Kingsbridge: 01548 857000
Plymouth: 01752 246000
info@beersllp.com
Beers LLP on Facebook Beers LLP on Twitter Beers LLP on Instagram
  • Home
  • About Us
    • The Partners
    • Property Team
    • Private Client Team
    • Family and Matrimonial Team
    • Dispute Resolution Team
    • Employment Team
    • Personal Injury Team
    • Management Team
    • Testimonials
    • Social & Corporate Responsibilities
  • Beers for Business
    • Employment
    • Company & Commercial
    • Property
    • Private Client
    • Dispute Resolution
    • Personal Injury
    • Free Legal Advice
  • Beers For You
    • Free Legal Advice
    • Problems at Work
    • Accident Claims
    • Wills & Inheritance Tax
    • Dispute Resolution
    • Financial Planning
    • Relationship Breakdown
    • Buying and Selling Property
    • Company & Commercial
    • Family & Matrimonial
  • Pricing & Services
  • Complaints
  • News
    • Latest News
  • Downloads
  • Recruitment
  • Find Us
    • Kingsbridge
    • Plymouth
  • Contact
    • Online Bill Payment
    • Checkout

PROPERTY

Commercial Property

Any property transaction may involve complex legal factors but much more so when that property is a commercial one. Planning considerations, environmental liabilities, investment issues and the payment of tax on a transaction are all concerns if you are buying, leasing or selling commercial property.

With a thorough grasp of the detail of current property legislation, we’ll manage the process of your transaction seamlessly, supporting you, partnering you or leading the way.

We advise on acquisitions, disposals, commercial and residential site development, negotiating and reviewing leases and rent reviews.

Commercial lettings

Landlords are faced with an increasing burden of statutory compliance and tenants find themselves with greater rights and but also greater responsibilities. Our expertise includes acting for both landlords and tenants, providing advice on strategy and procedure from both perspectives. We cover all areas of leasehold management including lease renewals.

“The group at Beers LLP ‘always acts quickly’ and provides a ‘personal service’. Richard Jones heads the team”. The Legal 500, West Country, Commercial Property.

Licensing

You might be buying a restaurant, a corner shop or garage. All have varied licensing requirements.

Working hand in hand with our Commercial Property team, our Licensing team will keep you on the right side of the law in this complex area of law. We can help with the grant and transfer or personal and premises licences to ensure that you comply with the relevant legislation. We can also assist in applications to vary existing licences to suit the changing needs of your business.

Residential Lettings

Advice for landlords

At Beers, we help people who have let their home, bought a property to let or who have bought or inherited a property with sitting tenants. We can assist in drawing up a wide range of tenancy agreements to protect you and and your property.

While a properly prepared tenancy agreement can prevent many problems, when difficulties do arise it is crucial that landlords get appropriate advice about landlords’ rights as swiftly as possible, especially as regards rent arrears policy, using the accelerated possession procedure or getting rent arrears paid.

A letter from a landlord’s solicitor can be enough to get a problem tenant to clear rent arrears and to avoid future arrears because of the threat of legal action. If it does not, enforcing your rights as a landlord at an early stage against problem tenants will result in regaining possession of your property and peace of mind.

Advice for tenants

Advice about tenants’ legal rights is basic and fundamental to ensuring access to affordable and secure housing.

Housing problems such as actual or threatened homelessness, rent arrears or disrepair can have a devastating effect on individuals and families. We recognise that as a tenant or leaseholder, a housing law issue may coincide with problems such as a loss of employment, ill health or disability.

Knowing your tenancy rights or duties and having appropriate legal help at these times can prevent the situation turning into a crisis. We will always act quickly and sympathetically on your behalf to prevent this.

Click here to go to the Law Society and download the Renting out Your Property leaflet »

Click here to go to the Law Society and download the Renting a Home Leaflet »

Buying and Selling Property

Moving home is said to be one of life’s most stressful challenges. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. With more than three quarters of UK homes owner-occupied, many of us will be buyers and sellers at some point in our lives.

We will ensure that you are aware of everything relevant to your property transaction and will carefully manage the process for you throughout.

Experts in buying and selling homes

If you are buying a property, we will ensure that everything is ready for your moving in date.

We will manage carefully the conveyancing process from the start, beginning with the best advice on which survey you may require before making your offer.

We will make sure that you clearly understand the financial position such as any deposit amount, specific mortgage conditions, stamp duty or freeholder notice fees which will affect the cost of buying and keeping your home.

FASTMOVE Sell your house the FASTMOVE way

Beers belongs to FASTMOVE, an agreement between the leading firms in the South West with the aim of standardising paperwork thus speeding up the transaction for you.

