Home/ Commercial Property Development Solicitors

Need some expert advice? Don't have the answer?

We'll do our best to find a solution that works for you

Get In Touch

How we can help

Site acquisition & disposal

Guidance on acquiring and selling development land - registered or unregistered
Managing the sale of developed plots for swift legal completions

Structuring development opportunities

Advising on heads of terms and deal structure
Drafting and negotiating:
- Promotion Agreements
- Option Agreements
- Conditional Contracts
Considering long-term value through:
- Overage & Clawback Provisions
- Ransom Strips
- Positive obligations for access to retained land

Planning agreements

Advice on Section 106 agreements and planning obligations
Working with local authorities to secure planning permission while protecting commercial objectives

Land title & ownership issues

Investigating and resolving title issues, including:
- Boundary disputes
- Easements and rights of way
- Unregistered land or complex title structures
Ensuring clarity of ownership and reducing future risk

Development finance

Assistance with securing and structuring finance:
- Site acquisition funding
- Construction loans
- Refinancing
Liaising with lenders, conducting due diligence, and meeting conditions for timely drawdown

Easements & access rights

Securing essential rights for utilities, access, and services
Drafting and negotiating easement agreements to support practical delivery

Joint ventures & promotion agreements

Structuring and negotiating joint ventures and promotion agreements
Ensuring clear, fair, and commercially sound terms for shared risk and reward

Taxation & financial structuring

Advising on tax implications, including:
- Capital Gains Tax
- VAT
Structuring transactions for tax efficiency:
- Trusts
- Joint ventures
- Land development schemes
Guidance on reliefs such as:
- Agricultural Property Relief (APR)
- Business Property Relief (BPR)
Signposting to accountants for detailed tax planning

Why Choose Porter Dodson?

Recognised excellence – Ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our expertise in Commercial Property and Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Clear, cost-effective advice – We speak your language, not legal jargon, and tailor our guidance to your business circumstances.

Joined-up legal support – Our team works seamlessly across property, corporate commercial, employment and litigation to protect your business interests.

Trusted by generations – With deep roots in the community, we’ve supported families and business owners across the South West for decades.

Ros and Elle from the Dorchester branch were very professional but also approachable and kept me informed as to where we were in the land sale process at all times. The price charged for the work was very fair and was exactly what the initial estimate said it would be. Overall I am very impressed and happy with the service offered and the friendly approach to working with the team.

Sandy

Many thanks to you both, I really appreciate the prompt, professional and friendly service.

Chris

Many thanks to you both, I really appreciate the prompt, professional and friendly service.

Chris