking’ signage do I have to provide under the Health Act 2006, and what if my landlord fails in its obligations?

Businesses will baulk at paying additional rates

07 September 2007

Rates supplement will not directly benefit local companies, says Jerry Schurder

Equalisation figures

07 September 2007

Question: I have recently expanded my portfolio of investments into property markets and have received a tax voucher showing an ‘equalisation figure’. What does this mean and is it important?

Deed of agreements

31 August 2007

Question: My property is served by an alleyway that is in a very poor condition. t is unregistered land and I want the owner to resurface and manage it properly. What are my options? and is used by local businesses for bin storage and by drug addicts

Landlord’s right to forfeiture

31 August 2007

Question: A tenant of one of my property management company’s shops has made changes to the doorway without consent. I have served a formal notice requesting the work is undone. What can I do next?

Persona

24 August 2007

Question: I have a lease on offices that runs out in spring 2008. I start developing the site in early 2009. Government proposals will mean I may not avoid empty rates payments. What is my likely exposure to unoccupied rates?

Joint mortgages

10 August 2007

Question: My bank wants me to mortgage my home, which is jointly owned with my wife, to secure borrowing for my business. My wife has agreed but will her interest in the property cause any problems?

Staying on after leave expiry

10 August 2007

Question: My protected lease is close to expiry. I don’t want to renew it but I might need a few extra days to clear out. What should I do?

Going into reverse

03 August 2007

The government is to overhaul the 15-year-old planning policy on development.

Planning on a revolt

03 August 2007

The industry has not reacted well to proposed increases in planning fees,

Stamp Duty

03 August 2007

Question: I have just entered into an option agreement for the purchase of land. Do I have to pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax?

Thames riverside Planning

03 August 2007

Thames riverside Planning

Protected-cell companies

27 July 2007

Question: I have recently heard of protected- cell companies, and I understand their principal advantage concerns the ring-fencing of assets and liabilities. Is this true, and are there other advantages or disadvantages?

When a contract is not binding

27 July 2007

Question: My client had been negotiating at length to purchase some land and had incurred considerable cost. Before exchange of contracts, the vendor pulled out. Does my client have any form of agreement with the vendor?

Case news

20 July 2007

Jonathan Ross on how a religious organisation assumed too much on getting a restrictive covenant scrapped, and Warren Gordon on how lease provisions prevailed over correspondence accords

Tenant arrears

20 July 2007

Question: My tenant has failed to pay the rent due under the lease and has vacated the premises. Do I need to find a new tenant myself?

Lease breaks

13 July 2007

Question: We are thinking of exercising our break clause on our dilapidated offices. In what state of repair must we return it to the landlord?

Disabled Access

6 July 2007

Question: My tenant is refusing to carry out works to his premises to make them compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, because he believes that the act does not apply to listed buildings. Is he correct?

Collateral contracts

29 June 2007

Question: Will the latest update to the Commons Act 2006 mean that my land can be given ‘village green’ status, even if I have taken appropriate steps to protect it?

Protection from eviction

29 June 2007

Question: My tenant has a lease of mixed-use premises. His business recently ceased trading but he continues to live in the flat above. What are his rights under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 if I serve him notice?

Contamination liabilities

22 June 2007

Question: I am buying a former pharmaceutical works and am concerned solvent contamination may extend beyond the site boundary. How can I get cost certainty for remediation and protection against potential future liabilities?

Assigning a lease to a US firm

15 June 2007

Question: One of my tenants wants to assign its lease to an American partnership. What are the key points I should bear in mind when drafting the requisite documentation following the decision in Prudential v Ayres & Grew?

Grazing rights

15 June 2007

Question: I am buying a property where part of the garden is being used by a neighbouring landowner for grazing animals. Is it possible to easily terminate any agreement that may be in place?

Landlord fit-out contributions

8 June 2007

Question: My client is entering into a new lease, and the landlord will be contributing to their fit-out costs. The landlord says these costs come under the construction industry scheme (CIS). Is this correct?