If you are selling, we will keep that all important regular contact with the buyer’s solicitor and prepare the necessary property information forms and fixtures & fittings lists and arrange for preparation of the Energy Performance Certificate which will ensure that the transaction proceeds smoothly.

We can, if required, advise on any estate agent’s fees and check any agreements that they have asked you to sign.

Click here to go to the Law Society and download the Buying a Home Leaflet »

Tips on how to avoid Property Fraud and Email Hacking

The legal community has been aware of these issues for some time now and the majority of firms drum it into their employees that no matter how safe the firm’s property firewalls/anti-virus or spam filters are, those of the public will probably be less so.

The Bold Legal Group has over 420 member firms throughout England and Wales and have been highlighting these issues to its members, on a regular basis, for the last year or two. They have a compiled a few pointers for the public:

  • If you receive the solicitor/conveyancer firm’s bank details by email, and don’t also receive the same details by post, phone the firm to make sure they are correct (using a verified landline telephone number).
  • Do not send your bank details by email (to anyone), either phone them through or take them in.
  • Make sure the firm acting for you is genuine by checking with the lists compiled by the Law Society or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. Carry out a law firm search via the Solicitors Regulation Authority website.
  • Read anything sent to you by your conveyancers carefully. Many firms provide clients with their bank details at the outset (by post) and stress that those details will not change. Always telephone to check if the bank details provided appear to have changed.
  • If you are being pushed to proceed very quickly be careful, fraudsters often use this tactic so that emails are used and corners are cut.
  • If you are buying an empty or tenanted property, tell your conveyancer and make sure they are 100% sure the seller is who they say they are.
  • Ask the firm you are thinking of instructing what anti-fraud and cybercrime measures they have in place.
  • Ask them what checks they carry out to ensure the buyers/sellers firm is genuine. Do they use services like Lawyer Checker/Lender Exchange/The Safe Move Scheme?
  • If you have to send sensitive information by email do not give a clue to what that information might be in the email’s subject line.
  • Test your conveyancers account details by sending a nominal amount, say between £1.00 and £10.00 first, and then phone to make sure it has arrived safely.
  • Do not post any updates on social media as to the progress of your transaction – this is how some fraudsters identify when to send the scam email requesting your money.
  • Working with your conveyancer is a two way street. No matter how good and safe they are, if you are not as vigilant you may end up having your emails hacked or becoming involved in property fraud.
  • Above all, remember that buying or selling a property is one of the most important and complicated things you will ever do. Do not instruct the cheapest firm to act for you. Visit the firm if possible. Certainly speak to the person who will be handling your transaction (or the Head of Department or Team Leader) and make sure you feel confident in them and their ability.

Richard Jones
Senior Partner, Head of Property
Kingsbridge 01548 855010
richard.jones@beersllp.com

Rural ProfessionalsAfter studying law at the University of Liverpool and completing his post-graduate year at the College of Law Chester, Richard qualified as a solicitor in 1996. He joined Beers LLP in 2005 and became Head of Property in 2007.

Richard deals with a wide range of high-value residential and commercial transactions, including sales and purchases, the grant and surrender of leases, agricultural land transactions, the grant of easements and complex development and leasehold enfranchisement matters.

undefinedAway from the office, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife, their 2 young children and their Dalmatian dog. He is a former professional sailor, an indifferent guitar player and an ever slower long distance runner.

Richard is a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association and is recommended in Chambers guide to the legal profession for commercial property work.

Now that the dust has settled a little on a very busy few days, I just wanted to extend my gratitude to you and Kim for overseeing our complicated sale and onwards purchase. I know our sale was particularly onerous but your professionalism and dedication helped us achieve what we feared on numerous occasions was an impossible task. Thank you. Our new home is absolutely wonderful and we leave very happy customers.
James Thomas,
As with the last house move Beers coordinated, this one was efficiently handled and Beers kept us informed at all times. It's a weight off knowing that you're on top of everything, and you diligently chased other parties in the chain to keep their side of things moving. I would wholeheartedly recommend Beers to anyone looking to move house, I wouldn't use anyone else!
Daniel Housego-Watts,
Outstanding in every way. Efficiency, knowledge, advice.  Excellent value for money.  I cannot speak highly enough of both lawyers who dealt with my legal matters.  Amazing. All other staff were also wonderful, polite and efficient.
Dr S Chilvers
Totally excellent service throughout. An 'intricate, odd, complex, basically difficult house purchase. Very sincere thanks Paul
Mr P M P Rowe
Donna Butler
Solicitor
Plymouth 01752 246004
donna.butler@beersllp.com

Donna studied law at Plymouth University and has worked locally for many years and has built a strong local network of connections.  She continues her strong affiliation with the University by being part of their Mentoring Programme and is a Case Study for the Law School blog.

