Office to Residential Conversion

Acquisition of an office building in East Sussex and converted into 20 self-contained residential units

We advised a property developer on the unconditional acquisition of an office building in East Sussex, purchased for conversion into 20 self-contained residential units under permitted development rights.

The project had a Gross Development Value (GDV)
of approximately £5 million and involved complex
coordination between acquisition, development finance, and the creation of a lease structure to support buy-to-let investment funding.

The Challenge

The transaction required careful management of legal and commercial risk. The purchase was unconditional, placing greater emphasis on thorough due diligence and certainty around deliverability. In addition, the development relied on permitted development rights rather than a full planning application, requiring specialist knowledge of the relevant legislative framework.

Key challenges included:

Managing risk associated with an unconditional purchase
Confirming lawful use and eligibility for permitted development conversion
Aligning acquisition timing with development finance requirements
Structuring leases to enable buy-to-let investment finance following completion
Maintaining a clear path from acquisition through to investment exit

Our Role

We provided comprehensive legal support throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Site Acquisition

Advised on the unconditional purchase of the office building
Carried out detailed title and property due diligence to mitigate risk
Reviewed permitted development eligibility and associated conditions
Negotiated and completed the acquisition in line with the developer’s commercial timetable

Development Finance

Acted in relation to development finance supporting the conversion works
Coordinated with the lender and their solicitors to ensure a fundable and efficient structure
Addressed lender requirements relating to permitted development schemes

Lease Structuring & Investment Finance

Created a suite of leases for the individual residential units
Ensured lease terms were compliant with buy-to-let lender requirements
Supported the client in securing onward investment finance post-completion

The Outcome

The acquisition completed successfully, enabling the developer to proceed with the conversion works without delay. The project progressed as a permitted development scheme, and the lease structure allowed the client to secure buy-to-let development scheme, and the lease structure allowed the client to secure buy-to-let investment finance across the completed units.

Why Choose Us?

Commercial Property Expertise – Extensive experience advising developers on acquisition, conversion, and funding.
Permitted Development Knowledge – In-depth understanding of office-to-residential permitted development regimes across England.
Finance-Focused Advice – Proven capability acting on development finance and investment funding structures.
End-to-End Support – From acquisition through development to investment exit, we provide joined-up legal advice.
UK-Wide Reach – Advising clients on development projects across London, the South East, and the wider UK.

If you are considering an office-to-residential conversion, development acquisition, or funding-led project, our commercial property team can provide clear, pragmatic legal advice tailored to your objectives.

Get in touch

I can only recommend Ashworths. Been using them for over 15 years, simply the best.”

Mr V. London