The Jonathan Lea Network

03/09/2026

When buying or leasing commercial property, it is important to check that the rights of access you expect to use are properly documented.

Issues can arise where title plans do not reflect how a site is used, access arrangements are informal, or rights of way are unclear.

In his article, Jonathan Lea explains the key checks to carry out before committing to a property and the options available if access issues are identified.

🔗 You can read the full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/rights-of-way-checks-commercial-property/

02/09/2026

Our next Property Matters networking lunch is taking place on Friday 2nd October 2026 at 12.30pm in Cuckfield.

Hosted by us alongside Sussex Surveyors LLP, Property Matters brings together local property and business professionals for an informal lunch, giving attendees the opportunity to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces and build valuable local connections.

If you work in the property sector and would be interested in joining us, please get in touch with Katie Appleby at [email protected] for further details.

We’d love to hear from you.

01/09/2026

Buying a property investment company is very different from buying the properties it owns.

In his article, Jonathan Lea looks at the key legal and commercial issues involved in buying or selling a UK property investment company, including due diligence, financing, tax considerations, warranties and completion.

A useful read for property investors, developers and advisers considering this type of transaction.

🔗You can read the full article here:

https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/buying-selling-property-investment-company/

If you are considering buying or selling a property investment company and would like to discuss the legal aspects, please get in touch with our team.

Buying or selling a UK property investment company? Learn key legal issues around SPVs, share purchases, finance, due diligence, security and tax risk.

28/08/2026

We had a lovely evening at our JLN Family & Friends BBQ on Wednesday! ☀️🍔💙

Great BBQ (Thanks Alice), sunshine, drinks, kids playing freely and just the right amount of friendly competition in our games!

It was lovely to have everyone together, meet families and friends, catch up and simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a happy one.

Here are a few moments from the day… 🎥

27/08/2026

Facing a warranty claim after buying or selling a business?

These disputes can arise from issues such as tax liabilities, accounts, employment matters, contracts or intellectual property.

Buyers should act quickly, as strict deadlines may apply. Sellers should check the claim carefully against the sale agreement and disclosure documents.

The Jonathan Lea Network advises both buyers and sellers on warranty disputes and practical next steps.

https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/warranty-claims-business-sale/

25/08/2026

Buying land with an overage clause can have significant financial and practical implications long after completion.

In our article, paralegal Alexandra Pagu explains what buyers should look out for, including overage triggers, payment calculations and the potential impact on future development or sale.

🔗 Take a look at Alex’s full article below:
https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/buying-land-with-an-overage-clause/

If you are considering buying land subject to an overage provision and would like advice on your position, please get in touch with our team.

Buying land with an overage clause? Understand the costs, risks, planning triggers, security, development restrictions, tax issues and resale implications.

21/08/2026

Dinah Jantasz and Alexandra Pagu had a fantastic morning at today’s Big Business Breakfast Club - BBBC at Malmaison Brighton Marina! 🌺🌴

The Hawaiian theme created a brilliant atmosphere for networking, catching up with familiar faces and making new connections.

A particular highlight was meeting Steve Bustin and hearing his incredible real-life story, which inspired Peter James’s bestselling novel Dead at First Sight. To make the morning even more memorable, Alex had the pleasure of sitting next to Steve Barry, who played the villain based on that very story!

A huge thank you to Jim Cunliffe and the organisers for putting on such an entertaining and enjoyable event. Dinah and Alex thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish!

18/08/2026

Received an EBITDA earn-out calculation that’s lower than expected?

Earn-out disputes can arise where accounting treatment, additional costs or post-completion decisions affect the final EBITDA figure.

In our article, paralegal Alicia Borrill explains when sellers may be able to challenge an earn-out calculation, why the wording of the SPA or APA matters, and the importance of acting quickly where contractual deadlines apply.

🔗 You can read the full article here:

https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/ebitda-earn-out-dispute/

Received a reduced EBITDA earn-out calculation? Learn when sellers may challenge adjusted EBITDA, buyer conduct, accounting changes and deadlines.

14/08/2026

🏓 And we have a champion! 👑

After lunchtime rallies, competitive match-ups and plenty of table tennis rivalry, our office tournament finally reached its grand finale!

The final saw Rio take on Callum in a hard-fought battle for the title… with Callum ultimately taking the win and claiming the crown! 🏆

It’s been great fun having the tournament running in the background over the last few months, with some seriously strong competition across the team! Jonathan, Liam and Andrew 🫣

Congratulations to Callum, and a big well done to Rio for making it all the way to the final!

Now the only question is… who’s coming for the crown next time? 👀🏓