COMMERICAL PROPERTY SOLICITORS.
HM3 Legal provides expert, results driven commercial property legal services, delivering clear advice, practical solutions and dedicated support to businesses, landlords and investors navigating property transactions, leases and development matters with confidence.
We are commercial property experts
You do not need a glass tower in a city centre or office in ‘the gherkin’ to appreciate the value of having a sharp commercial property solicitor in your corner. Anyone who owns, leases or invests in commercial premises knows how quickly a straightforward deal can turn into a costly conundrum without the right legal guidance. A missed clause here, an unclear obligation there, and suddenly you are facing more than just bricks and mortar.
Buying or selling a commercial property? Negotiating a new lease or renewing an existing one? Planning a development or expanding your commercial property portfolio? Our experienced and commercially minded property team is here to make the process smooth, strategic and stress free. We focus on securing the right terms, protecting your position and keeping transactions moving at pace. Whatever your plans, we work to minimise risk, unlock opportunity and ensure your property decisions are built on solid legal foundations.
Clients regularly comment on how our specialist expertise supports their commercial objectives. While others may be commercial property generalists, we have built a dedicated team with the breadth of knowledge and skills to handle high value and complex property matters including:
- bringing our team in early when negotiating a new property lease can result in securing the right deal for you
- ensuring your legal paperwork is protecting your interests which may include adding the correct break clause in a property lease or handling a property dispute
- adding an overage agreement in a contract allowing additional payment if the value of land increases after it is sold – which can be triggered when planning permission is granted.
Our commercial property solicitors
Caroline Jones
Head of Property
Ian Millington
Head of Property
John Morshead
Partner
Beth Sales
Associate
James Cullen
Associate
Toni Leigh
Paralegal
Claire Mathieson
Associate
Megan Cockroft
Solicitor
Zoe Williams
Solicitor
Lucy Furness
Senior Legal Assistant
Christine Sutton
Consultant Solicitor
Commercial property legal services
Commercial property acquisitions and disposals
A commercial property solicitor helps businesses with property acquisitions and property disposals by checking title, carrying out due diligence, reviewing the fine print in contracts and managing completion compliantly. Bring our specialist team in early to negotiate favourable property terms, spot risks early, avoid costly delays, and secure the right deal. This matters because making sure deals are handled properly including when buying or selling business premises can be complex. HM3 Legal’s support can help protect your investment and ensure the correct legal steps are taken to avoid costly mistakes or legal challenges down the track.
Commercial leases and lease renewals
A commercial property solicitor helps landlords and tenants with commercial leases and lease renewals by explaining lease terms, negotiating changes and protecting your position. Taking legal advice matters because details within lease clauses can affect rent, who is responsible for repairs, other legal responsibilities and your long-term business plans. Our trusted team of solicitors can also advise on rights under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, helping you avoid property disputes, delays and costly mistakes.
Landlord and tenant matters
When dealing with commercial property, trusted advice makes all the difference. Our team provides guidance on commercial leases, property acquisitions and disposals, investor and development matters, ensuring each step of the process is covered. We work to protect your interests, minimise delays and keep your property plans moving smoothly. Whether you are expanding, relocating or managing a property portfolio, our practical and efficient commercial property expertise is here to support your business objectives.
Our legal offices
Chester
George Street
Chester
CH1 3EQ
Liverpool
Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
L2 2QP
Manchester
Woodlands Road
Altrincham
WA14 1HF
Wirral
Monks Ferry
Birkenhead
CH41 5LH
Reasons to instruct HM3 Legal
Plain English promise.
A jargon and waffle-free zone. Helping you to understand your options and make the right decisions.
No chase pledge.
Peace of mind. Removing the frustrations of wondering where things are up to and what is next.
Fixed fees options.
Removing uncertainty. With fixed fee options and clear pricing we will not land you with a surprise bill.
One central point of contact.
Looking at your needs holistically. Chances are, your business operations do not work in silos so neither do we.
Commercial property key contact: Caroline Jones
Head of Commercial Property (covering Chester & Cheshire)
Caroline combines decades of experience, with a friendly, down to earth no-nonsense approach. These are not our words. Clients regularly say this about Caroline and her team (including both commercial property and residential property experts).
Looking to buy, lease or sell commercial property?
If you are planning to buy, land, lease or sell commercial property we can guide you through the process, including any complex challenges that arise. Our team provides clear legal advice and practical support, helping you make informed decisions while ensuring the transaction progresses smoothly.
Call us or contact us through our online enquiry form to speak with one of our commercial property solicitors.
With offices in Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and Wirral, we welcome face-to-face meetings and also work with clients across the UK. We will keep you informed throughout and handle the legal details so you can focus on your business.
Who do we work with?
