Commercial lease solicitor fees in the UK
Commercial lease solicitor fees in the UK typically range from £1,000 for a short, simple licence to £5,000+ for a fully negotiated 10-year FRI lease of a substantial property. Both landlord and tenant should instruct separate solicitors. Heads of terms are usually agreed via the agent first, then drafted into a lease — the solicitor's role is to negotiate, draft and complete.
Readers comparing this typically also check conveyancing solicitor fees in the uk, landlord eviction costs in the uk and immigration solicitor fees in the uk.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Lease review only (tenant) | £750–£1,500 |
New lease — tenant side (under £30k rent) | £1,000–£2,500 |
New lease — tenant side (£30k–£100k rent) | £1,800–£4,000 |
New lease — landlord side | £1,500–£3,500 |
Lease renewal (1954 Act) | £2,000–£5,000 |
Assignment of lease | £1,000–£2,500 |
Licence to alter | £750–£2,000 |
Factors affecting cost
- ·Lease length (5, 10, 15-year terms attract more negotiation).
- ·Rent review pattern (open-market, RPI, fixed uplifts).
- ·Whether the lease is inside or outside the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954.
- ·Repair obligations (FRI, IRI or schedule of condition).
- ·Break clauses and any pre-conditions attached.
- ·Stamp Duty Land Tax — payable on NPV of rent over £150,000.
How to reduce costs
- ·Always negotiate a schedule of condition to limit dilapidations exposure at lease end.
- ·Push for a tenant-only break clause with minimal pre-conditions.
- ·Get heads of terms reviewed by your solicitor BEFORE signing the agreement — it is much cheaper than re-negotiating later.
- ·Use a solicitor experienced in your sector — retail, office and industrial leases differ materially.
- ·Confirm whether VAT is opted onto the property — it affects rent, SDLT and recoverable costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solicitors charge for a commercial lease in the UK?▾
£1,000–£2,500 for a small tenant-side new lease, rising to £4,000–£5,000+ for larger premises or renewals under the 1954 Act.
Do I have to use a solicitor for a commercial lease?▾
Not legally, but commercial leases are long, technical contracts with material long-term liabilities (dilapidations, repair, rent review). Tenant-side legal review is essential.
What is an FRI lease?▾
Full Repairing and Insuring — the tenant is responsible for all repairs and insurance reimbursement to the landlord. The standard UK commercial lease structure.
What is the 1954 Act?▾
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 gives business tenants a statutory right to renew their lease unless the landlord can prove statutory grounds to refuse. Many leases are 'contracted out' of the Act.
How much SDLT is payable on a commercial lease?▾
SDLT is calculated on the net present value (NPV) of rent over the term. 1% on NPV above £150,000, 2% above £5m. Plus separate SDLT on any premium paid.