Jane Gunnell

Consultant Solicitor, Commercial Property Law

Location: Reading, Henley-on-Thames & Wokingham
Qualified as a solicitor: 1985

Jane Gunnell is a consultant solicitor and former partner in our award-winning Commercial Property team. She advises clients from our Reading, Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham offices, as well as remotely.

Her work includes advising on complex commercial property transactions, commercial leases and the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold property and investment properties (acting for landlords, tentants and investors), development land (acting for both landowners and developers), and property finance (secured lending) work for banks and finance companies and VAT on commercial property.

Jane is recommended in the UK's leading guides to law firms, Chambers UK and The Legal 500.

Jane participates in a range of sector focused events across the Thames Valley and is a regular speaker at the firm's annual Property & Planning Law updates.

In the past six years we have been named as a finalist in the ‘Property Law Firm of the Year’ category at the Thames Valley Property Awards three times (2017, 2018 and 2023), winning in 2017. Recently, we were also named ‘Property Law Firm of the Year’ at the 2023 Insider South East Property Awards and 'Best Law Firm' at the 2023 Royal Berkshire Property Awards. Our successful approach is further reflected in the excellent client feedback we continue to receive.

Examples of recent work

Advising the University of Reading in relation to its disposal of a 100 acre site south of Reading to a consortium of developers.
Acting for a local authority on the disposal for redevelopment of high profile redundant premises to be used as residential and community space.
Advising a landed estate on the disposal by option of a green field site for 110 dwellings with a school and GP surgery.
Acting for a specialist restaurant operator on a new lease of a unit in the prestigious Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading.
Acting for three families, owners of adjoining green field land, on the terms of a promotion agreement with a developer with a view to disposing of the combined site for residential development.
Acting on the disposal of a school and associated development overage agreement.

How I Can Help You

Commercial leases (acting for both landlords and tenants)
Development land (acting for both landowners and developers)
Sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold commercial property
Property finance (secured lending)
VAT on commercial property

Professional Memberships:

Member, Country Landowners Association (CLA)
Member, The Law Society

Education:
University of Surrey, Linguistic and International Studies: French: Law (Major)

Accreditations & Awards:
Recommended, Chambers UK
Recommended, The Legal 500
Finalist - 'Property Law Firm of the Year' Thames Valley Property Awards 2023
Best - 'Best Law Firm', Royal Berkshire Property Awards 2023
Winner - 'Property Law Firm of the Year' Insider South East Property Awards 2023
Finalist - 'Property Law Firm of the Year' Thames Valley Property Awards 2018
Winner - 'Property Law Firm of the Year' Thames Valley Property Awards 2017

What Our Clients Say

“Particular experience of property acquisitions and disposals and the sale and purchase of valuable development sites.”

Chambers UK

“Jane Gunnell has extensive experience.”

The Legal 500

“Blandy & Blandy has advised Austin Fraser in a number of areas over the past 10 years, including recently on the first letting of the landmark Thames Tower. We have always found Blandy & Blandy to be exceptionally detailed, comprehensive and a pleasure to work with and would have no hesitation in recommending the firm.”

Richard Stenson, Commercial Director, Austin Fraser Limited

“With the fast pace of growth that necessitated our move to larger offices, our priority was having someone take away the distraction of negotiating the lease. Jane and the team at Blandy & Blandy did exactly that. Nothing was a problem for them and they made the whole process easy, allowing us to get on with business.”

Tracy Ebdon Poole, CEO, TaxCalc (Acorah Software Products Limited)

“Blandy’s have acted for us over a number of years on a diverse range of issues. We have found them to be clear, expert, well-resourced and approachable in their advice.”

Frank Fogarty, Director, Cove Construction Limited

“The team keep us well informed and they are proactive around issues that arise. This is a real help to us and a key differentiator of Blandys’ service.”

Mark Green, Managing Director, Homes for Reading

“Jane is very capable and an excellent property lawyer.”

Client

“Jane worked well above my high expected levels. This team solved problems, like a hot-knife running through butter. I highly recommend them and indeed already have done so to friends and colleagues. ”

Client

“Thank you very much indeed for all your time. We are truly grateful to you for taking on this work at such short notice and for turning it around for us so fast. Fantastic efficiency and client service! ”

Client

“Jane doesn't beat about the bush and is forceful when she needs to be.”

Client

“I have used the services of Blandy & Blandy continuously for over four years . Jane Gunnell and Olivia Foster have been exceptional in their support, professionalism, patience and invaluable advice. An experience which could have been impossible and traumatic was smoothed every step of the way and every goal I hoped to achieve has been realised thanks to their wonderful care.”

Client