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Blandy & Blandy Solicitors
Commercial Property & Planning Law Solicitors in Reading, Henley-on-Thames & Wokingham

Solicitors For Your Business

Commercial Property & Planning Law Solicitors in Reading, Henley-on-Thames & Wokingham

Looking for expert legal advice?

Whether you are buying, selling or leasing commercial property, or developing land, our award-winning Commercial Property & Planning team can offer expert legal advice.

We routinely advise owners and occupiers in relation to premises including business parks and industrial estates, offices, retail units, sporting and leisure facilities, healthcare sites and care homes, universities and independent schools, hotels and hospitality venues, as well as land to be used for a wide variety of purposes.

Our clients range from corporates and UK subsidiaries to large private companies, or SMEs, including family or owner-managed businesses, banks and other lenders, investors and pension funds, local authorities, town and parish councils, national and local charities, universities and independent schools, and private individuals.

With significant experience of acting for large landowners and private individuals, major housebuilders and independent developers, we provide a comprehensive, end-to-end service and have advised on development land projects involving fewer than ten properties through to major schemes with over 2,000 homes and extensive infrastructure and amenities.

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Our Highly Experienced Commercial Property & Planning Team

With conveniently located offices in Reading, Henley-on-Thames, Wokingham and London (by appointment),  you will benefit from our in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the region and our longstanding professional relationships with other firms and advisers who may be representing you or involved in matters. This can often help to ensure a smoother process and minimise the likelihood and impact of any unforeseen issues or costly delays.

Where relevant, you can rely on our firm's specialist expertise in other areas of law, ranging from Residential Property to Dispute Resolution.

As members of the Law Firm Network, a global network of over 50 law firms, we can advise international clients on doing business in the UK, and refer clients based nationwide to like-minded lawyers overseas when required.

Our Leading Reputation

We are proud to have been named as a finalist in the ‘Property Law Firm of the Year’ category at the Thames Valley Property Awards four times (2017, 2018, 2023 and 2024), winning in 2017. We were also named ‘Property Law Firm of the Year’ at the 2023 Insider South East Property Awards, 'Best Law Firm' at the 2023 Royal Berkshire Property Awards and shortlisted again in 2024 for the same award.

We are one of few law firms outside of London to also provide specialist Planning Law advice, having been recognised among the the top 25 Planning Law firms in the country by Planning Magazine for many years.

We continue to feature in the UK’s leading guides to the legal profession, being top ranked in Chambers UK Guide and recommended in The Legal 500, whilst our successful approach and lasting professional relationships are evident in the excellent feedback that our clients kindly continue to share. As such, you can be confident that you are in safe and expert hands.

Our Commercial Property & Planning Solicitors

For expert legal advice call our Commercial Property & Planning team
Reading 0118 951 6800 Henley-on-Thames 01491 572 323 Wokingham 0118 951 6888

Rosalind Andrews

Rosalind Andrews

Consultant, Planning Law

0118 951 6913

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John Dingle

John Dingle

Partner, Commercial Property

0118 951 6802

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Jane Gunnell

Jane Gunnell

Consultant, Commercial Property

0118 951 6860

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Luke McMath

Luke McMath

Partner, Property

01491 528 020

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Gemma Stephenson

Gemma Stephenson

Partner, Commercial Property

0118 951 6867

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Katja Wigham

Katja Wigham

Partner, Commercial Property

0118 951 6933

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Jonathan Dinsdale

Jonathan Dinsdale

Senior Associate, Dispute Resolution - Property Disputes

0118 951 6916

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Paul Wilkinson

Paul Wilkinson

Senior Associate, Commercial Property

0118 951 6879

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Megan Harris

Megan Harris

Associate, Commercial Property

0118 951 6832

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Edward Williams

Edward Williams

Solicitor, Commercial Property

0118 951 6937

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Tatiana Zanré

Tatiana Zanré

Legal Assistant, Planning & Environmental Law

0118 951 6913

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Thomas King

Thomas King

Trainee Solicitor

0118 951 6897

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Common Questions

Where are your offices located?

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Our offices are conveniently located in Reading, Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham. We can also advise you remotely and you can expect the same legal advice and client care on which our leading reputation is based, however you decide to work with us.

How quickly can I expect to hear back after making an enquiry?

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We aim to respond to enquiries the same or next day where possible (subject to weekends, holidays and bank holidays).

Selling land for development, where do I begin?

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Take agent/valuer and legal advice early on. A health check of your title by a solicitor to check there is no missing land or restrictions or rights on your title which may impede development is important. An agent can advise on value and whether any “uplift” provisions should be agreed under which a seller is paid extra money by the buyer in certain circumstances such as where they obtain planning permission which increases the value of the site.