Donna has previous experience in Private Client work including Contentious Probate and is an Accredited GDPR Practitioner,  but now specialises in Residential Conveyancing.  As a result of Donna’s previous experience in other areas of law she is able to deal with all complex and non-complex matters including acting on behalf of Trustees of Trusts and Attorneys or Deputies in a proactive, swift manner but with a dash of sense of humour!

Donna is kept busy out of the office with her family and dogs (a third member of the team with Dachshunds !)

 

Carolyn Thomas
Chartered Legal Executive
Plymouth 01752 246014
carolyn.thomas@beersllp.com

Carolyn has been a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives since 2012 and has specialised in residential conveyancing since 2016. She deals with a wide range of conveyancing matters including: New Build purchases; Equity loans; Transfers of Equity; Declarations of Trust as well as freehold and leasehold sales and purchases. Her career in law spans over 11 years and she has experience in a wide range of areas, including family law and litigation. Prior to that she held managerial roles in Administration. Her wide-ranging experience allows her to take a more holistic view to property transactions and advise clients accordingly.

Carolyn has a busy home life with her husband and four teenage children which she has combined with her studies and work. Her experiences have enabled Carolyn to empathise with clients in stressful situations and assist them in a calm, measured way.

Just wanted to pop a quick email to say thank you again for all of your help over the last few months! Both you and your team were so efficient and a pleasure to work with. I am sure we will speak again in future! Have a lovely Christmas and New year! Kind regards Katie
Property,
Availability of Carolyn Thomas was “Refreshing” as previous experience with conveyancing (other firms) have been challenging. Overall excellent communication, both email and telephone is what made the difference. Thank you M. Houghton
Property,
We recently moved house having lived in our previous house over 35 years. Beers took the strain out of moving, kept us up to date with all information. No issues all went very smoothly. Caroline was very helpful, we would highly recommend. Mrs S Landricombe
Property Purchase,
Good evening ladies, I have received my keys and visited the property and now the adventure begins. Would like to thank you very much for all your support, help, work and having to deal with me. I am glad this has all been completed (I’m sure you are too) and would happily recommend yourselves and use your service again, if I get the opportunity to. Apologies for any grey hairs I have given you, but would just like to thank you for everything. Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and good heath. Jessica
Property Purchase,
Jane Bromley
Conveyancer
Kingsbridge 01548 855006
jane.bromley@beersllp.com

Jane joined us in March 2020 and is based in our Kingsbridge Office. Jane has a great deal of experience having worked in residential property for over 30 years. She has experience with sales and purchases of both freehold and leasehold properties, re-mortgages, transfers of equity and lease extensions. She appreciates that moving home can be a stressful experience and she endeavours to relieve that stress for her clients’ as much as possible by speaking in plain English the procedures that need to be followed.

In her spare time she loves walking on the Moors with her dachshund, and socialising with family and friends.

Jane Thanks so much for your hard work. We couldn't have asked for a better, more professional person to handle these three sales. Best wishes Kate
Property Sales,
Jane I really appreciate everything you've done. I hope there'll be a call in a day or two, with news on money, in order to thank you via phone call. In case there isn't that time please know you have been the main calming factor in a very stressful move. Without you, and Daphne, I imagine we really wouldn't have known if we were coming or going. You personally have been a force throughout. I can only repeat how grateful we are and say I appreciate your patience with our lack of knowledge of the ins and outs and your consideration as we went along. You're a credit to your profession and your team, as is Daphne. She has been so kind and thorough throughout the process. Helen at Marchand Petit recommended Beers and I am glad she did. We have been very well supported due to our choice. Kind regards, Poppy Jones  
Property,
Jane Once again thankyou for all of your help you've been amazing. Mike Benfield
Property,
Jane, thank you for a stress free marvelous job. Haley
Property,
Kim Hall
Legal Executive
Kingsbridge 01548 855013
kim.hall@beersllp.com

Kim moved to Devon in 1979 from North Yorkshire and worked for a local firm of Solicitors since 1985. Having had her own residential caseload since 1987. Kim qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2002 and became a Fellow in 2004.

Kim has been a Head of Residential Conveyancing in Totnes a Branch Manager in Bovey Tracey as well as working for local Solicitors in South Hams and Teignbridge for many years and is very experienced in dealing with buying, selling, remortgaging, transfer of equity, new builds, Freehold and Leasehold transactions.

