Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can be complex, especially for businesses that are unaware that it applies to commercial property, as failing to understand your obligations can result in unexpected costs and penalties.

The Government has now published the long-awaited Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill which contains details of the proposed arbitration scheme intended to deal with unpaid rent arrears accrued during the pandemic.

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (“LTA”) is not a new piece of legislation. It grants commercial tenants statutory rights, giving them the right to renew their lease on substantially the same terms if they remain in occupation at the end of the term.

At our real estate conference in January 2025, David Slade outlined the main legal changes affecting the property market in 2024. Here, we explain those changes in some detail, from initiatives to regenerate the high street, to rises to SDLT rates, and from the Law Commission consultation on the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 to the impact of biodiversity net gain requirements.

Now that the World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) a global health emergency, we consider the impact on businesses that may be affected and what companies should be looking at in order to protect their operations.

Identifying the correct opponent at the outset and assessing their ability to pay is vital, and we here set out some considerations that need to be looked at very early on when a dispute develops.

A recent case highlights the importance of ensuring your company’s articles of association and shareholders’ agreement accurately reflect your intentions, particularly in scenarios such as dismissal, retirement, or death. The judgment serves as a reminder that vague or outdated provisions, especially around leaver provision and share valuation, can lead to costly disputes and unintended outcomes. Business owners should regularly review these documents to ensure they provide the protection and clarity needed at critical moments.

CSI is an award-winning international enterprise offering design and management of critical IT solutions, including cloud, data protection and cyber security services.

When it comes to commercial property arrangements, understanding the difference between a lease and a licence to occupy is essential. In this article, we explore the key features of leases and licences and how they apply to commercial property.