Author: Sasha Warwick

What the New MEES Rules Mean for Your Commercial Property

The government has published its long-awaited interim response on commercial property energy efficiency standards, specifically the non-domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in England and Wales, and the picture looks quite different from what was originally proposed.

For landlords and tenants of commercial property, the key message is this: the goalposts have moved, and in some cases, moved in your favour.

Breaking it down:

Rather than pushing all non-domestic buildings toward the same targets on the same timeline, the government has opted for a more targeted approach, concentrating regulatory pressure on larger commercial assets while easing the burden on smaller premises.

Here is what has been confirmed:

From 2031, buildings over 1,000 sq m must achieve EPC B (where it is cost-effective to do so). This applies to all privately rented non-domestic buildings above that size threshold and represents the clearest compliance deadline in the new framework.

Buildings under 1,000 sq m are not required to target EPC B or C. Smaller commercial premises — including much of the high street, will only need to meet the existing minimum standard of EPC E. This is a significant departure from earlier proposals and will come as a relief to many SME landlords and occupiers.

The 2027 EPC C interim milestone has been scrapped. Previously, landlords were expected to reach EPC C by 2027 as a stepping stone toward higher standards. That requirement has been formally dropped, giving both parties more flexibility to plan energy improvements around natural lease events rather than an arbitrary regulatory deadline.

Existing safeguards remain in place. The 7-year payback test, which means landlords are not required to carry out improvements that cannot be recouped within seven years, continues to apply. Valid exemptions also remain available where compliance is not financially or practically achievable.

What does this mean in practice?

If you own or occupy a commercial building over 1,000 sq m, 2031 is the date to plan around. That may sound a long way off, but achieving EPC B in a large building often involves meaningful capital investment: insulation upgrades, new heating systems, lighting overhauls, or renewable energy installations. The earlier you begin to assess your position, the more options you have, and the more control you retain over timing and cost.

If your building is under 1,000 sq m, the immediate compliance pressure has eased. EPC E remains the floor, and there is no current obligation to go further. That said, commercial property energy efficiency is increasingly factored into occupier decisions and asset valuations. and asset valuations, so proactive improvement still makes commercial sense even where it is not legally required.

For lease negotiations, rent reviews, and acquisitions currently in progress, these changes are directly relevant. The removal of the 2027 milestone alters the risk profile of properties that would have fallen short of EPC C, and that should be reflected in how deals are structured and priced.

What comes next:

These changes are not yet law. They will take effect once secondary legislation has successfully passed through Parliament. Full technical guidance is also still to be published, and we expect further detail on how the cost-effectiveness test will be assessed for larger buildings.

At Kinney Green, we are monitoring developments closely and will provide further updates as the legislation progresses. If you would like to discuss how these changes affect a specific asset or your wider portfolio, please get in touch with our team.

Kinney Green is a chartered surveyors and property advisors company operating on London Commercial property. This article is intended as general guidance and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.

29 Queen Anne’s Gate available soon…

The Queen Anne’s Gate offices have undergone a refurbishment. A newly upgraded reception now sits within this Kinney Green managed property in the heart of St James’s.

This improvement creates a strong first impression for occupiers and visitors. The reception features a clean, modern design that enhances the arrival experience. It also helps set a professional tone for the rest of the building.

The reception forms part of wider works across the property. These upgrades show a clear focus on delivering high-quality office accommodation in a prime central London location. Modern occupiers continue to prioritise both space quality and workplace experience.

In addition, two newly refurbished floors are nearing completion. They will be brought to the market shortly. These floors will provide modern office space for a range of occupiers. The accommodation will suit businesses looking for well-presented offices in this area.

The Queen Anne’s Gate offices sit in a strong St James’s location. The area offers excellent access to local amenities and transport links. It also continues to attract a wide range of central London occupiers.

The building appeals to businesses that want both location and quality. The forthcoming space will offer a strong opportunity for occupiers planning their next move.

Further details, including floor specifications and leasing information, will be released shortly.

Should you consider lease renewal or relocation advice when making your next property decision?

Making the right property decision can have a significant impact on your business performance, costs, and flexibility. At Kinney Green, we provide expert guidance to help you navigate every step of the process. From reviewing your current space to exploring new opportunities, we ensure you reach the right destination for your future needs.

Choosing between staying in your current premises or moving elsewhere is not always straightforward. Market conditions, lease terms, and business requirements all need to be considered carefully before making a decision.

Whether you choose to renew your lease or relocate, our team offers tailored support to guide your decision-making. This includes advice on location and size suitability, budget and flexibility, market comparisons, and lease analysis and negotiations.

We specialise in clear and practical advice that helps occupiers understand their options and make informed decisions with confidence. Our approach focuses on identifying both the financial and operational impact of each choice.

