Bedell Cristin counts a number of Jersey’s premier property developers amongst its clients, which the firm advises across the full lifecycle of projects, from construction to final sale. The practice, under the auspices of ‘standout partner’ Jeff O’Boyle, also advises on lease agreements and variations and has experience in structuring loan products secured against real estate. Working closely with O’Boyle is ‘dynamic individual’ Hannah Robinson, who handles landlord/tenant matters, residential property developments and ongoing portfolio management issues.
Commercial property in Jersey
Bedell Cristin
Practice head(s):
Jeff O’Boyle
Other key lawyers:
Hannah Robinson
Testimonials
‘A collaborative, knowledgable and commercial team able to support the ongoing needs of our multi-site hospitality operation. Alway happy to spend time on the phone dealing with small questions or planning in anticipation of transaction work when it occurs.’
‘Hannah Robinson is a dynamic individual. From our perspective, she is a one-stop shop, acting at partner level and managing more junior colleagues. When she is not available, we always get excellent coverage from partner and head of department Jeff O’Boyle.’
‘The team is extremely knowledgeable about the sector and is keen to help develop new product offerings into the market in conjunction with us.’
‘Jeff O’Boyle – standout partner at the firm. Is always available to answer questions and help advise.’
‘They are very personable and quick to act. They will respond very promptly with reasoned, quality advice. They are very easy to deal with. They also have a very good system for preparing leases and contracts promptly.’
‘Hannah Robinson and Jeff O’Boyle are both excellent. They offer clear, concise and reasoned advice and are always willing to chat through things.’
‘Highly professional yet fun to work with, and pragmatic. Focus on getting the deal over the line so they find solutions as opposed to putting up hurdles.’
‘In my opinion, Jeff O’Boyle is absolutely fantastic – both on a professional and human level. A real asset to his business.’
Key clients
The Government of Jersey
Le Masurier
Andium Homes Limited
Santander Bank Plc
Royal Bank of Scotland International
JT (Jersey) Limited
Produce Investments Plc
St Saviours Realty
OneSavings Bank
Reto Finance
Easton Property Holdings Limited
Sancus Lending (Jersey) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Le Masurier on a regeneration project that will transform the centre of St Helier and include a lease of a 110-room premium hotel to Staycity, c.250 residential units, numerous commercial units; and al fresco dining.
- Acted as adviser to Andium Homes, acting on all of its sales of affordable housing and on a new government loan of £10m to assist first-time buyers.
- Advised The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited on a series of multi-million pound loans which were secured over a broad range of commercial property.
Carey Olsen
Acting for both private developers and public sector bodies, Carey Olsen is frequently instructed in connection with high-end mixed use and infrastructure developments, including handling procurement, construction and subsequent leases. Planning advice also falls within the capabilities of the group, where the team works alongside the firm’s dispute resolution practice. Practice head Chris Philpott acts across the gamut of commercial property matters, overseeing acquisitions and disposals, lease arrangements and property financing. Will Whitehead is instructed on both transactions and in relation to construction documents.
Practice head(s):
Chris Philpott
Other key lawyers:
Will Whitehead; Lyndsay Houlette; Eleanor Witterick
Testimonials
‘Extremely professional and efficient, they always return my phone calls, which is rare these days. They are pleasant to do business with.’
‘Will Whitehead is a pleasure to deal with, always pleasant, professional and is prepared to give you his time.’
‘The team has strength in depth, excellent knowledge and is very pragmatic. They are also very responsive.’
‘You get the impression that you are a valued client, and they carry out the work within the pre-agreed timeframes. I have worked with Will Whitehead and Chris Philpott, both excellent individuals to deal with.’
‘An impressively skilled and exceptionally professional team, always at the ready to address inquiries swiftly and adeptly. Their expertise made complex matters comprehensible, facilitating a smooth and expedited transaction process.’
‘Chris Philpott and Will Whitehead consistently provided exceptional service, demonstrating a commendable commitment to understanding our needs and maintaining clear communication throughout.’
‘Chris Philpott is always available, and very responsive. Makes complicated transactions simple. The ultimate professional in his area of expertise. Will Whitehead fully understands all aspects of commercial property in Jersey.’
‘Experienced and specialist commercial property lawyers. Exactly what’s needed.’
