Commercial Property Solicitor - Portsmouth

Portsmouth, Hampshire | Full time | Permanent | Hybrid | Award winning regional firm

Portsmouth commercial property is busier than the market gives it credit for. Waterfront regeneration, a substantial SME base and steady investor activity keep the work varied.

RecQuest is recruiting a Commercial Property Solicitor or Lawyer for an award winning Hampshire firm with offices across the county. The firm sits well within that market with an established client following and a genuine local reputation.

The Role

• Acquisitions and disposals of commercial freehold and leasehold property

• Commercial lease drafting, negotiation, renewals and rent reviews

• Landlord and tenant matters

• Development and investment work

• Secured lending and finance related property matters

• Advising business owners, investors and developers directly

About You

• Qualified Solicitor, Chartered Legal Executive or Licensed Conveyancer (essential)

• Commercial property experience with the confidence to run your own files (essential)

• Development or investment exposure (desirable)

• Commercially aware, with strong client relationship skills

• Interested in contributing to the growth of the department

Why Consider It

• A firm with genuine local standing and recognised awards, not a name nobody in Hampshire knows

• Large enough for serious work, small enough that you will not disappear into a department

• Hybrid working available

If you are weighing up a move, our guide on how to move law firms without missteps is worth reading first.

All conversations are strictly confidential. To discuss this role, or the commercial property market across Hampshire, contact Ben Holtom at RecQuest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a commercial property solicitor do?

A commercial property solicitor handles the legal side of business premises and land. That covers buying and selling commercial freeholds and leaseholds, drafting and negotiating leases, lease renewals and rent reviews, landlord and tenant disputes, development transactions including option agreements, and the property elements of secured lending. Clients are usually businesses, investors, landlords and developers rather than individuals.

What salary can a commercial property solicitor expect in Portsmouth?

Commercial property salaries in Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire area typically range from around £45,000 at 2 to 3 PQE to £75,000 or more at senior associate level. Portsmouth has historically paid slightly below Southampton, Winchester and Chichester, although several firms are actively addressing that gap.

Is this role open to Chartered Legal Executives and Licensed Conveyancers?

Yes. The firm is open to qualified Solicitors, Chartered Legal Executives and Licensed Conveyancers with genuine commercial property experience.

Can I move from residential conveyancing into commercial property?

It is possible but this particular role expects existing commercial experience. A move across usually works best where there is already crossover, such as handling commercial elements on mixed use or investment matters.

What is the working pattern?

Hybrid working is available. Portsmouth is the primary base for this role, and the specific arrangement is discussed during the process.