Life Sciences Real Estate Lawyers

Growing demand for life sciences real estate in the UK

The Life Sciences industry is growing, with increasing international investment triggering a higher demand for real estate across the UK.

There has never been a more opportune time to invest in and develop Life Sciences Real Estate.

Specialist legal support for life sciences real estate

Our Life Sciences Real Estate team will work alongside your business to help you assess both the opportunities and the risks you may face. We have worked with international, and UK-based Life Sciences Real Estate Developers and Investors for over a decade and we understand the particular nuances of this asset class.

We support you through the entire asset life cycle

Due diligence and initial assessment

We conduct thorough due diligence on potential investment opportunities, offering tax and structuring advice to ensure informed decision-making. Our team evaluates risks and opportunities, providing a solid foundation for your investment strategy.

Site assembly and acquisition

Our experts assist in site assembly and acquisition, including negotiating agreements conditional on planning. We ensure seamless transactions, aligning with your strategic goals and facilitating smooth entry into the market.

Planning and strategic advice

We provide strategic advice on navigating the planning process, including handling s106 agreements. Our guidance ensures compliance and optimises development potential, helping you achieve planning objectives efficiently.

Development and pre-let agreements

We manage development agreements and pre-let negotiations, ensuring projects are structured for success. Our team facilitates partnerships and agreements that align with your long-term vision and operational needs.

Procurement and construction management

Our procurement and construction services cover all necessary documentation, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and to the highest standards. We manage the process from start to finish, minimising risks and delays.

Lease management and negotiations

We handle lease negotiations, assignments, and sublettings, ensuring favourable terms and conditions. Our expertise in lease re-gears and renewals helps optimise your portfolio's performance and adaptability.

Portfolio management and end-of-tenancy

Our ongoing management services include lettings, re-gears, variations, and licence applications. We provide expert advice on end-of-tenancy issues, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining portfolio value.

Property dispute resolution

We offer property dispute resolution services to address conflicts efficiently and effectively. Our team works to resolve issues amicably, protecting your interests and maintaining operational continuity.

Funding and financial structuring

We assist with funding, including forward funding and development finance. Our financial structuring services support your growth and expansion, ensuring projects are financially viable and strategically sound.

Meet our life sciences real estate experts

Led by Commercial Real Estate Partner Louise Ward and supported by a large multi-disciplinary team, including planning, construction, rights of light, real estate disputes and tax, our experience means that we are well placed to advise both existing operators and new entrants into this booming sector.

Our recent experience

BioMed Realty: Comprehensive real estate solutions for Life Sciences innovation

BioMed Realty, the largest private provider of real estate to life sciences companies based in San Diego, has been a client of our Firm since they entered the UK market in 2012. We advised on the initial acquisition of Granta Park. Since then, we have acted on all letting, development and management matters at the Park, including the development of new R&D facilities for both Illumina Inc and Gilead Sciences.

The Pirbright Institute: Strategic guidance for cutting-edge campus redevelopment

The Pirbright Institute is a  world-leading research centre. We advised on their 12 year, £500 million redevelopment programme of their Surrey campus, establishing them as the foremost state-of-the-art institute in the world for research on some of the most devastating viruses of farmed animals. Our advice and services include procurement strategy and drafting, and negotiation of all the construction documentation.

IQVIA: Expert legal advisory for strategic real estate and corporate transitions

IQVIA is a leading global provider of analytics, tech solutions and clinical research services. We are IQVIA’s legal advisors on all aspects of its real estate, construction and planning requirements, ranging from its HQ premises to corporate acquisitions. We recently advised on the simultaneous disposal of its 120,000 sq. ft premises at Green Park, Reading to Virgin Media and its new lease at M&G’s Forbury Place development in Reading.

BioMed @ Babraham: Strategic acquisition and development of cutting-edge Life Sciences hub

We recently advised BioMed on the conditional acquisition by way of a 99 year lease of an 8-acre site at the Babraham Institute and redevelopment into life sciences office and laboratory space - alongside the existing Babraham Campus. We acted on property, planning and construction matters for this leading partnership. The site is now fully let to tenants including RxCelerate and Mission Therapeutics.