Property
When it comes to property in Scotland, we have it covered. We have one of the largest teams of property solicitors in the country, advising clients across all industries and sectors in Scotland, across the UK and beyond on their property requirements.
Overview
Leading advisers on land, property and building
More than half of our lawyers advise on property-related matters on a day-to-day basis, using our business-focused approach, knowledge and relationships throughout the marketplace to efficiently deal with all aspects of the property, developing innovative structures and solutions to complex matters where required.
As well as having a core team dedicated to high-value commercial real estate matters, we have specialists in the land and property matters associated with areas including: energy & natural resources; housing; manufacturing; rural economy; infrastructure projects; and transport.
We are the largest firm in Scotland with a specialist housing practice, advising some of the UK’s largest social housing providers. Meanwhile, our rural team specialises in land advice, including being a long-term supplier of property legal services to Scotland’s biggest landowner, Forestry and Land Scotland.
We also have one of the largest residential property teams in Scotland which, as well as advising people who are buying or selling a home, has also advised the Scottish Government on thousands of transactions as part of its various shared equity schemes for homebuyers.
We can deal with all aspects of property matters, from acquisition, planning, development and construction through to resolving the disputes which can inevitably occur.
Our team has close working relationships with the leading operators in Scotland’s property industry, including Scottish Government, investors, developers and their funders, main contractors, specialist subcontractors, purchasers and tenants.
“John Meehan – one of the best in Scotland in the property sector. He is able to draw on his depth of experience and commercial savvy to solve problems whilst also being a genuinely nice guy. He also listens intently to what us, his clients, and his junior colleagues have to say in order to find a path through any practical challenges that often emerge as a deal progresses. He is the most well-rounded lawyer I have come across.”
Trusted partners
As one of Scotland’s leading property practices, our advice is also regularly sought out by clients and law firms based in jurisdictions outside of Scotland, who require our knowledge of the Scottish legal system and the property sector in general.
We also work with property professionals including engineers, surveyors, architects and accountants to achieve their aims and objectives.
Key contacts
Services
Our key property services
Commercial Real Estate
Overview
We have specialist commercial real estate lawyers to pro-actively deal with your property needs in selling, purchasing, leasing, development, investment, portfolio management or funding.
We use our knowledge and good working relationships throughout the property industry to efficiently deal with your needs and to develop innovative structures and solutions to complex contractual matters or to deal with large numbers of properties.
Residential property
Overview
The process of buying or selling a home is one of the most significant transactions in most people’s lives. It can also be one of the most stressful. At Harper Macleod, we work hard to alleviate this through good client care and regular contact with our professional staff.
Housing
Overview
As Scotland’s largest law firm with a specialist housing practice, our multi-disciplinary team of lawyers provides the regulatory, governance, commercial and property advice to meet all of your needs.
We have become trusted advisers to some of the UK’s largest housing providers by delivering innovative, practical and commercial solutions.
We work with a diverse range of organisations and businesses across the public and private sector, including: Scottish Government; local authorities; registered social landlords; joint venture bodies; private sector developers; and urban and community regeneration vehicles.
Renewable energy
Overview
With a specialist team completely dedicated to and focused on renewable energy, we offer a depth of experience and knowledge which sets us apart and ensures you have the support you require.
The team advises on projects of all sizes, from advising on smaller projects for individuals, Feed-in Tariff developers, estates and community groups to acting on behalf of utilities and major independents on large-scale onshore and offshore projects.
Banking & finance
Overview
We are trusted advisers to both banks and borrowers, providing specialist legal advice on banking and finance issues across all sectors.
We act for most of the main funders active in the UK market, including the biggest international banks, mezzanine funders and crowdfunding lenders.
Corporate law
Overview
We have particular experience of providing commercial legal advice to many of Scotland’s leading family-owned, employee-owned and owner-managed businesses.
What makes us different is our attitude and commitment to working with you to ensure you achieve your aims, not just providing legal answers to legal questions.
Planning & environmental
Overview
Planning and environmental issues are becoming increasingly complex and ever more subject to dispute and challenges. They can be the deciding factor in the success or otherwise of any development proposal and can consume extensive resources and time if not handled professionally.
THE TEAM
“Harper Macleod’s advice on a complex matter was clear and easy to follow.”
“Knowledge and market experience is second to none.”
“Thank you all for the professional way in which you have dealt with the refinancing. Great result for all of us and I look forward to furthering the business opportunities for us all going forward.”
“Where necessary the team offers alternative solutions to complex issues which has added additional value to client assets.”
“They have deep knowledge of our needs as a business and a sharp commercial focus.”
“In depth knowledge and experience.”
“To date I have been impressed by Harper Macleod’s concentration on the provision of a legal service that suits our needs. They seem to understand our business well, have a helpful attitude and are showing a genuine interest in our work.”
“They respond quickly and deal efficiently with our requests.”
“Able to respond quickly with reasoned advice.”