Richard Saum

B.A. (Hons), Solicitor, Managing Director

Joint Head of Commercial Property

Commercial Property Leader

Director and Head of Commercial Property at Ansons. Advises on high-value acquisitions, disposals, leases and portfolio strategy with clear, partner-led guidance.

Development & Secured Lending Expertise

Specialist in large-scale developments, site assembly, options and overage, planning obligations, and secured lending for banks, alternative lenders and investors.

Specialist in Industrial & Warehouse Developments & Investment

Works with developers and investors in all aspects of site acquisition, development, pre-let, leasing and sale of industrial and warehousing space across the UK

Practice areas

Richard is a nationally recognised commercial property lawyer and Director at Ansons, serving as Head of the Commercial Property team. He advises developers, investors, lenders and occupiers on high-value transactions and portfolio matters.

Richard is known for pragmatic, partner-led service and close collaboration with planners, local authorities and statutory bodies to deliver clients’ development goals.

He also advises on complex commercial leases for national and international clients in the automotive and housebuilding sectors, and for high-net-worth individuals with diverse property portfolios.

Key Specialisms

Email Richard

Sale and purchase of land for development, including conditional contracts, options, pre-emption rights, promotion agreements and overage

Secured lending for banks and alternative lenders, and borrowing arrangements for investors and SPVs

Asset management for professional landlords, investors and occupational tenants (leases, renewals, variations, consents)

Property aspects of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and restructures

Development site assembly, title due diligence, infrastructure and planning obligation agreements

Recent Experience

Off-Market Industrial Investment Sale

Advised private client on the sale of 48,990 sq ft investment across three units for just under £5M, completing deal within 4 weeks of instructions

Land Rover Dealership Acquisition

Advised a major automotive retailer on securing a prominent roadside site for a new Land Rover dealership, including conditional contract negotiations, planning and highways diligence (S106/S278), title remediation and completion to timeline.

Strategic Quarry Acquisition

Represented a quarry operator on the purchase of a 256-acre site, undertaking minerals and environmental due diligence, confirming easements and access, negotiating mining rights, and completing the transaction with appropriate regulatory protections.

Off-Market Industrial Investment Sale

Advised private client on the sale of 48,990 sq ft investment across three units for just under £5M, completing deal within 4 weeks of instructions

Land Rover Dealership Acquisition

Strategic Quarry Acquisition

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Testimonials

Jason Alcock was our solicitor and was superb. He made everything straightforward and easy to follow. His legal advice was clear and concise and always explained with logic and reasoning. His representation at a mediation session was very professional and helpful.

Legal 500 UK 2022

Jason Alcock has given us excellent advice and guidance. Jason is readily accessible, even during the pandemic, and gave timely and pragmatic advice about various HR issues. My colleagues and I were entirely happy with the service he gave us and will have no hesitation to use him again and to recommend him to others.

Legal 500 UK 2022

Our point of contact Jason Alcock made a very good impression when we first went to Ansons for advice. It was clear that he was not looking to just earn fees for his firm as his advice could have taken us down a path that did this but he was realistic about the likely outcomes and suggested we use the money we would pay out on fees in a more positive way such as winning new business

Legal 500 UK 2023

Jason Alcock is a very good litigator and he ensures his clients are fully aware of the legal protocols whilst making them feel comfortable. He is a great sounding board for individuals or businesses who have legal compliance questions and queries.

Legal 500 UK 2023

Jason Alcock is one of a kind, highly experienced and capable with years of experience. He listens to you implicitly and really takes the time to understand you and your situation. He provides exceptional advice in a manner you fully understand and need. He follows up with you and makes you feel so heard and in safe hands. His knowledge and communication are unbelievably amazing.

Legal 500 UK 2023

Jason Alcock is a pleasure to work with and always does his best for his clients.

Legal 500 UK 2025