Rural Property and Agriculture Law

Landlords and Tenants

We recognise that landlords and tenants involved in letting rural property often face unique challenges and require tailored support. The laws governing rural property, from agricultural tenancies to commercial leases, can seem complex, but with our specialist knowledge and practical approach, we’re here to make it simpler for you.

Our team combines in-house expertise with strong relationships across the sector, including land agents and other professionals, ensuring you receive a seamless and comprehensive service. We provide clear, practical advice to help you achieve the best outcomes for your rural property arrangements.

Our specialist services include:

• Farm business tenancies – Expert advice on the creation, negotiation and management of tenancies tailored to your needs.
• Pre-1995 Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies – Guidance on these historic arrangements, including succession, rent reviews and dispute resolution.
• Tenancies and leases for commercial units – Assisting with agreements for diversifying farm properties into commercial opportunities.
• Grazing licences and grass-keeping arrangements – Support with temporary or seasonal agreements for livestock grazing.
• Telecom leases – Advising on agreements for telecom masts or other installations on your land.
• Renewable project leases – Specialist advice on leasing land for solar, wind or other renewable energy projects.
• Utility company leases and easements – Guidance on granting access or land use to utility providers for pipelines, cables or other infrastructure.

Property and Development

With extensive experience and a team who are genuinely passionate about rural development, we work alongside landowners to help them make the most of their land. Whether you’re planning a development project or looking for guidance on legal requirements, we provide straightforward advice that’s tailored to you.

We understand the challenges that come with owning and developing rural land. Laws in this area are often seen as difficult to manage, but our in-house expertise, paired with strong relationships with land agents and other sector professionals, ensures you receive the best possible support.

Our specialist services include:

• Development land – Advice on preparing land for development, ensuring legal and planning requirements are met while maximising its potential value.
• Strategic land advice – Supporting landowners in identifying and planning for long-term development opportunities, ensuring their land is well-positioned for future projects.
• Promotion agreements – Helping you secure favourable agreements with developers or promoters to unlock your land’s potential while protecting your interests.
• Options and conditional contracts – Drafting and negotiating agreements that balance flexibility for developers with strong protections for landowners.
• Overages – Structuring arrangements to ensure landowners benefit from any increase in land value after development.
• Section 106 agreements – Offering practical guidance on meeting planning obligations in a way that aligns with your goals.
• Biodiversity net gain – Advising on measures to enhance biodiversity as part of development projects.
• Water neutrality solutions – Helping you meet water neutrality requirements so your projects can move forward smoothly.

Agricultural Business

With extensive experience and a team passionate about supporting the agricultural sector, we offer practical and tailored legal advice for a wide range of farming and rural matters. From family and corporate farms to estates and agricultural businesses of all sizes, we’re here to guide you through everything, from property transactions to business structuring and land disputes.

Our specialist services include:

• Property sales and purchases – Expert support with buying and selling agricultural land and property, ensuring transactions run smoothly and your interests are fully protected.
• Voluntary first registrations of title – Helping landowners register their property with the Land Registry to clarify ownership and provide legal certainty for future transactions.
• Business structures – Advising on and establishing farming partnerships, companies, and other business structures to support long-term goals and effective management.
• Diversification projects – Legal advice on diversifying farm operations, whether it’s converting land for renewable energy projects, tourism or other income-generating ventures.
• Mortgages over agricultural land and farms – Assistance with securing financing and preparing mortgage agreements tailored to the unique needs of rural businesses.
• Public and private rights of way – Guidance on issues relating to access, including disputes or agreements involving rights of way.
• Boundary disputes and adverse possession claims – Resolving conflicts over property boundaries or claims of ownership to land through adverse possession.