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How 2025 reforms will affect the real estate sector

Posted on by Britt Thompson

Two key regulatory frameworks, set to shape the UK’s housing landscape, will come into force in 2025. The Future Homes Standard (FHS) and the New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) aim to address two concerns within the industry: the environmental impact of new homes and the quality of the housebuilding process.

Though aimed at residential developments, these changes will affect the entire real estate market. This article outlines what they involve and how professionals can prepare.

The Future Homes Standard

What is the Future Homes Standard?

The Future Homes Standard, from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, sets mandatory energy and carbon targets for new homes in England from 2025. Building on the 2021 interim uplift, it aims to make all new homes ‘net zero ready’, avoiding future retrofitting to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

What will change on the ground?

New homes, extensions and renovations must:

  • Produce 75-80% lower carbon emissions, than homes built to standard in 2013.
  • Be built without fossil fuel heating systems – which would mean no gas boilers or connections.
  • Rely on low-carbon heating systems e.g. air or ground source heat pumps
  • Incorporate ‘fabric first’ principles by using materials with high levels of insulation and efficient glazing to reduce the demand for heating.
  • Integrate smart and renewable energy systems such as smart meters and solar panels.

Who is affected by the reform?

  • Housing developers and builders will need to re-design existing building specifications and new systems may need to be adopted.
  • Local authorities will need to consider and assess any planning applications against the new standards.
  • Lenders may place increased emphasis on compliance with the reform as part of their due diligence and lending decisions could be influenced for non-compliant developments and face valuation risks.
  • Strategic landowners must assess futureutility and infrastructure capabilities of the land, such as whether sufficient electrical grid capacity is available and the feasibility of a zero-carbon development when appraising land and considering future planning. Land values may be influenced by the viability of meeting the requirements such as in rural areas where grid connections may be costly or slow.

The New Homes Quality Code

What is the New Homes Quality Code?

The New Homes Quality Code, launched by the New Homes Quality Board, sets out how new-build homebuyers should be treated throughout the purchase process and after completion. Introduced in response to concerns over defects, poor accountability and inconsistent service, the Code creates an enforceable framework backed by the New Homes Ombudsman Service.

Developers must comply from 2025. By addressing gaps in the current conveyancing process, the Code aims to ease what is often one of life’s most stressful experiences.

Key requirements of the Code

  • Transparent and consistent pre-purchase information (specifications of the property, timescales and charges involved).  
  • A clear complaint and redress process with specified timelines for resolution.
  • A formal handover process, including the provision of documentation, support for snagging surveys and guidance for residents.
  • A two-year care period post completion, during which developers are obligated to resolve issues.
  • Independent recourse via the NHOS for unresolved complaint or systematic failings.

Who must comply with the Code?

All housing developers who are registered with the NHQB (which is expected to become an industry wide standard by the end of 2025), Local Authority Schemes and Investors involved in housing delivery.

What does this mean for the wider sector?

Whilst the code is not applicable for the Build to Rent sector, commercial to residential conversions or affordable housing providers, the principles of accountability, transparency and quality assurance are gaining attention within the housing market.

Developers should prepare for the NHQC to become a benchmark for industry standard, even if not formally required by law. Masterplans will need to demonstrate not only compliance with these standards but also how homes will be supported by appropriate infrastructure.

A way forward

The Future Homes Standard and New Homes Quality Code comes into force at a time the UK property market is under pressure to decarbonise, raise construction standards and rebuild public trust.

Rather than viewing the frameworks as regulatory burdens, the real estate industry is encouraged to see them as opportunities for innovation, risk mitigation and sustainers for long term value.

It is thought that success will depend on early engagement in design and energy strategies, collaboration between developers, planners, and landowners, and robust governance that ensures transparency in both environmental performance and customer service.

For developers, investors, and landowners, understanding the requirements from the outset will be essential to staying competitive in a market that is increasingly driven by performance-based results and to those who invest in futureproofing now will be better positioned to deliver projects that are resilient, financeable, and aligned with evolving policy.

To discuss how the reforms may impact your projects – or to explore how best to future-proof your developments, please get in touch with our Real Estate team on 02038 142020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Green leases: Leases with a sustainable approach

Posted on by Britt Thompson

In recent years, sustainability has become a big topic of conversation, and as many industries revise their way of doing business by implementing sustainable practices, the real estate sector is no different and business and property owners are now more conscious of their environmental footprint. As a result, green leases are becoming more prevalent in real estate, particularly in large buildings with a significant environmental impact.

What are green leases?

