Property developers often have to work closely with their lawyers, adjoining landowners and third parties such as local authorities or statutory undertakers to ensure that the new build development is structured correctly to ensure the development works in practice, as efficiently as possible, in a way which takes into account the needs of all parties.

From site acquisition through to planning, construction, and eventual sales of the properties, clear and effective communication is critical to success.

Why communication with your lawyers matters

Your legal team is at the heart of your project’s legal and transactional framework. To work effectively, we need clear, timely, and complete instructions. When developers are clear about their objectives, we can tailor our advice to support the outcomes you need to achieve.

Ambiguity or late-stage changes can lead to delays and additional costs. For example, it is important to consider things such as the below when instructing us:

• The intention with the drainage and highways on the development. Are these to remain private or will they be adopted by a Statutory Undertaker or Local Authority?
• Does a third part have any interest in the development? If so, what is the interest and what are all parties looking to achieve?
• Is there any open space on the development to be maintained by a third party management company? Is the management company set up? If so, what is the structure of the management company? Is a management agreement needed?

Early communication avoids potential confusion that can lead to missteps, which can prove costly further down the line.

Working with adjoining landowners

Many development projects require cooperation from adjoining landowners — whether for access, boundary agreements, or something else. These discussions can be delicate and time-sensitive.

When communication breaks down or is poorly managed:

• Negotiations may stall, delaying your programme.
• Opportunities to secure favourable terms may be lost.
• Disputes may arise, resulting in situations which are difficult to resolve and potential delays for the development.

Communicating with third parties

Property development often involves a wide range of third parties for example utility providers, planning consultants, environmental experts and local authorities.

Confusion, conflicting information, or miscommunication can affect progress of the site setup of the development.

Where we are kept informed and engaged early, we can:

• Flag legal issues before they become problems.
• Manage and align third-party expectations.
• Ensure that documents are drafted and negotiated to reflect the instructions and understanding of all parties.

Clear instructions = efficient results

Ultimately, providing clear instructions is a critical part of how a development progresses. Vague or incomplete instructions can slow down transactions, generate unnecessary back-and-forth, and increase legal costs.

The most efficient and successful projects are those where:

• Instructions are clear, documented, and realistic.
• Lines of communication are open between all parties, with all parties being on the same page.

Final thoughts

Whether you're acquiring a complex site, negotiating development agreements, or resolving boundary issues, your legal strategy should never be left to question. We’re here to advise and act in accordance with your instructions to ensure the development works in practice as intended. Clear and effective communication is what makes this possible.

If you’re planning your next property development project, please do not hesitate to get in touch.