Soil protection

8 June 2007

Question: I’ve heard the European Commission is promoting a strategy for soil protection. Will it have any impact on the UK property market, and could it affect the way we do business? If so, what should we be doing?

Corporate manslaughter

01June 2007

Question: Will the corporate manslaughter bill result in more convictions?

Interim rent on business leases

25 May 2007

Question: I am negotiating a new business lease with my tenant. Do I need to apply for interim rent?

Unauthorised alterations

25 May 2007

Question: I recently bought the reversion to a premises, but there has been an error and I have not yet been registered as the legal owner at the Land Registry. My tenant is carrying out unauthorised alterations. What are my rights?

Dilapidations schedules

18 May 2007

Question: We have agreed a terminal schedule of dilapidations with our landlord. Are there any advantages in carrying out the works ourselves before the end of the lease?

Rental shortfalls

18 May 2007

Question: One of my tenants has recently become insolvent, leaving me with an unexpected empty space and a shortfall in my rental payments. How can I avoid this happening in the future?

Part-adopted highway property

11 May 2007

Question: I would like to sell a property but have discovered that part of it is adopted highway, even though it has formed part of the property for many years and has not been used by the public. What can I do?

Directors duties

4 May 2007

Question: I believe many of the responsible business proposals in the Companies Act 2006 were dropped. What are the obligations on company directors?

Tenancy deposits

4 May 2007

Question: I understand that a new form of government-approved tenancy deposit scheme has just been introduced. Will this apply to all rent deposits held by landlords?

Sustainability statements,

27 April 2007

Question: I have recently submitted a planning application and the planning authority has asked for a sustainability statement before it will consider it. Do I have to comply with this request, and what areas are covered?

Security of tenure

20 April 2007

Question: I have let a property to a firm for use by one of its employees. Can the company acquire security of tenure under rules relating to business tenancies and, if so, how can I regain possession at the end of the tenancy?

Competition law

13 April 2007

Question: I am considering buying several shopping centres in the same county. At what point do I need to worry about competition law?

By George, Calthorpe’s got it

05 April 2007

Calthorpe Estates has won an ‘excellent’ rating under the BREEAM environmental assessment method for its 12,545 sq ft (1,165 sq m) office development at 19 George Road in Edgbaston.

Minister tackles ‘weak’ building controls

05 April 2007

Report says ‘serious failings and weaknesses’ must be addressed

Scots target carbon emissions

05 April 2007

The Scottish Executive published new planning guidance last Thursday requiring all developments to reduce carbon emissions by 15%.

Clamping unauthorised cars

30 March 2007

Question: I own premises with a private car park, on which unauthorised members of the public park their cars. Can I have them towed or clamped?

Design and Builds

23 March 2007

Question: I have a tenant that wants to retain its own design team for the fit-out of a factory and associated offices scheme. Can this arrangement be accommodated within a design-and-build framework and, if so, how?

The new RICS service charge code

23 March 2007

Question: What changes will there be after the new RICS service charge code comes into effect from 1 April this year?

Contract specifications

16 March 2007

Question: To what extent can a housing development default from the description in the brochure before buyers are entitled to cancel their deals?

Covenants to repair

2 March 2007

Question: What is meant by a covenant ‘well and substantially to repair’?

Section 17 notices

2 March 2007

Question: My former landlord has served a section 17 notice on me even though the existing tenant is not in arrears. Can it do this?

Planning gain supplement

23 February 2007

Question: What is the best way to structure an option agreement or conditional contract on development land given that the government is still threatening to introduce the planning gain supplement?

Appointing rent review arbitrators

16 February 2007

Question: I believe that the arbitrator appointed to determine my rent review does not have the relevant experience prescribed by the lease. What can I do?

Phoenix Companies

16 February 2007

Question: My tenant has gone into administration and has now let a ‘phoenix company’ into occupation. Can I forfeit?