Green leases, sometimes also referred to as environmental, or sustainable leases are clauses within a lease that are intentionally designed to promote environmentally friendly practices between a landlord and tenant during the term. This relatively new area of interest and its intricacies can be complex and obtaining legal advice is essential to ensure that the terms are both clear and beneficial to both parties.

Why should you consider implementing a green lease?

Increased property value: A property with a green lease may be more desirable, potentially commanding higher rents and increase in market value for landlords.

Improved working environments: Many green leases result in improved indoor air quality, lighting, and other factors contributing to a healthier work environment for tenants.

Cost savings: Green leases typically include energy saving initiatives, which can lead to lower utility bills for tenants and reduced maintenance costs for landlords.

Future proofing: As governments impose stricter environmental regulations, green leases help both parties comply with these laws, preparing the property for future legislation and avoiding penalties.

Financial incentives: Green leases may unlock financial benefits such as tax subsidies for making environmentally friendly upgrades to a property. A solicitor can assist in identifying and negotiating these opportunities, ensuring both parties maximise the financial savings.

Whilst green leases offer many benefits, drafting and negotiating the agreements between parties will require careful consideration and costs must be carefully balanced to ensure the lease is effective for both parties.

Tailored clauses: Every business and property are unique, and so are their sustainability needs. A solicitor can help tailor green lease clauses to reflect specific environmental goals, whether it’s reducing energy consumption or otherwise.

Financial incentives: Many green leases offer financial incentives such as tax credits, government subsidies, or other financial support for sustainable improvements. A solicitor can assist in identifying and negotiating these incentives to ensure both parties’ benefit.

Long term success: A well drafted green lease can include performance monitoring clauses to track progress toward sustainability targets. A solicitor can help ensure the lease is structured to achieve these long-term goals.

Whether you’re a tenant seeking an environmentally conscious space or a landlord aiming to increase the sustainability of your property, consulting with a solicitor will help ensure that your green lease meets all legal requirements and protects your interests now and in the future.

If you would like assistance on navigating green leases, our commercial property lawyers can support you. For further information please contact our Real Estate team on 020 3814 2020 or email realestate@blasermills.co.uk.

Sophie King

Sophie is a trainee solicitor, currently in her second seat within the firm’s Real Estate and Development department. 

Prior to her training contract, Sophie was a Paralegal in our Residential Property department,  where along with her academic studies, she developed a particular interest within property law. 

As part of her training, she assists senior lawyers with landlord and tenant matters, acquisitions and disposals and land development projects.

Clients and colleagues have praised her for her clear, effective communication and her personable, professional manner.  Sophie looks forward to progressing through her training and contributing to high quality outcomes for clients

Chambers 2025 results announced

Posted on by Britt Thompson
Blaser Mills is thrilled to share its results in the 2025 Chambers UK Legal Directory rankings. Chambers UK is a highly respected legal directory that conducts in-depth research and analysis to identify and rank top lawyers and law firms across the United Kingdom.

New rankings

Naim Qureshi, Senior Associate, Family & Divorce
Naim Qureshi has a great deal of expertise advising on financial remedy proceedings post-divorce. He has experience advising high net worth clients, including on matters involving overseas assets.

‘I have no doubt that Naim’s supportive and collaborative approach led to my achieving a good outcome.’
‘Naim Qureshi has a very calming presence in cases. He is unflappable and very personable with clients.’
‘Naim is tenacious when he needs to be, and his client-handling skills are very good.’

Corporate M&A
Blaser Mills is well known for its high-calibre corporate offering, which routinely sees it acting on domestic and cross-border transactions. The firm’s broad industry focus includes deals in the sports, technology and insurance spaces, among others.

‘Blaser Mills Law’s attention to business matters and focus on clients’ needs are two key strengths. The team always understood complex deal structures and we felt supported throughout the process.’
‘The firm has great experience and knowledge when assisting with transactions. They provide a very efficient service and great, simple explanations, along with very quick responses.’
‘Blaser Mills Law possess deep knowledge and experience, which enables them to provide us with comprehensive and insightful legal counsel. This expertise is not only broad but also nuanced.’

Litigation
Blaser Mills Law offers considerable expertise in litigation throughout a variety of sectors including biomedicine, retail and transportation. The department is often chosen by clients for disputes with cross-border aspects and have worked on data protection, insolvency, product liability and breach of contract disputes.

‘Blaser Mills Law is always able to assist and always on-hand.’
‘The team has a remarkable breadth and depth of knowledge, provides excellent customer service and very fast responses.’
‘Blaser Mills is always very prompt with advice and coming back on matters – they’re good at maintaining momentum within a project.’

Maintained rankings

Edward Lee, Partner & Head, Corporate
Edward Lee is head of Blaser Mills Law’s corporate and commercial department. He offers extensive experience in M&A transactions and often handles cross-border mandates, including tech sector matters.