Kim lives in Totnes with her family and assortment of pets including 2 sausage dogs and has become an active member of the dachshund community in South Devon.

Wendy Evans
Senior Paralegal
Plymouth 01752 581061
wendy.evans@beersllp.com

Originally from Bristol, Wendy began working in residential property as an assistant within a busy Bristol law firm in 2000. After moving to Plymouth, she took a break from legal work to complete a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing.

She then returned to work full time in residential conveyancing in legal practice in 2013. Wendy joined Beers in 2016 in the residential conveyancing department and works on all aspects of residential conveyancing, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, auction purchases and sales, remortgages, equity release schemes, help to buy matters and probate sales.

In her spare time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family and keeping fit.

Just wanted to pop a quick email to say thank you again for all of your help over the last few months! Both you and your team were so efficient and a pleasure to work with. I am sure we will speak again in future! Have a lovely Christmas and New year! Kind regards Katie
Property,
Good evening ladies, I have received my keys and visited the property and now the adventure begins. Would like to thank you very much for all your support, help, work and having to deal with me. I am glad this has all been completed (I’m sure you are too) and would happily recommend yourselves and use your service again, if I get the opportunity to. Apologies for any grey hairs I have given you, but would just like to thank you for everything. Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and good heath. Jessica
Property Purchase,
Many thanks for letting me know of the completion that’s fantastic. You have all been so efficient and made the whole process smooth running & I really appreciate the ongoing communication You will be hearing from us later in the year as my husband is now looking for a buy to let property & we shall certainly be engaging your services again Regards Kathy
Property Purchase,
Outstanding service from Carolyn Thomas and Wendy Evans. Always accessible for any queries or advice. Professional and very knowledgeable in their roles/expertise. Would never use a different firm. Thank you both, Claire Smith
Property Sale,
Helen Tuck
Associate Legal Executive
Plymouth 01752 246005
helen.tuck@beersllp.com

Helen is a fee earner in the residential property team and is currently studying to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive, she is presently an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives having achieved this status in 2018. Helen has assisted with sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold properties and re-mortgages, but in 2018 established her own case load and now specialises in shared ownership matters.

Helen worked in the equine industry for some years before joining the legal profession and is keen to use her experience to help clients in that industry.

In her spare time Helen enjoys keeping fit and competing her own horse when she isn’t busy studying.

Hi Helen, I just wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done for me in regards to my house sale. I’m so glad I chose you as a solicitor. I will 100% recommend you to anyone looking to buy a house (if that’s ok of course). Kind regards, Andrew
Property Sale,
Helen helped me and my partner buy our first home on the open market and was always there to answer our questions and reassure us. Helen made a scary time not so scary. We’ve recommended her to our friends and family. Thanks again Emma
Property Purchase,
Helen Tuck completed our 1st home purchase yesterday. So fast, efficient and got our sale completed so quickly and correctly. Also very quick on responding to any query definitely recommend Helen for conveyancing on you home purchase. Thank you Helen
Jason Paul,
Fantastic! Thank you very much Helen. I think I can safely say you’ve been the most efficient, helpful and responsive Solicitors I have ever dealt with! We’ve already recommended you to relatives who are hoping to move from London when CV allows! Kind regards KW
KW

Search


Need employment related advice in connection with furlough or redundancy

Contact us

We want to assure you that at Beers we are fully committed to ensuring the safety of our staff and clients

Covid 19 Information

Beers For Business

  • Beers for Business
  • Employment
  • Company & Commercial
  • Property
  • Private Client
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Personal Injury
  • Free Legal Advice

Beers For You

  • Free Legal Advice
  • Problems at Work
  • Accident Claims
  • Wills and Inheritance Tax
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Financial Planning
  • Relationship Breakdown
  • Buying and Selling Property
  • Company & Commercial
  • Family & Matrimonial

Beers Solicitors

Established in 1885, and now with offices in Kingsbridge and Plymouth,  Beers LLP has been providing generations of clients with high quality legal advice.

Beers LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Registered Number: OC323091

Kingsbridge Office

BEERS LLP
29 Fore Street
Kingsbridge
TQ7 1AA

Tel: 01548 857000
Fax: 01548 852101

Plymouth Office

BEERS LLP
North Quay House,
Sutton Harbour,
Plymouth , PL4 0RA

Tel: 01752 246000
Fax: 01752 246001

Online Bill Payment

© Beers LLP - Beers Solicitors
Accessibility - Solicitors' Code of Conduct - Terms & Conditions - Professional Indemnity Insurance - Babybarista - Privacy Policy