Sonali Shah

Upwards-only rent reviews have long been a feature of institutional leases, but that may be about to change. In CoStar, Commercial Real Estate Partner, Sophie Henwood considers the implications of the proposed ban and whether, in a market already shifting towards shorter leases, the practical effect will be as significant as anticipated.

What does the proposed ban on upwards only rent reviews mean for landlords and tenants? Partners, David Rawlence and Sophie Henwood, and Senior Associate, Kate Symons explore the key changes introduced by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, including when the ban will take effect, which leases it will apply to, how rent review provisions may need to be structured going forward, and the wider implications for lease negotiations and market practice.

From April 2027, the draft Provision of Information (Contractual Control) (Registered Land) Regulations 2026 will introduce a new level of transparency around contractual control arrangements. Partner and Head of Real Estate, Andrew Wilmot-Smith and Senior Associate, Kate Symons explore what is changing, when it matters, and how to prepare.

The recent announcement of the National Housing Bank/Richborough facility has attracted considerable attention. Partners, Neil Biswas and Aleem Khan examine how the funding works, how it addresses planning risk, and whether the model could be replicated for other land promoters.