The UK property industry is the most sophisticated in the world. Clients expect complex advice from their lawyers and it’s not just about buying and selling property.

Property remains an attractive investment proposition and increasingly innovative structures are being used to acquire and fund the purchase of property. Most national/large law firms have sizeable property departments, reflecting the importance of this sector to the UK economy.

What you can expect

Property lawyers can be involved in anything from large-scale property development and investment, to advising landlords and tenants in the everyday management of their property holdings.

Commercial property work involves specialised areas such as property taxation, planning, environmental, construction and even overseas project management.

Property law is varied and transactions can range from a car-parking licence to a football stadium, from a short-term tenancy agreement to a massive billion-pound development that may take years to come to fruition.

Property work can involve long hours. Deadlines are tight and clients are demanding. However, it is unusual to have to work late at night on property deals. Fridays are almost invariably hectic, but it is very rewarding to finish the week with several completions taking place during the day.

Skills for property lawyers

You will need:

• a thorough understanding of your client’s business
• a proactive approach to problem-solving
• good organisational skills
• a grasp of a large and varied area of the law.