Bio
James is a Commercial Real Estate Partner.
James has experience in dealing with agricultural and rural property matters, advising farmers, landowners, estate owners, rural businesses and agricultural tenants on a broad range of legal issues affecting farmland and rural property.
His work includes acting on the acquisition and disposal of farms, farmland and other rural property, ranging from small agricultural holdings to landed estates.
He regularly advises on estate and rural property transactions and undertakes detailed due diligence investigations, including the review of title documentation, boundaries, rights of way, easements and restrictive covenants. This includes advising on the grant, interpretation, variation and release of easements and covenants, as well as resolving issues that may affect the use, enjoyment or future development potential of agricultural land.
He also has experience in negotiating and drafting overage agreements/development clawback provisions.
James advises both landlords and tenants on agricultural tenancy matters and the grant and termination of grazing licences and other occupation arrangements.
Examples of James’ work include:
- Acting in various farm sales.
- Advising clients on auction purchase where there was a short period between reviewing the auction pack and the auction.
- Advising in respect of property ownership within a farming partnership.
- Advising in respect of a proposed purchase of an historic listed large country house which had various previous uses with overage obligations.