Key clients
Ports of Jersey Limited
Jersey Electricity plc
The States of Jersey Development Company Limited
Langham Hall Fund Management (Jersey) Limited
LV Care Group
The Channel Islands Co-Operative Society
Sealyham Investments Limited
C5 Alliance Group Limited
State Street Corporation
EG Group
Symmetry
abrdn
HSBC Bank plc
Autonomy Capital
Cofra Jersey Limited
MND Construction
Santander Financial Services plc
Sephora
Jersey Cricket
Affinity Private Wealth
Alex Picot Trust Company
State Street Investment Holdings
Crestbridge
The Royal bank of Scotland International Limited/NatWest International
Sanctuary Trust
Love Thy Neighbour
Close Brothers
Work highlights
- Advised Ports of Jersey Limited on the management and restructuring of its property portfolio.
- Advised Jersey Electricity on its current and future solar array projects.
- Advised the States of Jersey Development Company on its residential redevelopments at the flagship mixed-use Horizon project.
Collas Crill
Collas Crill is well positioned to assist clients undertaking transactions in both the commercial and residential markets, acting for developers in the sale of completed projects and supporting them with all aspects of ongoing construction projects. Practice head Martin Le Boutillier provides ‘practical, commercial advice’ in relation to real estate financing and refinancing facilities, and is also sought after for property acquisitions and disposals. Pamela Doherty acts for several key Jersey developers, advising them on planning matters, issues tied to development and redevelopment of commercial properties on the island, and lease management.
Practice head(s):
Martin Le Boutillier
Other key lawyers:
Pamela Doherty
Testimonials
‘We find that overall service level at Collas Crill is first class. They display very strong knowledge of Jersey property law and are very responsive, producing quality works.’
‘Martin Le Boutillier is very knowledgeable, professional and commercial. He is quick to understand problems and able to provide practical solutions that work for the borrower whilst affording requisite protection for the bank.’
‘Excellent service and responses.’
‘Pamela Doherty has been doing our commercial property work and has an excellent understanding of the requirements.’
‘Excellent service. Response times are always appropriate to the situation and industry knowledge and commercial awareness are excellent.’
‘Pamela Doherty is personable, flexible in drafting approach and knowledgeable both in the fields of residential and commercial property. Martin Le Boutillier is an experienced member of the team, complementing the service offering and providing a depth of experience.’
‘Pamela Doherty makes deals happen, she feels like she is on your team from day one and does not put obstacles in the way. When you are in a deal, you know you have the best available advisor in the sector.’
‘He has tremendous experience and technical understanding, but what sets Martin Le Boutillier apart is his practical, commercial advice which is so important during complex negotiations, resulting in deals getting completed successfully and in a timely manner.’
Key clients
C Le Masurier Limited
Dandara
Siena Group
Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Limited
Owners/landlords of Gaspe House
Owners/landlords of JTC House/27 Esplanade
Owner/landlord of IFC5
Ravenscroft Funds – Channel Islands Property Fund/Diverse Income Property Fund/Red Fund
Close Finance
Raw Finance
DHRE
Van Mossel Automotive Group
Comprop CI
Eastleigh Development Limited
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Work highlights
- Advised C Le Masurier Limited on its £70m mixed use redevelopment development of Merchant Square and an appeal to the Royal Court to overturn the decision of the Assistant Minister for the Environment concerning the Les Sablons residential and hotel development.
- Advised Dandara on its town centre residential developments, including the Hotel de France redevelopment, known as Westview, of circa 125 premium apartments and car parking.
- Advised Ravenscroft – DIPF, a regulated fund, in the investment acquisition of 26 Esplanade, St Helier.
Ogier
Ogier‘s property team melds expertise in both commercial and residential property, handling acquisitions and disposals of land and buildings, as well as associated financing arrangements and leasing deals for investors and HNWIs. Further expertise comes in the form of planning and construction advice. Jonathan Hughes oversees the practice, acting for clients in relation to the redevelopment of high value properties in Jersey. Katharine Marshall is the key contact for property financing queries, frequently acting for banks, and assisting with the drafting of joint venture and collaboration agreements in relation to property developments. HNWIs and their investment structures come to Sarah Parish for advice relating to the acquisition, development and leasing of commercial and residential properties.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Katharine Marshall; Sarah Parish; Laura Shirreffs
Testimonials
‘We have a mutual appreciation and understanding of what I am trying to achieve.’
‘I work primarily with Katharine Marshall, whose understanding and knowledge of the development market is of great assistance, and she is regarded as part of the whole development team.’
‘Efficient and friendly at all times and really work as a team.’
‘Each of the individuals that I work with are efficient, but it’s the strength of the team support that impresses me most.’
