Sale and leaseback agreements
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A sale and leaseback agreement is a financial arrangement where a property owner sells their property to a buyer, who then leases it back to the seller.
This arrangement allows the seller to unlock the capital tied up in the property, while retaining the right to use the property for business operations. Sale and leaseback agreements are typically used for commercial properties and are a popular option for companies seeking to improve liquidity without disrupting their day-to-day activities.
This type of agreement is beneficial for both parties: the seller gains immediate access to capital, while the buyer secures a long-term tenant, usually with a lease agreement that provides steady rental income. The specific terms of the leaseback are often negotiated as part of the sale agreement.
What is a sale and leaseback agreement?
A sale and leaseback agreement involves the sale of a property by its current owner, who then immediately leases the property back from the buyer. The seller becomes the tenant, and the buyer becomes the landlord. The agreement typically includes specific terms regarding the lease duration, rent payments, and maintenance responsibilities, allowing the seller to retain operational control of the property without owning it.

Richard Hughes
Partner | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance
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How we assist with sale and leaseback agreements
At Moore Barlow, we offer comprehensive legal services for businesses and property owners entering into sale and leaseback agreements. Our experienced team ensures that the sale and leaseback terms are clearly defined, protecting your financial interests and providing security. We assist in drafting and negotiating both the sale contract and the lease terms, ensuring that the arrangement benefits both parties.
Why work with us
Moore Barlow brings extensive expertise in property transactions and commercial agreements, including sale and leaseback deals. Our legal team works closely with you to understand your business goals, ensuring that the agreement is structured to provide the financial flexibility you need while allowing you to continue to use and occupy the property. We are committed to delivering clear, tailored advice throughout the process.
Who we help
We work with a range of clients, including commercial property owners, investors, and businesses looking to free up capital through sale and leaseback arrangements. Whether you’re selling your property or purchasing an asset to lease back to the original owner, we provide expert legal guidance to ensure a successful transaction.
Meet our real estate finance experts
Richard Hughes
Partner | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance
Jo Farr
Partner | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Land Development, Real Estate Finance
Susannah Marsh
Partner | Financial Services Litigation, Real Estate Finance
Sam Ho
Senior Associate | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance
Nellie van der Lande
Senior Associate | Commercial Property, Landed Estates and Farming, Real Estate Finance, Rural Services
Callum Leary
Partner | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance
Sharon Mays
Senior Associate | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Land Development, Real Estate Finance
Contact us
If you’re considering a sale and leaseback agreement or need advice on structuring such a deal, contact Moore Barlow today. Our team of property law experts can help you navigate the complexities of the agreement, ensuring it’s in your best interest and tailored to your business needs.
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Don’t take our word for it…
Moore Barlow stepped into the breach at a time when we were undertaking the biggest property transaction in our history. They were nothing but highly professional, available, helpful and patient.
Legal 500, 2025
The commercial property team are extremely pragmatic and always work in the best interest of the client. The people are all knowledgeable and hardworking. They are able to translate complex legalese into plain English.
Legal 500, 2025
As our own business moves from start-up to growth mode, Moore Barlow have continued to scale and develop their service proportionally to meet our developing needs. They continue to adapt to our new systems, work collaboratively with us to ensure transparency in matters, and increase pace in delivery. We look forward to continuing to do business with them in the coming years.
Legal 500, 2024
Moore Barlow is known for residential and commercial development expertise. The firm continues to act for national and regional house builders, and it is also equipped to handle property finance, landlord and tenant matters and investment work. Its clients also benefit from the firm’s knowledge of agricultural property. In addition, the team is noted for its expertise in property transactions in the leisure industry.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
Moore Barlow’s property partners have an in-depth understanding of their area backed by familiarity with their clients and their businesses gained over decades of experience.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The team’s focus on our needs and responsiveness makes it feel like we have in-house legal counsel. We have several active matters at any one time, and they have worked with us to develop continually-improving management systems to ensure everyone is up to date with what is happening.
Legal 500, 2023
We have had an incredibly positive experience working with Moore Barlow, especially considering that we are new to the UK property market. Their responsiveness, extensive knowledge, and clear communication have truly made them stand out. We were impressed by their considerate approach throughout the sales process, which made the entire experience feel both professional and personable. I highly recommend Moore Barlow for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
Emma Plumridge – BoKlok Sales and Marketing Director
A competent, professional organisation that we are grateful to have on our side. The Moore Barlow team have proved patient, and highly flexible, supporting us as we develop our acquisition strategy, and dealing efficiently with the many landlords’ solicitors that are not normally comfortable with our market. For us, the biggest plus is that we can be confident that, where matters are dragging on, it is the landlord that we need to be chasing, not Moore Barlow. They work very well with us to ensure that they/we are never holding up a transaction, and so together we demonstrate absolute professionalism.
Legal 500, 2022
From our numerous dealings with the firm there is clear evidence of a team spirit. Each member of the team works to a high standard and you have confidence with whoever you are dealing with that the task will get done. They are always helpful and will go out of their way to answer any queries we may have.