Do I need a solicitor to advise on a commercial lease?

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There is no legal requirement to instruct a solicitor when taking a lease. However, you risk entering into a lease which may be unduly onerous, for example in terms of repair or it may contain inoperable break clauses. Many leases also attract an obligation to pay SDLT within 14 days of completion or earlier occupation and to register at the Land Registry. This can be easier if you instruct a solicitor.

Do I have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on a commercial lease

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Sometimes. SDLT is payable if the rent (plus VAT) payable over the first five years of the term taking into account rent free periods and rent reviews exceeds a threshold. SDLT is payable within 14 days of completion or earlier occupation.

What is security of tenure?

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Security of tenure is a statutory protection introduced under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (“the Act”) which gives a tenant a right to request a new tenancy at the end of the term. The landlord can only object based on certain grounds set out in the Act. The parties can agree that security of tenure is excluded from a lease and this is common in many commercial leases; particularly shorter ones. There is a statutory procedure which must be followed to exclude security of tenure. The landlord must ensure it is correctly followed or risk inadvertently granting the tenant security of tenure.

For what might I need landlord’s consent?

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It depends entirely on the terms of the lease but the most common are:

  • To assign (transfer) the lease
  • To underlet
  • To make alterations
  • To take a mortgage
  • To make a planning application
  • To change use

What do I do if I’ve lost my title deeds?

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If your property is registered the answer may well be nothing, if the Land Registry title is up to date and complete.

If your property does not have a registered title then if you have searched everywhere, including with any current or former lender or solicitor, you may have to make an application for adverse possession based on lost title deeds. A solicitor can help you with that.

What is a restrictive covenant?

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A restrictive covenant is a restriction usually imposed on the sale or purchase of property which restricts certain uses of that property for the benefit of neighbouring land. e.g. not to use the property except as a single private dwelling house; not to construct any buildings on the property. This can affect future development.

What compliance documents must I have to sell or lease my property?

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We will need:-

  • Photo and address ID. We will then carry out an online ID check.
  • Evidence of ownership of the property.
  • Evidence of source of wealth; i.e. how did you earn the money which enabled you to purchase the property.
  • Why Choose Us?

  • Leading Reputation

    We are widely acknowledged as one of the leading firms of Commercial Property & Planning solicitors in the Thames Valley, with conveniently located offices in Reading, Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham.

  • Outstanding Client Care

    Listening carefully to our clients’ needs and aims, we are committed to providing you with clear, practical, commercially focused and effective legal advice, a responsive and highly personal service and, crucially, value for money.

  • Recommended By Our Clients

    More than 800 clients have shared their experience of working with our firm via Review Solicitors. 99% would recommend us, 99% were satisfied with the outcome of their matter and 98% felt that they received value for money. You can also explore our clients' feedback via Google Reviews and Trustpilot.

  • Trusted Relationships

    Our established relationships and experience in working with banks and lenders and other leading firms, including property agents, surveyors, architects, planning consultants and other solicitors, can help to minimise the likelihood and impact of any unforeseen issues or costly delays.

  • A Joined Up Approach

    You can rely on our firm's specialist expertise in other areas of law if needed.

“Blandy & Blandy are the leading property lawyers in the Thames Valley, and it shows in the quality of their partners and associates. They know the law, the sector and deliver the service calmly and effectively.”

The Legal 500

“Blandy & Blandy has a strong team that advises on a full range of property matters.”

Chambers UK Guide

“The team is led by very experienced partners and is well respected throughout the industry.”

The Legal 500

“Experienced in property transactions including sales, acquisitions and leases as well as in relation to land development projects.”

Chambers UK Guide

“Simply excellent. A great team specialising in all facets of commercial property, with a thirst to achieve the very best outcome for their client.”

The Legal 500

“The team has a high level of expertise for complex commercial property transactions.”

Chambers UK Guide

“The collective experience of the whole property team is huge, they've seen it all before, and can advise on the risks and recommended actions from a perspective of personal experience.”

The Legal 500

“Blandy and Blandy is a great all-rounder. John Dingle is a super client partner. Always available to offer solutions and looking after all the client needs.”

Head of the Estates Legal Team, University of Oxford

“Blandy & Blandy has provided R Collard Limited with legal advice for many years, supporting the growth of our company. They are a valued partner, understand our business needs and provide us with the right legal support, when needed.”

Managing Director, R Collard Limited

“The team at Blandy & Blandy are, without exception, an exemplar legal firm. I have had the privilege of working with partner level solicitors specialising in corporate, commercial, property and charity related matters. Their personal, rational and methodical approach to every case has been extremely beneficial and delivered favourable results in a timely manner. I would not hesitate to recommend Blandy & Blandy to anyone wishing to secure the very best legal advice.”