We also support clients in reviewing their current lease terms, highlighting opportunities for improvement, and identifying potential cost savings where possible. This ensures that every option is fully assessed before a final decision is made.

We work closely with businesses to assess requirements and identify the most suitable property strategy. As a result, clients are better placed to choose the option that aligns with their long-term goals.

Take a look at our tube map below to see the journey toward the best outcome for your business.

👉 Reach your destination with Kinney Green. The diagram below illustrates the parallel routes of lease renewal and relocation, showing each step in your decision-making journey.

For Easter, Kinney Green gave out Easter eggs at the available property 72 Cannon Street.

At 72 Cannon Street, the team handed out Easter eggs to occupiers and visitors who came to look round the office space. It was a simple gesture to mark the occasion and add a seasonal touch to the day.

The building itself is located immediately next to Cannon Street Station, placing it in a strong City of London location. It offers high-quality office accommodation with excellent transport links and nearby amenities.

Available office space includes the following:

• 1st Floor – 1,756 sq ft
• 2nd Floor – 1,810 sq ft
• 4th Floor – 1,840 sq ft

All floors benefit from a brand-new Landlord Cat B fit-out, with excellent natural daylight, modern LED lighting, and air-conditioning.

The building also provides fibre connectivity, a new passenger lift, bicycle storage, shower facilities, and 24-hour access.

Together, these features create a high-quality, fully fitted workspace in a strong City of London location, just moments from Bank transport links and local amenities.

As a result, the property offers a strong opportunity for occupiers seeking ready-to-occupy office space in the heart of the City.

Can you spot all the hidden eggs in our photos? 🐣

For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact
Neil Warwick, Emma Burgess, Jo Gospage or Charles Fogg at Kinney Green, or our joint agents at STAGE RE.

Gresham Street Estate office suites available in the City of London

Kinney Green, alongside joint agents Gryphon Property Partners, our pleased to be marketing office suites at the Gresham Street Estate, comprising 46 & 48 Gresham Street.

The estate offers fitted and furnished office suites in a prime City core location. It sits a short walk from both St Paul’s and Bank stations, providing excellent transport connectivity across London.

The surrounding area is well established and highly active throughout the working day. Occupiers benefit from a strong mix of cafés, restaurants, and retail amenities, all within walking distance.

The buildings are fibre-enabled and provide modern office specification throughout. This includes high-quality Category B fit-outs, air-conditioning, and energy-efficient LED lighting. As a result, the suites offer a ready-to-occupy solution for incoming tenants.

In addition, the accommodation is available on flexible lease terms directly from the landlord. This allows occupiers to secure space with greater flexibility compared to traditional long-term commitments.

The Gresham Street Estate continues to attract strong interest from a range of occupiers due to its location, specification, and adaptability.

Availability:

• 2nd Floor, 46 Gresham Street (890 sq ft) – available
• 3rd Floor, 48 Gresham Street – under offer
• 4th Floor, 48 Gresham Street (998 sq ft) – available

Further Information:

For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Jo Gospage or Charles Fogg at Kinney Green.

Strengthening Our Partnership Team

We are delighted to announce that James Proctor has joined Kinney Green as an Agency Partner. His appointment strengthens our commercial property offering. It also supports the continued growth of the business.

James brings over 25 years of experience in commercial property. He has expertise in office leasing, commercial auctions, and asset management. During his career, he has built a strong reputation. He delivers strategic advice and achieves successful outcomes. His work supports landlords, investors, and occupiers across London and the wider UK.

He has worked with an impressive range of clients. These include AXA, Lazari Investments, Legal & General, and Mayfair Capital. This experience gives James valuable insight into different ownership structures. He advises both institutional and private clients. His knowledge of the central London office market further strengthens Kinney Green’s agency capabilities.

James joins at an exciting time for Kinney Green. The business has made a strong start to 2026. Our Agency, Professional Services, and Property Management teams are all performing well. Demand continues to grow across leasing, acquisitions, and asset management. James’ appointment reflects our commitment to investing in experienced professionals.

Working closely with the wider team, James will focus on expanding client relationships. He will also identify new opportunities. Delivering high-quality service remains a key priority. His collaborative approach aligns with Kinney Green’s values. It also supports our long-term strategy.

We are confident James will make an immediate impact. He will play an important role in supporting our clients. His appointment reinforces Kinney Green’s position as a trusted adviser in the commercial property market.

The featured image shows James alongside Senior Partner Neil Warwick. They are standing in front of Kinney Green’s LOOT-IN Bell , which is rung when we are paid on deals. We look forward to him ringing it many times in the future.

Please join us in welcoming James Proctor to Kinney Green. 🎉

Neil Warwick appointed Senior Partner.

We are delighted to announce that Neil Warwick Senior Partner Kinney Green now leads the firm as Senior Partner.