Key clients
Howden Joinery Group Plc
Edyn Leasing Limited
CPA Global
HSBC Bank plc
TMF Group
Sandpiper (M&S, Morrison’s, Costa Coffee, Apple, George, Iceland, Hotel Chocolat)
Investec
Jersey Homes Trust
LV Group Care Home Group
Parish of St Helier
Whitbread Plc/Premier Inn
Parish of St Martin
Guiton Group
Gamma Aviation Limited
Government of Jersey (States of Jersey Hospital Project, Airport, Treasury and Property holdings)
John Lewis Partnership/Waitrose Limited
Fuel Supplies CI Limited
SG Hambros Bank
Close Finance
Metlife Investment Company Limited
BDO Group
Standard Chartered Bank
Ashbe Construction
Arcadia Group
Grange Developments
Work highlights
- Corporate and private property development – Acted on a large quantity of complex commercial and residential development projects across all sectors.
- Institutional property finance – Acted for numerous institutional real estate finance clients in relation to complex multi-million pound real estate finance transactions.
- Corporate occupiers – Acted for numerous corporate occupier clients in relation to new build office headquarter relocation projects.
Appleby
Developers and property finance providers make up Appleby‘s core client base, which it advises on matters ranging from the redevelopment of existing sites and related financing facilities to the acquisition, disposal and lease of commercial and residential properties. John Bisson spearheads the firm’s property law capacity, with a practice that spans both commercial and residential property development. Kate Westwater is a key contact for property financing, and is also well versed in the property aspects of estate planning and probate matters.
Practice head(s):
John Bisson
Other key lawyers:
Kate Westwater
Testimonials
‘The collaboration was very proactive and beneficial in regard to the property documentation that was drawn up.’
‘A very thorough and detailed approach was taken.’
‘With the property team headed by the island’s most experienced property lawyer, Appleby arguably offers the strongest and most reliable property legal advice you could obtain in Jersey.’
‘John Bisson would be considered the island’s most experienced property lawyer, heading the property team. He is able to advise on and devise unique property transaction structures we often require.’
Key clients
Barclays Bank Plc
HSBC Bank Plc
The Royal Bank of Scotland International Ltd
Lloyds Bank Plc
Butterfield Bank (Jersey) Limited
Santander International
Dandara Group
Palladium Group
Aedifica UK Limited
Collinson Wood
Stonehage Fleming
Boots Properties Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Lloyds Pharmacy Limited on the disposal of its Channel Islands pharmacy business, including the transfer of leases of seven sites across Jersey and Guernsey.
- Assisted Yacht Hotel Limited with a complex repayment and new funding exercise involving multiple law firms in Jersey and England, and the creation of a complicated security package.
- Advised Dandara Group on a complex interlocked number of property conveyances to remove from a development site upon which Dandara is constructing hundreds of social rental units.
Mourant
Mourant is able to advise on property matters ranging from development and construction to sales and leases, and is also called upon by lenders in relation to property financing transactions. Heading the team is Julie Melia, whose practice spans the acquisition, disposal and lease of commercial properties, and planning issues tied to developments. Georgina Cook also handles the aforementioned areas, and is also sought after for complex structuring work concerning commercial property developments. Kamila Kaminska is also noted for her property practice.
Practice head(s):
Julie Melia
Other key lawyers:
Georgina Cook; Kamila Kaminska
Testimonials
‘Mourant has been part of the legal establishment in Jersey for decades, which is important as the knowledge of the law, process and its many vagaries, enables the right outcomes with the minimum of fuss. Having a team that has this level of experience gives us confidence.’
‘Our main partner is Georgina Cook, and we also use Julie Melia. They have significant property knowledge and are extremely responsive to any matters we put before them. The technical understanding of some of the quirkier elements of Jersey property law is extremely valuable.’
‘Very professional and knowledgeable. Always go the extra mile to achieve results.’
‘Efficient, dependable, knowledgable, helpful and responsive. Fully engaged with the client.’
‘Julie Melia is acknowledged as an outstanding property lawyer, and that is my experience. She heads up an excellent team. She is always readily accessible, easy to deal with and possesses a quiet personal charm.’
‘Julie Melia and her team have been genuinely outstanding. They take time to properly understand their clients’ needs and regularly go the extra mile to ensure our needs are met. The advice is presented in plain English and combines legal accuracy with pragmatic advice to support operational decision-making.’
‘Without doubt, Julie Melia is the standout partner and a recognised authority in her field. Her knowledge of local issues, case law and interpretation is exceptional. She is passionate about property law, and this not only comes across when you deal with her, but is also contagious.’
