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Simon Ralphs

Partner

Simon Ralphs

Partner

“He is a problem solver who consistently delivers excellent service.”

The Legal 500

Simon Ralphs is a partner in the commercial real estate team, advising on a broad range of commercial property transactions but with a well regarded specialism in the food and restaurant sector.

Simon acts for institutional investors, large retailers, property funds, developers and landlords and tenants of all types and sizes.

Simon has over 20 years of experience working in commercial property and is well known in both the London and Thames Valley areas.

Simon is also well connected in the restaurant space with a detailed knowledge of restaurant leases and franchise arrangements. His passion for the food and restaurant sector has seen him support a range of clients, many of them, at the forefront of new developments in the sector.

Experience

Acquisitions and disposals

Frequently advises on the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold properties. On acquisitions this includes co-ordinating title investigation and due diligence in connection with the purchase all types of property investments, including multi-let buildings and sites.

Development

Regularly acts for landlords and tenants in negotiating agreements for lease with development obligations, including agreeing conditions on planning and construction.

Investment and Property Management

Providing clear advice on the terms of any existing leases and supporting documentation. In addition, ongoing management of client’s property assets, including negotiating and agreeing supplemental documents where required.

Franchising

With many years of experience in franchising including acting for a large restaurant operator preparing and agreeing franchise documentation to facilitate their ambitious franchising programme.

What our clients say

“Simon always displays a high degree of skill, knowledge and professionalism.”

Chambers 2024

“Simon Ralphs, one of the partners, is my go to solicitor when recommending a local lawyer. I have completed over a dozen deals with him and we have a perfect record of getting deals over the line so I can completely trust that he will do a good job. He is very experienced and knows the local area very well.”

Legal 500 2024

“We’ve been very lucky to have Simon work for us on two recent leases and can’t fault his approach. His communication, professionalism and advice has been invaluable.”

The Cheese Bar and Pick & Cheese

“We were delighted with Simon’s service and advice.”

Chambers 2024

“Simon Ralphs is excellent in what he does for us and always delivers.”

Legal 500 2024

“Simon is a problem solver who consistently delivers excellent service.”

Chambers 2024

“Simon Ralphs and Pierre Dutton are the people who mainly work for us. Both are approachable, helpful, professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.”

Legal 500 2024

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

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  • 02 May 2017
  • Commercial Real Estate

Found the perfect venue? Watch out for hidden costs

Starting up your own business can be tough, but dealing with the consequences of poor planning is even tougher. Real Estate partner Simon Ralphs and Clare Garner from Prestige Business Solutions outline the top things to look out for when searching for your perfect location

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  • 20 March 2017
  • Commercial Real Estate

Business Rates: Liability Where Property Undergoing Substantial Refurbishment

The Supreme Court recently considered whether commercial premises undergoing substantial redevelopment works had to be valued on the day of valuation for business rates as if they were still a useable office.

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  • 20 March 2017
  • Commercial Real Estate

Property Guardians – Assured Shorthold Tenants?

Property guardianship schemes have become a popular way for landlords to protect their empty properties from squatters and vandalism. For the property guardians, the schemes typically offer plentiful living space at low cost in otherwise expensive cities.

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  • 06 March 2017
  • Commercial Real Estate

Don’t be Hospitable to Cyber Attackers

Many key players in the global hospitality industry have fallen victim to cyber attacks over recent years, including the Hilton, the Trump Hotels and the Mandarin Oriental.

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  • 06 March 2017
  • Commercial Real Estate

Replies to Enquiries – Misrepresentation

The importance of giving accurate and full information in replies to enquiries has been underline by a recent case in which a tenant successfully counterclaimed against its landlord for the cost of remedial works for asbestos removal and associated costs of temporary accommodation.

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  • 25 January 2017
  • Commercial Real Estate

VAT Payable: Surrender of Lease or Exercise of Break Clause?

On the surrender of a Lease, it is always necessary to consider whether any VAT will be payable on any payment made by either the Landlord or the Tenant.