James Cottrell
Head of Department - Partner
Commercial Property
About
I am a Partner and Head of the Commercial Property Department. Whilst advising on all aspect of Commercial Property, I take a special interest in advising residential and commercial developers on site acquisition and disposals.
In addition, I advise some of our larger clients on their property portfolios, as well as the Firm’s banking clients, on property finance matters. Acting for both landlord tenants in landlord and tenant matters and small business acquisitions makes up the rest of my busy workload.
Over the years’ I have acted for clients on multi million pound property portfolio refinances, shopping centre disposals, multi-site retail acquisitions and large scale residential development acquisitions as well as looking after the equally important individuals and their commercial property needs.
When dealing with my clients, understanding my client’s business is paramount, therefore, I take client care to the next level, taking a special interest in my clients, their business, and their background and in many cases, their families and what they get up to outside of work. This enables me to fully understand how the particular transaction fits into the bigger picture of my client’s business.
Having started my career at Taylor Walton and progressing through from trainee to partner and Head of Department, I am subsequently very involved in the Firm’s training and promotion of junior members. I have been a training partner for some years and more recently a supervisor of our solicitor apprentices.
Interests
Pretty much all sports, particularly football. Still play weekly. Attempts at running and cycling to keep fit, but mainly ferrying two boys to football training and matches.
Experience
- Exchanging a conditional contract for the sale of a student accommodation development site in Southampton, where the buyer is to seek a variation to the planning for co living spaces;
- Sale of residue of a commercial estate and investment units for £8.9m;
- Sale of development site in Luton comprising a 9 storey building for £4.5m (having previously acted on the purchase and finance of the same);
- Sale of agricultural land to a national housebuilder for 100 new homes, for £15m on behalf of a family trust.
Joined Taylor Walton in 2002
What our clients say
"We have been a client for many years and have always been delighted with the first class service we have received. James Cottrell is a pleasure to work with and always handles our cases in a professional, meticulous, and prompt manner. Would not hesitate to recommend Taylor Walton Solicitors.”
"Thank you so much for getting the land transfer across the line and for persuading the Land Registry to amalgamate all the land titles into one – this will make life so much easier when we sell the property. Your explanation of the four attached files is also greatly appreciated."
"I feel as though we have just finished a marathon and was beginning to wonder if someone had changed the official distance to an unspecified mileage. We are both grateful for your perseverance, expert help and overall management of the project."
"We used James Cottrell of Taylor Walton as our conveyancer during the sale a commercial property. James has always been very friendly and approachable, and made the experience of selling property a smooth one. James was always easy to contact to answer any questions and gave us confidence that our affairs were in safe hands. This is the second time our family has used James services, and we would not hesitate to recommend James Cottrell / Taylor Walton to others." -5* Google review
"Nutwood Developments have been a client for many years and have always been delighted with the first class service we have received. James Cottrell is a pleasure to work with and always handles our cases in a professional, meticulous, and prompt manner. Would not hesitate to recommend Taylor Walton Solicitors." - 5* Google review
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