If you are a property developer buying land for future development, or an investor acquiring property to expand your portfolio, bring Caroline and her team in early. And when it comes to commercial property finance, we act as borrowers and lenders working closely with a strong network of accountants, finance providers and banks. We provide bespoke advice on SIPP and SASS pension fund transactions, trusts, and buy-to-let property investment and tax.
Robbie Oates was also great at keeping me updated throughout and nothing was too much trouble.
This is not a nice thing to have to go though but thanks to Holly and Robbie, I felt fully supported the whole 2 years 7 months through! I would definitely say they both provided a WOW service.
Ian reviewed the lease promptly, identified the key issues, and explained everything in a clear, concise and easy to understand way. Rather than overwhelming me with legal jargon, he provided practical advice that gave me complete confidence in the decisions I needed to make.
The whole team were professional, responsive and a pleasure to deal with throughout. Their excellent communication and attention to detail made what could have been a complex and time consuming process feel straightforward and stress free.
If you're looking for commercial solicitors who combine first class legal expertise with exceptional client service, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ian Millington and the team at HM3 Legal.
Jill Walker
Managing Director
Indigo Home & Gift
I would highly recommend Clare to any of my peers. Her professionalism was exceptional.
From our initial meeting with Frances, we were informed of the methods and techniques to structure our wills in the most efficient formats.
Frances explained complex legal structures in easy to understand terms and was a pleasure to deal with.
Shannon was excellent with the back office work making sure everything came through promptly and in the right fashion.
Many thanks to everyone at HM3.
Only 4 Stars because we were never notified as to the change from Hillier & McKeown to HM3 Legal.
It was only when we wanted to alter the wills that by good fortune I still had phone number of Hamilton Square. Well done to Ceri for patience and knowhow.
Paul Roberts
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
She kept me posted at all times and always returned telephone calls.I recommend her.
They both have been very diligent, responsive and solid in their responses and actions.
I would highly recommend their services. Happy to expand on my experience if anyone would like to know more!
I’m very happy with the service. I would gladly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy legal assistance.
Fees were clearly explained before work commenced and were fair and competitive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ruth and HM3 to anyone seeking expert legal support with personal or family matters.
Your Commercial Property questions answered
What services do your commercial property solicitors provide?
Commercial property solicitors provide advice on sales, purchases, leases, renewals, developments, landlord tenant matters, due diligence and asset management. HM3 Legal supports clients with complex matters such as negotiating favourable lease terms, overage agreements, investing, and building a property portfolio.
How long does a commercial property transaction typically take to complete?
Commercial property transactions typically take between six and twelve weeks – which entirely depends on the complexity, due diligence, financing, negotiations and parties involved. Timing for reviewing or renewing leases varies depending on the circumstances, and complex property developments can be subject to investors and protracted planning permissions.
What is involved in buying or selling a commercial property?
Buying or selling commercial property involves due diligence, searches, contract negotiation, financing, lease review, surveys, exchange and completion. A skilled solicitor will managing risk, compliance and registration to ensure negotiations run smoothly and the completion process is handled effectively.
What due diligence will you carry out before I commit to a commercial property purchase?
You can expect us to conduct commercial property due diligence including title checks, planning reviews, searches and enquiries, lease analysis, environmental risks, and contract reviews. With fixed fee options available, we give you legal advice, risk management, and cost certainty before you commit to buying a commercial property.
Can you help negotiate and draft commercial leases that properly protect my interests?
Yes. We negotiate commercial leases, draft robust lease agreements, and protect property interests by managing risk, rent terms, and break clauses. By providing practical legal advice we support ambitious businesses, investors and deveoplers to move forward with confidence.
How do you deal with issues such as restrictive covenants, rights of way or title defects?
We identify legal risks, review title documents, and resolve restrictive covenants, rights of way, or title defects through practical legal advice, negotiation, or insurance. Every property is different. We help protect property interests by keeping transactions moving smoothly confidently.
What are the key legal risks I should be aware of when investing in commercial property?
Key legal risks include due diligence, title defects, planning and zoning compliance, access rights, environmental liabilities, lease disputes, tax exposure, and financing terms. When investing in commercial property seek legal advice to manage risk and ensure your investment is secure in the long and short term.
How are your fees structured for commercial property work and what costs should I budget for?
We offer transparent commercial property fees, typically fixed-fee options, agreed upfront. Fees vary according to the legal advice required and the complexity of the transaction. Estimates should be clearly listed and no surprise extras included later in the process. You should budget for legal costs, search fees, Land Registry charges, and VAT.
What information do you need from me at the outset to progress my commercial property matter efficiently?
To progress matters quickly, we need property details, heads of terms, party information, funding arrangements, key dates, and any existing legal documents. We offer a no-obligation conversation at no cost to you. This results in efficient commercial property advice tailored to you from the outset.