‘Edward has outstanding experience and knowledge.’
‘Edward is experienced and knowledgeable. I felt well informed and guided by him.’
‘Edward is a very capable individual and well suited to managing a multi-jurisdictional transaction. His negotiation style is calm and effective. You feel you are in a safe pair of hands.’

Noel Deans, Partner & Head, Employment
Noel Deans is head of the employment team at Blaser Mills. He is notable for his work on contentious employment matters, and he advises both individual claimants and employers.

‘Noel’s experience and advice is amazing.’
‘Noel is impressive in all aspects and provides clear advice based on the facts he has at hand.’
‘He is strategic, focused, clear and dedicated.’

Lucinda Holliday, Partner & Head, Family & Divorce
Lucinda Holliday leads the family and divorce team at Blaser Mills. She assists clients with both the financial and child care aspects of divorce and separation, including high net worth cases.

‘Lucinda Holliday is absolutely brilliant. She is responsive and empathetic, knowledgeable and tactically astute. Her advice is excellent and always geared towards the client’s goals.’
‘Lucinda is thoroughly professional, a wonderful communicator and very responsive to her clients’ needs.’
‘Lucinda completely understood my situation, offered the right solutions and guided me through an incredibly tough process.’

Ben Langley, Consultant, Crime
Ben Langley is a consultant at Blaser Mills Law in High Wycombe. He acts for clients in motoring offences, including driving without insurance, speeding and drink driving offences. He also has experience representing professionals under investigation for criminal acts.

“Ben is on top of the brief, clear with instructions and very client-friendly.”

Real Estate
Blaser Mills has a strong commercial property team offering advice on a range of matters, including the acquisition and disposal of development property, commercial lease matters and securitisation transactions. It advises a broad client base, ranging from small family-owned businesses to large house builders and property development companies.

‘Blaser Mills Law has an excellent team with a broad range of expertise and experience.’
‘The team’s ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is very strong.’

Family & Divorce
Blaser Mills advises high net worth individuals on intricate financial remedy matters from its offices in High Wycombe, Marlow and Amersham. The firm is experienced in acting in cases where assets in dispute include portfolios of properties and pensions, as well as those involving trusts. The team offers further expertise in drafting prenuptial agreements. It also assists with private children law matters and non-molestation proceedings.

‘Blaser Mills had great experience in the way to approach the situation, which at times was difficult. They were sympathetic and understanding.’
‘Blaser Mills were very efficient, prompt with communication and professional at all times.’

Congratulations to all of those involved!

For more detailed information about the rankings and to explore the full directory, please visit the Chambers UK website. Congratulations to all those recognised in the 2024 Chambers UK legal directory and thank you to our clients for their feedback and time.

Blaser Mills Law, UK 2024 | Chambers Profiles

Real estate finance

Our team’s approach is to make deals happen or to help facilitate them by the introduction of people, property or funding.

Our team of highly experienced team of lawyers bring that know-how of the Real Estate Finance sector to close deals quicker and provide swift pragmatic commercial solutions.

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Our expertise

Our team advises on all aspects of Real Estate Finance including acquisitions, development, restructuring and re-finance projects.

Our experience includes advising in traditional sectors such as retail, investment, hotels, residential, industrial as well as alternative areas .

We work with banks, financial institutions, institutional funds, private funds, developers, borrowers and investors.

Focused on finance, making introductions where possible

Our specialist lawyers are focussed on advising on Real Estate Finance, with a particular niche in Development, Care home and the hotelier industry. We have in-depth experience of the Real Estate Sector which provides us a competitive advantage when advising our clients across all asset classes.

We take a creative approach to Real Estate Finance by looking for every opportunity to tailor our approach to maximise value for you.

Key services

  • Real estate finance on acquisitions bridging finance
  • Portfolio finance and re-finance commercial and residential financing and re-financing
  • Development finance and stretched senior loans Sale and leaseback structures

Contact us

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Landlord and tenant

In the commercially driven world of landlord and tenant transactions, you need advisers you can trust to get the job done on time and on budget.

Our highly respected lawyers have vast experience in this area and will help you maximise the value of your property transactions with an emphasis on providing a personal service.

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Our expertise

Our team assists landlords and tenants to navigate the legal complexities of letting or taking commercial real estate.

We operate across the UK but with particular experience and focus on the City, West End and the Thames Valley. We manage the complete spectrum of commercial lettings ranging from small offices to large scale, flagship HQ offices and everything in between.

We work with owners and occupiers on new or existing premises as well as acting for both landlord and tenants on portfolio management and property advisory.

