Supporting your commercial development projects from land acquisition to completion

Real estate development in Jersey requires a detailed understanding of legal, regulatory, financial, and commercial issues. Whether assembling a site for development   or working with a landowner to build out a multi-phase commercial or residential scheme we provide  clear, strategic legal advice at every stage of the development lifecycle.

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Our Expertise

At BCR, our team of experts provide full legal support to developers, landowners, investors and funders involved in property development across the Island. We are trusted advisers on both the legal mechanics and commercial realities of delivering successful schemes, from site assembly and financing, through to construction, sale, and occupation.

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Our Approach

We work collaboratively across disciplines, combining the strengths of our real estate, construction, corporate and tax to deliver coordinated, value-driven advice.
We advise on all legal aspects of commercial and residential developments in Jersey, including:

Site Acquisition and Assembly

We support clients with:
- Conditional sale and pre-sale agreements.
- Option agreements and overage arrangements.
- Title due diligence and boundary issues.
- Rights of way, access, and infrastructure agreements.

We ensure that land is acquired securely, free of legal defect, and with the rights needed to support future development.

Planning and Zoning

Working alongside planning professionals, we advise on:

• The planning application process.
• Development conditions and obligations.
• Planning gain and infrastructure contributions.
• Negotiation with the Planning Department.
• Risk mitigation for refusal or delay.

Our early involvement helps clients structure applications that are robust, commercially sound, and aligned with local policy.

Joint Ventures

We assist where land or development is co-owned, whether by investor groups or development partners. We provide:

• Joint venture company setups.
• Shareholders’ agreements.
• SPV (special purpose vehicle) formation and governance.

Clear documentation helps prevent misunderstandings and litigation between JV partners. We also advise on pre-emption rights, buyout mechanisms and future resale.

Development Structures and Vehicles

Jersey developments are often structured through:

• SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) for risk and tax ring-fencing.
• Joint ventures between local landowners and external developers.
• Trust or nominee arrangements to facilitate tax or succession planning.
• Co-ownership vehicles for family investment or residential development.

We advise on structuring, regulatory compliance, and documentation. Our team includes lawyers experienced in both Jersey and UK structuring approaches, ensuring alignment with broader commercial expectations.

Common Development Issues We Help Resolve

• Title issues uncovered during due diligence.
• Delays in planning permission or conditions.
• Disputes between JV partners.

We aim to anticipate and prevent disputes, but where issues arise, we provide clear, commercial solutions that protect our clients’ legal and financial position.

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Our Values in Action

Excellence: In the detail and depth of our legal drafting and strategic thinking.

‍Delivery: We keep your deal moving, anticipate delays, and proactively manage timelines.

‍Respect: For the commercial realities of development and the relationships that drive them.

‍Elegance: In the clarity of our documents, communications, and deal execution.

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Why BCR Law

BCR supports your Jersey development project from land acquisition to completion with expert legal guidance tailored to every stage of the process. By combining deep local insight with cross-disciplinary expertise, we deliver strategic, commercially focused solutions that keep your project moving and protected.

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