This promotion recognises the leadership, judgement, and commitment Neil has shown over many years. He has fulfilled the role with distinction and continues to lead as Head of Agency, playing a key role in the firm’s ongoing success.

Simon Isaacs, Equity Partner and Head of Professional Services, said: “Recognising Neil Warwick Senior Partner Kinney Green was an easy decision. His drive, determination, and enthusiasm for giving clients the right advice earn respect from clients and peers alike. His enjoyment of the work we do has shaped the culture we value at Kinney Green.”

Andrew Scott-Morris, Equity Partner and Head of Asset & Property Management, added: “Neil fully deserves this recognition. Since I joined, he has guided me and all team members with clarity and humour. He gives his time generously, makes the office an enjoyable place, and supports everyone around him. I’m thrilled to see him step into the Senior Partner role and look forward to celebrating together as a firm.”

Neil Warwick said: “I am very proud to become Senior Partner. Laurie Kinney founded the firm in 1972, and we have maintained an independent practice ever since. Our team provides clear, professional advice while building strong relationships with other firms in the market. We are in a period of growth, and I feel fortunate to work with talented and enthusiastic colleagues who share my passion for the business and value the relationships that make this industry so special.”

Kinney Green has started the year strongly. We look forward to building on this momentum and achieving continued success.

As spring begins, London’s property market continues to present strategic opportunities for occupiers and investors alike. The city’s evolving landscape requires careful insight to identify prime sites, assess viability constraints, and navigate complex acquisitions.

At Kinney Green, our team specialises in London real estate, combining deep local market knowledge with practical experience. We advise clients on land acquisition, off-market opportunities, and site assembly, ensuring that every project is evaluated thoroughly. Moreover, we help clients understand potential physical and regulatory constraints, allowing them to make informed, confident decisions.

Recent projects highlight the value of our approach. For example, we have supported major infrastructure schemes, assisted with complex site assemblies, and guided occupiers through leasing strategies. As a result, our clients can access opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Spring is also a season of heightened market activity, offering new avenues for investment and strategic planning. In addition, Kinney Green monitors emerging trends and changing market dynamics, helping clients stay ahead in a competitive environment.

By combining local insight, technical knowledge, and practical experience, Kinney Green delivers tailored solutions for high-stakes real estate projects. Therefore, whether advising on infrastructure initiatives, commercial acquisitions, or off-market opportunities, we ensure that clients are well-positioned to succeed in London’s dynamic property market.

Following MIPIM 2026, we spoke with our Head of Asset Management, Andrew Scott-Morris, about what really matters in today’s market.

Q&A insight…

Q: What stood out most this year?

A: “Two themes came through consistently , viability and sustainability. There’s no shortage of opportunity, but the challenge is delivery. Across panels and conversations at MIPIM 2026, the focus has shifted to how schemes actually work in practice. At the same time, sustainability is now embedded. Retrofit, reuse, and operational performance are fundamental to value , not optional extras.”

Q: What does that mean for investors and landlords?

A: “It means a move away from purely development-led strategies. Where viability is tight, the focus is increasingly on:

• Repositioning existing assets
• Targeted capital expenditure
• Improving income and operational performance

In many cases, active asset management is now the primary driver of value creation.”

Q: How important is professional advice in this environment?

A: “More important than ever. When margins are under pressure, decisions need to be based on robust, real-time advice, including lease advisory, accurate valuations, and investment guidance grounded in market reality.”

Q: What role do offices and agency play in growth?

A: “Offices remain a key

part of the market, but expectations have shifted. Performance is increasingly driven by quality, location, and experience. The right agency advice can materially impact outcomes.”

Q: What’s the overall takeaway from MIPIM 2026?

A: “The market is still full of opportunity, but it’s more disciplined. Success depends on understanding viability, integrating sustainability, and applying advice early. Execution is now the differentiator.”

A valuable week at MIPIM 2026 reinforced that performance is driven by insight, execution, and the right advice at the right time.

Guinness all around for St Patrick’s Day

The team at Kinney Green took a moment to raise a glass this St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 It’s always nice to enjoy a bit of fun together and celebrate as a team. Next year, we might all be in green shirts, we’ll see if management approves!

With a pint in hand, we celebrated the day and the great teamwork that makes our workplace so special. It’s little moments like these that remind us why working with such a dedicated team is always rewarding.

At Kinney Green, we pride ourselves on helping clients navigate Central London’s retail and property market. From business rates to lease renewals and property decisions, our experts are here to guide clients every step of the way. Taking a moment to celebrate together helps us recharge, bond, and continue providing the high-quality service our clients expect.

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect reminder that while property and retail work can be challenging, it’s important to take time to enjoy the people you work with. Whether it’s sharing a laugh over a pint, brainstorming ideas for a project, or planning new ways to support clients, teamwork is at the heart of everything we do at Kinney Green.

