Legal Advice for Developers Buying Land and Buildings
LEGAL ADVICE FOR BUYING LAND AND BUILDINGS FOR DEVELOPERS
Our property lawyers work with developers across Sussex and Kent and are familiar with many of the sites identified for potential development. Our commercial property solicitors work on land values between £1 million and £20 million, and have handled projects in excess of £200 million.
Legal advice for developers to support land development opportunities
We work with developers supporting them at every stage of a development. Our initial site appraisal and restrictions audit will make clear the legal structures available for development and we offer legal support to drive forward planning applications.
We are very familiar with the different models of development agreement which means we are well placed to draft and progress robust agreements that serve our clients’ interests. Our property solicitors negotiate agreements that allow projects to move forward quickly, minimising exposure to risk.
Our property lawyers are also experienced in supporting site assembly and dealing sensitively with strategic transactions involving multiple landowners as well as being able to advise on lenders’ requirements should financing be required. We have a complementary Plot Sales Team that handles volume transactions, allowing the developer to maximise sales at the earliest opportunity.
Land and building acquisitions expertise
- Site appraisal and restrictions audit
- Planning appraisal and consent
- Joint ventures with multiple landowners
- All types of developer agreements, including promotion agreements, development agreements, option agreements, contracts conditional on planning and overage
- Site assembly
- Financing
- Plot sales

Rix & Kay is a regional practice with notable development expertise and the ability to handle a variety of investment matters. Also equipped to advise on landlord and tenant issues. Works with a range of clients including banks, charities, developers and retailers. Noteworthy knowledge of real estate transactions in the agriculture, healthcare and hospitality sectors.
One client reports: “They are very good at keeping you informed within the market.”
David Ashton is ranked as a Notable Practitioner, “David is excellent to work with and very experienced and proactive. He provides clear, concise advice and takes a practical, commercial approach to advising clients.”
Chambers & Partners 2021

Rix & Kay’s client base stretches beyond the South East, with the firm advising on commercial property matters across the country. Examples of their work include advising commercial clients on leases, handling the financing and refinancing of properties, and assisting with property transactions. David Ashton has broad experience in the commercial property field. Richard Cripps specialises in advising developers on acquisitions, as well as working with landowners on the sale of land.