Possession claims

9 February 2007

Question: My landlord has served a section 25 notice saying he wishes to redevelop my premises. I agree that if the redevelopment goes ahead, I will have to vacate, but I want more time in the premises. What can I do?

Construction regulations

2 February 2007

Question: My company will be developing a hotel this year. We have appointed a design team and should be on site by the autumn. How will the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations affect me?

Rating return forms

2 February 2007

Question: I have received a non-domestic rating rent return form from the Valuation Office Agency requesting detailed tenure information. Do I really have to complete the form? What is its purpose?

Tenants in arrears

26 January 2007

Question: My tenant owes two quarters’ rent. It has paid an amount and asked me to set it against the later arrears. Can I instead apply the payment against the earlier arrears and forfeit for the most recent quarter?

Peaceable re-entry

19 January 2007

Question: I am the landlord of a shop with housing upstairs for the tenant. However, the tenant has not paid this quarter’s rent. Can I peaceably re-enter the premises?

Alcohol licences

12 January 2007

Question: I own a cafe bar and am thinking of selling alcohol. What procedure do I need to go through in order to obtain a licence to do this?

Rating assessment appeals

12 January 2007

Question: What rights do I have if my appeal against my rating assessment is treated as invalid?

Contesting arbitration

05 January 2007

Question: My rent review went to arbitration and I am not happy with the decision. Can I appeal?

Historic covenants

15 December 2006

Questionmarketing a site, which I have learned is subject to a historic covenant restricting residential use. Does this rule out future residential development?

Rating appeals

15 December 2006

Question: I have submitted a rating appeal because of building works next to my property but have received notice from the Valuation Office Agency that it is invalid as the rent is incorrect. How can I get my appeal accepted?

Office injury

08 December 2006

Question: My firm leases offices on the second floor of a building. A member of staff recently trapped her hand in the lift when leaving the office. Is it possible I can be liable for this?

Barker II - First she dreamt up Land Tax! Now she wants to shake up planning!

01 December 2006

Doug Morrison profiles the woman whose shadow stretches across property.

Christmas showdown for Dartford Warbler

01 December 2006

Natural England and housebuilders to square up at public hearing over 40,000 homes in Surrey

Pub licensing objections

01 December 2006

Question: I live next door to a pub. The landlord has applied to the local authority to extend the hours the pub can sell alcohol. How can I stop it?

Tenants at will

01 December 2006

Question: My landlord’s head lease expires this month. My sublease has expired but I trade from the premises. The freeholder says I am a tenant at will and must vacate the premises before the head lease expires. Is this right?

Calderbank offers

17 November 2006

Question: I am acting for a landlord on a lease renewal and an agreement seems unlikely. My client has asked me to send a Calderbank offer to settle. Is this a good idea and are there any pitfalls?

Disposal of waste soils

17 November 2006

Question: Are there rules for the handling and disposal of waste soils generated during development. What are the penalties incurred if these are not followed?

Section 25 notices

10 November 2006

Question: I received a section 25 notice from my landlord three months ago and have still not dealt with it. Is there anything I can do to put it right?

Lease renewal

27 October 2006

Question: My subtenant is vacating premises just three days before my own lease expires. Am I entitled to renew my lease even though I am not in occupation?

Rent reviews

27 October 2006

Question: I occupy offices in north London and the landlord has written that it wants to action a rent review from 2004. Time is not of the essence. Is it reasonable to demand an uplift in rent so long after the review date?

Scottish retail tenancy

20 October 2006

Question: A tenant at one of our Scottish retail schemes served redundancy notices on its staff and plans to shut down. The lease obliges the tenant to trade at all times. Can I compel it to keep trading?

Notices to quit on business tenancies

06 October 2006

Question: I am a landlord of a commercial property that is let on a five-year protected business tenancy. There is a landlord’s break clause after two years. Can I exercise the option by simply serving a notice to quit?