Here’s to teamwork, laughter, and plenty of opportunities around every corner, happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Kinney Green!

Kinney Green Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants are experts in Central London retail and property markets. For advice on business rates, lease renewals, or property decisions, contact Neil Warwick for professional guidance.

Rent Reviews from Simon Isaacs

Head of Professional Services, Simon Isaacs, was invited to present to the real estate team at VWV Solicitors last week. The topic was rent reviews from a surveyor perspective.

During his presentation, Simon explained the practical and legal challenges surveyors face with complex or onerous rent review provisions. He highlighted common pitfalls and shared strategies for accurate valuation. He also discussed how to approach negotiations to achieve fair outcomes for both landlords and tenants.

Rent reviews are a key part of commercial lease management. Getting them wrong can lead to disputes or costly delays. By sharing his insights, Simon helped attendees understand how surveyors use professional judgment, market knowledge, and statutory frameworks to conduct rent reviews effectively.

It has been a busy start to the year for Simon and the Professional Services team at Kinney Green. Last month, Simon appeared as an Expert Witness in a high-profile Dilapidations dispute heard at the Royal Court of Justice. This experience reinforces the team’s deep understanding of complex lease matters. These include rent reviews, lease renewals, and tenant obligations.

Simon also discussed how rent reviews from a surveyor perspective can be influenced by market conditions, lease clauses, and valuation methods. He outlined practical tips for landlords and tenants to avoid disputes and maintain positive commercial relationships.

If you require expert advice on rent reviews or any other lease matters, please contact Simon Isaacs, Henry Ward, or Hugo Hayes. Kinney Green’s Professional Services team provides tailored guidance to help clients manage commercial property challenges efficiently.

Dr Martens London HQ Secures 20 Whitfield Street

Dr Martens London HQ has signed a 15-year lease for 40,410 sq ft at 20 Whitfield Street, London. With this move, Kinney Green advised Dr Martens on the lease. The brand is consolidating its London operations into a single, modern, high-quality workspace. This relocation brings staff from two offices together in one central location. As a result, the company creates a collaborative and flexible working environment.

Meanwhile, Global Holdings Management Group acquired the former transport police building in 2023. They are completing a comprehensive refurbishment this year. As part of the project, designed by Hale Brown Architects and delivered by contractor Make One, several key upgrades are being implemented:

• New facades and exterior improvements to give the building a fresh, modern appearance

• Multiple terraces to provide outdoor space for occupiers

• Cycle storage and commuter facilities to support sustainable transport

• An additional penthouse floor, adding premium office space

• Modern interiors with flexible layouts and collaborative workspace design

In addition, Dr Martens’ relocation ensures employees benefit from premium facilities, excellent natural daylight, and modern amenities. Furthermore, the move reflects the growing demand for well-designed offices in London’s prime business districts.

Josh Lawrence, CEO of Global Holdings Management Group UK, said:

“20 Whitfield Street is a prime workspace in London. Moreover, we worked closely with our design partners to create an environment that attracts and retains talent. It also enables collaboration. Exceptional design and amenities are why premium occupiers like Dr Martens choose our buildings.”

Kinney Green’s role in advising Dr Martens highlights our expertise in occupier-led office transactions. We ensured a smooth and efficient relocation process.

Overall, this lease shows the appeal of 20 Whitfield Street as a premium London office space. It is ideal for companies seeking flexible, modern, and high-quality workspaces that enhance employee experience while also supporting business growth.

Fully Refurbished Office Suites at 72 Cannon Street, Moments from Cannon Street Station

We’re pleased to be marketing 72 Cannon Street offices on behalf of our client, The Milton Group Ltd. Located immediately next to Cannon Street Station, this building offers high-quality office suites that have been substantially refurbished, fully fitted, and furnished. All floors are ready to occupy.

Available Floors:

• 1st Floor – 1,756 sq ft (immediate occupation)

• 2nd Floor – 1,810 sq ft (undergoing full refurbishment; available shortly)

• 4th Floor – 1,840 sq ft (immediate occupation)

All floors benefit from a brand new Landlord Cat B fit-out. They also feature excellent natural daylight, modern LED lighting, and air-conditioning. In addition, the building provides fibre connectivity, a new passenger lift, bicycle storage, shower facilities, and 24-hour access.

This is a fantastic opportunity for occupiers seeking high-quality fitted workspace in the heart of the City of London. The 72 Cannon Street offices offer excellent access to transport links, local amenities, and prestigious surroundings. Whether you are a growing business or an established firm, these offices combine convenience, style, and functionality.

Kinney Green’s team is available to arrange viewings or provide further information. Contact Neil Warwick, Emma Burgess, Jo Gospage, or Charles Fogg, or our joint agents at STAGE RE.