‘The Mourant team has a wealth of local commercial property experience and provides proactive, insightful advice.’
Key clients
The Channel Islands Co-Operative Society
Jersey Electricity Plc
Aztec Group
Parish of St Helier
Butterfield Bank (Jersey) Limited
G R Langlois (1991) Limited
AIB Group (UK) p.l.c.
Cine-UK Limited
JEPA Holdings Limited
Jersey Homes Trust
Work highlights
- Advised The Channel Islands Co-operative Society Limited on the Jersey property security aspects of a £33mn revolving credit facility from The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited.
- Assisted Jersey Electricity Plc with matters including acquisitions, leases, service of notices and standard property documentation.
- Completed the lease to support Aztec Financial Services’ move to flagship premises at Jersey’s International Finance Centre.
Viberts
Viberts advises clients on a variety of property matters, including landlord and tenant issues, property developers and lenders. The practice is led in tandem by James Lawrence, who maintains a broad practice encompassing both commercial and residential property transactions, and Paul Harben, who focuses predominantly on the commercial market, advising on the acquisition and leasing of office and retail spaces. Emily Paris-Hunter qualified as a Jersey advocate in 2024, focusing on leasing and sub-leasing matters and also advising in relation to infrastructure developments. July 2023 saw the return of Philip Livingstone to the firm as a consultant, advising on property disputes and property issues tied to wills and succession planning.
Practice head(s):
James Lawrence; Paul Harben
Other key lawyers:
Emily Paris-Hunter; Philip Livingstone
Testimonials
‘The team is very responsive, easy to talk to and provides clear and concise advice when asked.’
‘Paul Harben and Emily Paris-Hunter are very good and are very easy to work with. They provide clear and concise advice when asked and will give an opinion which is needed.’
‘Our experience with Viberts has always been favourable. We have used them on four occasions to handle commercial leases and property sales. On each of these occasions we have been dealt with promptly, with personal visits to our offices to see “hands on” what some of our issues were that needed to be addressed.’
‘We’d like to pay particular thanks to Paul Harben, who always goes the extra mile, Emily Paris-Hunter, who is always quick to grasp my concerns and can manage to eloquently put them into the contract with a minimum of words, and to James Lawrence – a good egg!’
‘Specialists in commercial property matters. Highly experienced, speed of action, attention to detail and knowledge of the commercial property market. Up there with the Channel Islands’ best.’
‘Paul Harben is experienced, knowledgeable and has a smile for everyone. Emily Paris-Hunter understands the market, listens to the client and no delays.’
‘Viberts are very unique in a way that they adapt to each client’s needs. Having dealt with several Law firms on the island, Viberts have to date provided me with the best service.’
‘The real estate team not only has technical knowledge but also can share this in a way that allows non-technical people to understand why certain aspects have been included or excluded.’
Key clients
Andium Homes Limited
Falles Holdings Limited
JMEC Renovations Limited
Byron and Claire Khawaja
Collins (Properties) Limited
ANHP Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Falles Holdings Limited on a new long FRI lease in its flagship premises on the Esplanade, as well as a new lease of Longueville Garage.
- Assisted Fenice Limited with all work in relation to the acquisition, development and subsequent re-structuring of the associated finance of their large mixed use city-centre site.
- Advised Andium Homes Limited in respect of its development of 249 new residential units on Ann Street, St. Helier, including the transfer of property and parking rights to the Public of the Island.
Lexstone Lawyers
The property team at Lexstone Lawyers provides a ‘personalised service’ to clients requiring assistance with the acquisition, disposal or development of both commercial and residential properties. Practice head Marcus Stone takes point on high value commercial transactions, with additional capacity provided by Peter Bertram, who has been advising clients in a consultant role from May 2023.
Practice head(s):
Marcus Stone
Other key lawyers:
Lucy Egerton-Vernon; Peter Bertram
Testimonials
‘It’s a small practice set up by an ex-partner of one of Jersey’s biggest law firms. You therefore receive a more personalised service.’
‘The service is personal and what needs doing gets done with minimal fuss.’
Key clients
Vignette Holdings Limited
Emera Group
Underwood Solicitors LLP
Hawk Family Office
Hawk Lending Limited
One St Brelade
Union Property Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised Emera, in partnership with Aedifica, on its acquisition of the Jersey care home operator LV Group for £58m.
- Continued to advise the Hawk Family Office on the development of the One Saint Brelade luxury housing project.