Property Development

Residential property development involves complex legal, planning, and financial considerations. From site acquisition to final sales, numerous legal risks can affect profitability and project completion without expert guidance.

What Our Property Development Solicitors Can Help With

Comprehensive legal support for residential development projects:

• Site Acquisition: Due diligence, conditional contracts, and option agreements
• Planning Applications: Planning permission and appeal procedures
• Development Finance: Facility agreements and security arrangements
• Construction Contracts: JCT contracts and contractor agreements
• Joint Ventures: Partnership structures and profit sharing
• Section 106 Agreements: Planning obligations and community infrastructure levy
• Marketing & Sales: Off-plan sales and reservation agreements
• NHBC Warranties: New home warranties and defect insurance

Development Process Overview

Residential development typically involves:

1. Site Identification: Finding suitable development opportunities
2. Feasibility Studies: Financial and technical viability assessments
3. Site Acquisition: Purchasing or optioning development land
4. Planning Permission: Outline and detailed planning applications
5. Development Finance: Securing construction and development funding
6. Construction Phase: Building works and project management
7. Marketing & Sales: Pre-sales and completion of unit sales
8. Project Completion: Final accounts and warranty arrangements

Planning Law & Permissions

Development requires various planning consents:

• Outline Planning: Permission in principle for development
• Detailed Planning: Full permission with specific design details
• Reserved Matters: Approval of layout, scale, appearance, and access
• Building Regulations: Technical building standards compliance
• Discharge of Conditions: Meeting planning condition requirements

Development Finance Structures

Common financing arrangements include:

• Development Loans: Senior debt for construction costs
• Mezzanine Finance: Bridging finance for land acquisition
• Joint Venture Equity: Partnership funding arrangements
• Forward Sales: Pre-selling to housing associations or institutions
• Profit Share Deals: Landowner partnership structures

Construction & Contract Issues

Legal considerations during construction:

• JCT Contracts: Standard form construction contracts
• Collateral Warranties: Professional indemnity protection
• Health & Safety: CDM regulations compliance
• Defects Liability: Rectification periods and retention funds
• Variations & Delays: Managing contract changes and extensions

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Property Development

• Development Specialists: Solicitors with extensive development experience
• End-to-End Support: Legal advice from acquisition to completion
• Commercial Focus: Understanding of development economics and risks
• Planning Expertise: Knowledge of planning law and local authority procedures
• Finance Relationships: Connections with development lenders and investors

Development projects typically take 12-36 months from site acquisition to final completion, with profit margins of 15-25% for successful residential schemes.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.