Chief Executive, The Hartley Trust

“Thames Valley Air Ambulance has been supported by Blandy & Blandy for more than 10 years and their legal expertise has been invaluable across our organisation. As our trusted legal advisers, Blandy & Blandy consistently prioritise our needs, taking the time to develop a deep understanding of our organisational structure and the nuances of our operations. Their support has spanned a wide range of matters, including the lease for our expanded Operations and Education space. Their proactive and thoughtful approach means we can focus on delivering critical care, knowing our external legal needs are in expert hands.”

CEO, Thames Valley Air Ambulance

“I had the pleasure of working with the property team, whereby they provided the legal advice to a landowning client of mine, in respect of a land promotion agreement and site development considerations. The team was excellent, with high quality considered advice and a very responsive service, which greatly aided the progression and conclusion of the agreement to all our mutual satisfaction. Very impressed, and I am looking forward to working on the next project together. I have no hesitation in recommending Blandy & Blandy on any such matters to further clients.”

Managing Director, Powells Chartered Surveyors, Land & Estate Agents

“Blandy’s have acted for us over a number of years on a diverse range of issues. We have found them to be clear, expert, well-resourced and approachable in their advice.”

Director, Cove Construction Limited

“We’re thrilled to be relocating our office to Wokingham. As a local business we’re excited to be part of such a vibrant community and to continue supporting business owners with their financial growth and success. We’d like to thank Blandy & Blandy for their exceptional legal support throughout the process of securing our new office.”

Director, Melanie Curtis Accountants Limited

“We are extremely proud to bring this iconic hotel into our existing portfolio and look forward to working with the team in situ to further build on its reputation and stature. It has been a pleasure working with Blandy & Blandy, who have advised and helped to navigate us successfully through the acquisition process.”

Director, Crest Hotels Group

“Blandy & Blandy has supported the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) with a wide range of legal services, covering all aspects of commercial life, for many years. It’s the simple things that matter most to clients like the GGF, such as prompt responses to communications and sound advice that can be relied upon, which all equate to how you assess value for money as a client. These core building blocks have allowed the GGF to build key relationships with our partners at Blandy & Blandy and take their strategic legal advice as we continue to grow and develop all aspects of the GGF Group.”

Managing Director, Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF)

“We are delighted with and grateful for Blandy & Blandy’s continued advice and support, most recently on a land purchase that proved quite involved. John Dingle went above and beyond in dealing with the matter. We are very confident that Blandy & Blandy is re the right law firm to support our growing family business with all of our legal requirements.”

Kingdom Coffee Group Limited

Examples of our Team's Work

  • Acting for a top 10 accountancy firm in relocating their Thames Valley office.
  • Acting for a large waste recycling company acquiring a recycling facility.
  • Advising a high-end residential developer client on the conditional acquisition of a prominent site in West London, with an anticipated GDV of £14m.
  • Acting for a leading lender, advising on the legal implications of a tax mitigation scheme relating to the incorporation of a property letting business.
  • Advising landowners in relation to the grant of film location agreements in connection with the filming of movies and TV programmes.
  • Advising a specialist provider of diagnostic and healthcare solutions on the acquisition and development of a new-build diagnostic unit for MRI and PET CT scanning.
  • Acting for a charity landowner in respect of the disposal under option of a residential development site.
  • Advising a hotel owner and operator on the reinstatement of property.
Examples of our Team's Work

Awards & Accreditations

Top tier firm, Chambers UK Guide

Top tier firm, Chambers UK Guide

Recommended, The Legal 500

Recommended, The Legal 500

Held The Law Society's Lexcel quality mark for client care, compliance and practice management since 2003.

Held The Law Society's Lexcel quality mark for client care, compliance and practice management since 2003.

Winner, 'Property Law Firm of the Year', Thames Valley Property Awards 2017 and Finalist, 2018, 2023 and 2024.

Winner, 'Property Law Firm of the Year', Thames Valley Property Awards 2017 and Finalist, 2018, 2023 and 2024.

Winner, 'Best Law Firm', Royal Berkshire Property Awards 2023 and Finalist, 2024.

Winner, 'Best Law Firm', Royal Berkshire Property Awards 2023 and Finalist, 2024.

Winner, 'Property Law Firm of the Year', Insider South East Property Awards 2023.

Winner, 'Property Law Firm of the Year', Insider South East Property Awards 2023.

Top 25 Planning Law Firm, Planning Magazine 2025

Top 25 Planning Law Firm, Planning Magazine 2025