Cutting through the complexity

Landlord and Tenant transactions are often complex, prone to delay and stressful for everyone involved. Having a skilled team of real estate lawyers on your side can ensure you anticipate and mitigate any issues before they get out of hand.

Our experience of working for both landlords and tenants means that we have a broad perspective on all transactions and a practical understanding of how these transactions work, which we utilise to cut through the complexity and get the job done.

Key services

  • Commercial Leases – acting for landlords and tenants advisory – acting for landlords and tenants
  • Flexible space and agile arrangements fit-out
  • Office relocation, consolidation and portfolio management lease surrender and termination

Contact us

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Corporate real estate

Corporate real estate is fast paced, often complex, and spans many sectors.

Our team has the expertise, and commercial minded approach, to deliver enhanced value to your project.

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Our expertise

We work with clients on a wide range of matters including acquisitions, lettings, disposals and the funding of commercial Real Estate.

Our clients range from developers, publicly quoted companies, financial institutions and property funds to private investors, corporate occupiers and retailers, and property services companies. We work on complex transactions across a range of sectors, including office, care homes, hotels and co-working space.

Our extensive experience means that we are used to dealing with different structures such as unit trusts and limited partnerships. We work closely with our clients and their advisers to determine, and the implement, the best strategy for enhancing value.

Always on hand. Making it happen

We’re not like other law firms. You can call us any time and we’ll always be available to answer questions, troubleshoot and provide advice on your next big idea. We will always try to visit sites and get a first-hand understanding of your project.

We work in tandem with our clients to provide smooth and problem-free project management within your commercial environment.

Key services

  • Acquisitions and disposals
  • Private/public collaboration agreements for regeneration projects
  • Corporate re-organisations
  • Property funds, unit trusts and other investment vehicles
  • Joint ventures and consortia arrangements
  • Limited partnerships, LLPs and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)

Contact us

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Commercial development

Our experienced team have the legal and strategic experience to help you maximise your development no matter what stage of the development cycle.

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Our expertise

We have vast experience in Real Estate development helping our clients navigate the complexities of acquiring, selling or putting together complex developments.

Our experience spans acquisitions, disposals, options and pre-emptions, site assembly, joint venture collaboration and promotion agreements. We have vast experience in compulsory purchase, as well as DCO projects and Asset Protection Agreements.

Our clients include developers, promoters, landowners and funders, with particular expertise in development finance.

Extensive knowledge

Development work is complex. You need to be able to rely on a team that have extensive expertise of this area, whilst being pragmatic with their advice.

Our development knowledge means that we have advised on the full spectrum of work required to work with you on your project. From site assembly and cleaning title, to complex joint venture and development agreements, our lawyers advise across all sectors, working with you so that you can meet your strategic objectives.

Key services

  • Development agreements overage
  • Joint venture, collaboration and promotion agreements site assembly, rights of way, restrictive covenants and cleaning title
  • Options and pre-emption agreements compulsory purchase, DCO, asset protection agreements

Contact us

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 020 3814 2020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Real estate

Real estate transactions are inherently complex, involving numerous parties and a multitude of considerations – from intricate lease terms and finance agreements to contractual details and planning matters.

Having commercially minded lawyers by your side is essential. They drive the transaction to minimise risks and maximise value.

Our dedicated real estate team provides the strategic guidance you need to stay in control.

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 02038 142020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

About us

We take time to understand your underlying needs and take a proactive and efficient approach to achieving your goals. From sales and acquisitions to lettings and disposal, as well as real estate disputes, our team offers comprehensive support and strategic advice.

With team members experienced in both business and law, we grasp the real-world challenges you face, first-hand.

Why choose us?

You need real estate lawyers who recognise that the success of your transaction can profoundly impact your business. We prioritise your needs and those of your business, ensuring a cost-effective deal-completion.

We forge a trusted partnership with you, tailoring our approach to your commercial needs, challenges and objectives.

Our lawyers simplify the complexities of the process, keeping you informed at each stage. We are always available to address any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring clarity and peace of mind throughout.

Who we help

Our team advises corporates, investment companies, banks and developers as well as business start-ups, family companies and private individuals.

Our clients come to us from various sectors, including:

  • Media and communications
  • Sport
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Retail, hotel, leisure and hospitality
  • Technology and IT
  • Freight and logistics

The team’s ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is very strong

CHAMBERS UK

Contact us

Get in touch with Louise Benning on 02038 142020 or email enquiries@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form.

Sarah Harley

Sarah is a Lawyer in the Real Estate team.

Sarah is experienced in dealing with a broad range of commercial property matters. Her practice areas include plot sale sites, commercial site sales and acquisitions, development financing, landlord and tenant matters, option agreements and some residential matters.

