All Insights

Real estate

English High Court refuses stay and appeal in landmark building liability order ruling

Latest judgment in Crest v Ardmore makes clear that defendants face an uphill battle to unwind a BLO once made
Construction disputes

Final dates for payment in UK construction contracts: court confirms strict application of statutory requirements

A recent judgment highlights the dangers of pegging final dates for payment to variable events
Real estate

English High Court confirms the broad reach of building liability orders

The BLO by default judgment holds a German parent liable for its UK subsidiary's defective cladding
Real estate

Landlord of UK commercial lease held to have fire safety obligations

High Court rules commercial landlord must remove dangerous cladding under lease covenant despite no disrepair
The Built Environment

Government announces long-anticipated energy efficiency reforms for commercial properties in England and Wales

Non-domestic buildings required to have at least EPC B from 2031 as the government raises Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
The Built Environment

Commercial Payments Bill would ban retention and late payments in UK construction

A 30-day public and 60-day private sector payment cap would also apply, with longer contractual terms automatically void
The Built Environment

What does the second half of 2026 have in store for the commercial real estate sector in England?

Many key legal developments are unfolding that occupiers, investors, developers and lenders should monitor
Data Centres

Planning, AI and cyber rule changes bring new risks for UK and EU data centre development

Operators, investors and advisers are contending with legal and regulatory uncertainty as data centre demand rises
The Built Environment

What commercial developers, housebuilders and investors in England and Wales should know about the contractual controls register

Regulations introducing the register have now been made, meaning key details of qualifying land agreements must be registered and will
International arbitration

English court upholds rare challenge to arbitration award

Even in a system designed for finality, tribunals must deal with every issue put to them
Construction disputes

International construction contracts face growing termination risk

Record arbitration levels and a global defence build-up are testing construction contracts in common and civil law
Real estate

Building Blocks: Developments for the UK construction industry | June 2026

Welcome to Building Blocks – Osborne Clarke's regular newsletter round-up of Insights relevant to construction industry clients