Service charge increases

06 October 2006

Question: My landlord’s managing agent has just increased my service charge payments halfway through the year. Can he do this?

Land Registry searches

29 September 2006

Question: I am considering making an unsolicited offer to buy a competitor. Is there any way of obtaining information about their property interests before I approach them?

Alternative arbitration

15 September 2006

Question: I am a landlord involved in a lease renewal dispute and have been told that I should use PACT. What is this and how will it help me?

Section 18 valuations

15 September 2006

Question: I am a landlord carrying out repair works following the departure of my tenant. Should I commission a section 18 valuation as well?

Lease assignment consents

08 September 2006

Question: My tenant has applied for consent to assign its lease. I would like the premises back. Can I refuse consent in order to pressurise the tenant to surrender its lease?

Abandoned plant

25 August 2006

Question: I am the landlord of an industrial building and have learnt that my tenant may soon be wound up. There is heavy plant on site that was installed by the tenant. Will its removal end up being my responsibility?

Liability for service charge arrears

25 August 2006

Question: I have bought some shops and have discovered that the previous landlord has failed to collect the service charges, and they are now in arrears. Am I responsible for this period or can I start afresh?

Civil investigations

11 August 2006

Question: My development company is to be investigated by the Special Civil Investigations (SCI) office of Revenue and Customs as part of a random enquiry. What will this involve and is there anything I can do to prepare?

Business rates liability

04 August 2006

Question: To reduce my overheads, I am considering moving out of part of my offices. But I have been told this will not reduce my business rates liability. Is this correct?

Ministerial certificates

04 August 2006

Question: My business tenancy ends next year. My public sector landlord plans to regenerate a site that includes my unit and says it can override my security of tenure rights with a ‘ministerial certificate’. Is this true?

Security contingency planning

28 July 2006

Question: As an occupier, it has been recommended that we should extend our precautions against physical attack on our buildings. What is the best approach to contingency planning for a major incident?

Contaminated land

21 July 2006

Question: My company has bought a brownfield site for development, our first for several years. What recent policy changes will affect our approach to remediating the site and readying it for development?

Recovering rent arrears

21 July 2006

Question: My tenant is, so far, up to date with his rent, but I suspect it may get into difficulties in the future. A rent review is in progress. There is a former tenant who owes me rent. What can I do to protect my position?

Headline rent review provisions

14 July 2006

Question: The rent review provisions in my business lease require the rent to be reviewed on the basis of a headline rent. What does that mean?

Making a Calderbank offer

07 July 2006

Question: My review has gone to arbitration. The tenant will not offer any increase above the passing rent, although I am advised there should be a £10,000-a-year increase. What should I do to make a formal Calderbank offer?

The forfeiture of a lease

07 July 2006

Question: My tenant runs a newsagent from the shop I own, and lives in the flat above it. He has not paid me the rent. Can I forfeit his lease and change the locks to the shop and to the separate entrance to the flat?

United front

Regeneration supplement 2006

What would be the result of an English Partnerships-Housing Corporation merger?

Corp Real Estate Supplement 2006

Corp Real Estate Supplement 2006

Excess baggage

Corp Real Estate Supplement 2006

Mergers and acquisitions have the side effect of adding unwanted property to companies' portfolios.

The customer is king

Corp Real Estate Supplement 2006

CoreNet research suggests tenants are gaining the upper hand as landlords compete to offer better services and lease terms.

‘El Tel’ plans Spanish return with luxury leisure resort

30 September 2005

Terry Venables to develop 450 acre sports-oriented scheme near AlicanteBy Jonathan brasse Former Barcelona and England football manager Terry Venables is set to embark on the construction of a 450 acre (185 ha) Spanish leisure resort.

Island in the sun

30 September 2005

Kershaw, Kempner and King are property names usually associated with Mayfair, but now they are looking to build in the south Atlantic.