Prior to joining Blaser Mills Law in January 2024, Sarah completed her training contract and practiced as a Lawyer in local firm offering services in commercial property transactions.

Jacqueline Craig

Jackie is a Senior Associate in the Real Estate and Development Team.

Jackie’s practice is diverse, and in particular she specialises in secured lending and finance, and all forms of commercial and residential property work.

Other commercial work includes undertaking high value residential and commercial transactions (sales, purchases, leases, option agreements, development), along with company asset and share sales and purchases.  Jackie has extensive experience in acting for a number of banks and other lending institutions in their secured lending transactions. Over the last few years Jackie has worked with some well-known commercial banks and individual lenders as being one of their main solicitors.

Jackie has also represented a wide variety of clients in the commercial and residential property sector from small and large property investors, major PLC’s to high-net-worth individuals.

Nadeem Ahmed

Nadeem qualified as a solicitor in 2015 and is a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Team.

Nadeem advises on a broad range of commercial property matters with an emphasis on acquisitions, disposals, landlord and tenant matters.  He acts for individuals and businesses across a variety of sectors with a focus on providing commercial and pragmatic advice.

Break clauses in commercial property leases

Posted on by fluroltd

What is it?

In simple terms, it is a “get-out” card for the party exercising it. A means of exiting the lease prior to the official end of the term. If exercised correctly, the lease is broken and both parties walk away, free of their obligations under the lease.

Who does it benefit?

It benefits the party exercising it as they no longer need to continue to fulfill their obligations under the lease for the duration of the term. Particularly useful, for example, where a tenant is no longer able to pay the rent due to poor business. In such a scenario, they may exit early by terminating the lease on the break date (discussed further below) as opposed to being continually obliged to pay rent for the duration of the term of the lease.

Conversely, it could benefit a landlord in an instance where they have been offered a much higher rent by a new and financially more viable tenant, who wishes to take the premises sooner than the end date of the existing tenancy. The landlord may then exercise its right to break the lease on the break date thereby taking back possession of its property sooner than the end date, so that it can let it out at a higher rate, to a more financially viable tenant.

How does it come into play?

Best practice is to negotiate such a clause when negotiating other terms of the lease. It can be applicable to only the landlord, only the tenant or both parties. It can come into play at any stage of the lease term as agreed between the parties and there can be more than one break.

Often, conditions are attached to a break clause where this is exercisable by the tenant, such as, all rents must be up-to-date and the tenant must provide vacant possession upon breaking. Care must be taken when reviewing such conditions whether acting for the landlord or tenant.

These conditions should not be taken lightly and should always be reviewed by an expert as some conditions may be drafted deliberately widely, leaving the complying party in a vulnerable position where compliance can be subjective. For example, a condition may be that the tenant must have complied with “all its obligations under the lease”. A landlord not wanting the tenant to break may rely on this condition and refuse to allow the tenant to break due to it not having complied with the clause that states “the windows to be cleaned as often as necessary”. Whether or not a window is clean is subjective but this shows how something as simple as cleaning a window, can become the deciding factor as to whether or not a tenant may effectively exercise their right to break.

Types of Break Clauses

A break clause may sometimes be exercised at any time after a certain date.  This is often referred to as “rolling break”.

Quite often, a break may only be exercised on a fixed date or dates.  This is often referred to as a “fixed break”. 

Implications of getting it wrong

Careful consideration should be given when drafting and/or reviewing such clauses as an error can lead to a break clause being invalid resulting in the party being unable to exit at the desired sooner date.

It is also imperative, that a notice to exercise a break clause is drafted correctly and served in the correct time and manner, in order for it to be validly served.

The case of Siemens Hearing Instruments Ltd v Friends Life Ltd [2014] 2 P&CR 5 illustrates just how important it is to word the break notice in the required explicit form.  In this case, the Court held that the break notice served, was invalid as it failed to express the exact wording of the break clause and should have explicitly stated that it was served under section 4(2) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

Today’s market

Given the uncertainty in today’s property market, it may be more essential that ever before to ensure you’ve got this clause right.  Exiting at precisely the right time may determine whether or not your business will survive!

Louise Benning

Louise is Partner and Head of the Property Development team.

Louise oversees a team that includes specialist lawyers in Real Estate, Residential Development and Property Litigation. Louise’s expertise lies in Residential development.

She acts for small and large scale developers, as well as property investors in acquiring development land and the related plot sales.

Louise regularly advises developers on the negotiation of site acquisitions, s106 Agreements and related plot sales, option agreements, overage agreements and conditional contracts.