Property News Issue H1 2026
H1 2026 Newsletter This newsletter brings together the latest Hicks Baker news, market updates, property advice and a selection of current commercial properties available across the Thames Valley. Upward-Only Rent Reviews Banned: What the New Law Means for Commercial Landlords and Tenants A useful summary of the planned ban on upward-only rent reviews, what it […]
Q1 2026 Retail Market Commentary with a focus on Windsor
Did Q1 start with a bang after the lack lustre performance of the retail sector last year, particularly the latter half? Well, not really . . . as a Retail Week reporter commented, it was more of a ‘whimper’. The overriding event from the quarter that has the potential to derail even a ‘whimpering’ market […]
Why a Licence to Alter is Important at Rent Review
Not all properties are let in pristine condition, and many tenants will want to make changes so a space better fits their needs. When it comes to altering a leasehold commercial property, it’s crucial that any work is covered by a Licence to Alter. This written agreement from the landlord grants permission for the tenant […]
Upward-Only Rent Reviews Banned: What the New Law Means for Commercial Landlords and Tenants
On 29th April 2026 Parliament effectively ruled that Upward‑only rent review provisions will become unlawful for new and renewal commercial leases following Royal Assent of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. However the implementation of the new provision is unlikely to become effective until at least 2027. This is a major shift for […]
Closing Your Premises Before a Lease Expiry: What Are Your Options?
If your business has ceased trading, but your lease continues – the costs don’t stop. Tenants are typically still responsible for rent, rates, insurance, service charges and other outgoings until the lease ends. There is rarely a simple exit however, there are various options that may reduce or transfer liability, depending on your lease and […]
‘Why Do I Need A Surveyor To Act For Me – I Can Do It Myself’
Finding the perfect new retail or leisure unit for your business isn’t as simple as spotting a “To Let” sign and signing on the dotted line. In the high-stakes world of commercial property, the space you choose, and the deal you strike – can be the difference between a thriving business and a costly mistake. […]
Q4 2025 Retail Market Commentary with a focus on Reading
Q4 2025 was a very gloomy quarter for the retail sector across the UK, thanks in no small part to the budget which took place on 26th November. Economic KPI’s Retail sales across the country were down 7% in November compared to the same month in 2024 – the reduction varied across the five sectors […]
ESG and Office Space: Key Considerations for Landlords and Tenants
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become steadily more influential in the office space market over recent years. Many occupiers now consider ESG factors amongst their key criteria when selecting new space. ESG factors continue to influence priorities and relationships between landlords and tenants in a multitude of ways, some of which we have […]
Case Law Update: Lease Interpretation and Licence or Lease – Key Lessons for Landlords and Tenants
As a property and asset manager, we monitor developments in property case law to keep up to date on legal changes which may impact on our clients’ property interests. Two recent cases caught our eye highlight important considerations around lease interpretation and the distinction between leases and licences. HLS Leisure Ltd v Darville and Son […]
Q2 2025 Retail Market Commentary with spotlight on Wokingham and Woodley
A new noun has entered the retail arena this quarter, that of ‘vibecession’ (as coined by Retail Week) referring to the ‘feeling’ that we are in a recession, which is muting consumer spending. Economic Pressures Weighing on Confidence Confidence is at the root of this ‘feeling’ driven by rising inflation and a rising unemployment level […]
