About Michael Lever

Born 1949 in Ealing, educated at City of London School, my commercial property career began at Montagu Evans, London in 1967. In 1971, I joined my late father's firm, Fineman Lever & Co, Chartered Surveyors. In 1975, I established my practice in Harrow, NW London to specialise in rent review and lease renewal. In 1993, I moved my office to Ledbury, Herefordshire.

In 1975, I pioneered the idea of specialising in negotiating rent reviews. (In those days, chartered surveyors were not allowed to call themselves specialists and I think it was probably as a result of the publicity generated by my approach that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors changed its rules!)

There is no set-formula for rent review, but there is a recipe for success. I consider each situation on its own merits and tailor my approach according to the parties and the property. Because I have an unusually good understanding of business, as well as property, I am both professional and entrepreneurial in my way of going about things.

I like to develop long-term relationships with clients, and many of my clients have used my services regularly since 1975. Regular Clients include property companies, private landlords, family trusts, multiple retailers, and local businesses. For a list of companies for whom I've acted against and for,
please click here. And for some information about the type of properties and problems I deal with, please click here for case histories.

As well as advising Clients, I contribute to professional wisdom and market intelligence by writing about rent review, lease renewal, and commercial property. My publications are welcomed by solicitors, barristers, chartered surveyors, accountants, students, public and private property companies, private investors, banks, an in commerce and multiple retailing. My letters and articles appear in Estates Gazette, Law Society's Gazette, Solicitors' Journal, Chartered Surveyor, Arbitrator, Estates Times, The Grocer, Ledbury Reporter, Financial Times, Property Law Bulletin, Central (Institute of Directors), Investor's Chronicle, Property Week and Retail Week. I contribute to the Property boards of Motley Fool UK; and the Community Blog on Reuters Real Estate.

I am mentioned in a Blundell Memorial Lecture and in a 'footnote' in 2 law books - 'Land Options' by Barnsley (1980); and 'Drafting Business Leases' by Lewison (1981) (nowadays Sir Kim Lewison of the Supreme Court). In 1984, I launched Quarterly Commentary, later renamed Current Review, my newsletter about rent review, investment and retailing. In 1995, I was awarded a prize for my essay on the Future of Town Centres and Retailing in a competition sponsored by Marks & Spencer. In 1996, I received a Certificate of Academic Standing from the Law Society. I have experience as executor and trustee. I am a member of the Shop Agents Society.

My services are often recommended by surveyors, accountants and lawyers.

I look forward to helping you in some way.

To contact me, please telephone 01531 631892 or email

Michael Lever