It’s the talk of the town

29 July 2005

The government’s ‘town centre first’ policy will soon extend to property in the office and leisure sectors. David Blackman reports on the feasibility of the plan to revive the UK’s city centres

Small packages

29 July 2005

Moseley & Webb split from Jones Lang LaSalle to set up a small planning practice.

CoreNet launches ARC as forum for research

International corporate real estate supplement

Now that the conclusions of the corenet 2010 research programme have been reached, CoreNet has announced the creation of a new forum, its Applied Research Centre.

Missing the bait

International corporate real estate supplement

Public sector bodies fishing for a property adviser can now appoint a pre-approved one in days, not months, under a new government initiative. But the idea has yet to catch on with users.

Network building

International corporate real estate supplement

By 2010, CoreNet predicts that the office will be just one of many workplaces. Claer Barrett enters the world of the ‘internal customer’.

The world’s their oyster

International corporate real estate supplement

Regus has devised a new serviced offices concept that will allow occupiers to swipe in and out of its centres. Claer Barrett reports on how its UK arm is bouncing back

IVG buys Riverside House on South Bank

15 February 2005

IVG ImmobilienFonds, the fund management arm of German property company IVG, has acquired London South Bank landmark Riverside House, the new headquarters of communications watchdog Ofcom, for £106m.

A woman’s workplace...

Corp Real Estate Supp 2004

Women’s standing in the workplace is an ongoing subject of debate, so it is good to be reminded that things have moved on since 1968, when insurer Prudential produced this recruitment leaflet urging women to consider a career in the office (pictured)

Tip from the top

19 August 2004

Simon Ward, global head of strategic planning and real estate at Deutsche Bank, on different routes into corporate real estate

Long division

Corp Real Estate Supp 2004

Investment banks have always favoured trophy HQs, but are they being overtaken by events? Helen Thomas reports

Flexible friends

Corp Real Estate Supp 2004

Hotdesking is out, flexible working is in. Helen Thomas reports on the latest trend to maximise office space and keep employees happy

Nobody is listening

4 July 2003

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is soon to respond to MPs who attacked its regeneration policy. Nobody, however, expects the government to take much notice

Vauxhall cavaliers

4 July 2003

The proposed Vauxhall tower has pitted Lambeth council against London mayor Ken Livingstone and developer St George. Property Week reports on London's latest tower planning struggle

Inside job

23 May 2003

Interior design is playing an increasingly important role in development

Reality bites

23 May 2003

When the market wobbles, it is not just developers and agents who feel the pain. Property Week reports on how professionals working closely with industry are faring now

Winds of change

23 May 2003

Adaptation is the key to survival in the slowdown

Act now to keep the UK viable

International corporate supplement February 2003

The real estate issues faced by today's corporate occupiers have changed little over the last decade: a sign that landlords, developers and institutions have failed to respond to the needs of this crucial, lucrative sector of the property market.

Holiday home

International corporate supplement February 2003

Thomas Cook's Vivienne Grafton has relocated the travel company from the West End to Peterborough in an award-winning strategy.

The beautiful south

International corporate supplement February 2003

Ernst & Young partner John McCorquodale takes through the accountant's move south of the Thames

The specialists

International corporate supplement February 2003

Corporate real estate surveyors give valuable advice to companies to which property is foreign language.

Total office cost survey

International corporate supplement February 2003

Property Week brings you the latest total office cost survey.

The Coppergate saga

21 December 2001

CABE and English Heritage are on a collision course over Land Securities' proposed Coppergate Riverside scheme in York. We report on two public bodies on different sides of the planning debate

Medicine men

1 September 2001

Outsourcing is being hailed as an up-and-coming industry with massive growth potential. We talk to the companies that provide tailor-made solutions

Urban miss

8 June 2001

Eight months after the government's Urban White Paper, regeneration projects throughout the UK are getting held up in the planning quagmire.

Running on empty

9 March 2001

The sign of a downturn or just a change in shopping patterns? We report on the return of an early 1990s phenomenon – new shopping centres with empty units