
Meet the Team: Matt Roper joins Lease Advisory
Matt Roper will join our Lease Advisory team this summer, bringing with him more than a decade of experience in London’s office market and a reputation for precision and practical insight.
24 July 2025
Matt has broad market knowledge, having worked across rent reviews, lease renewals, and complex landlord-tenant negotiations. His new role will see him broaden his remit to work across all core London markets - having previously concentrated on the City, MidTown and Southbank markets only.
A background in property
With a family background in surveying, Matt had some early experience of the realities of the property world. He was drawn to the variety of the role at 51ĀŅĀ×, the ability to spend time both in and out of the office, and the opportunity to work on real-world challenges that affect how businesses operate and grow.
Over the years, he has built a solid track record advising both occupiers and landlords, helping them navigate changing market conditions and evolving workplace needs. His work is underpinned by a deep understanding of lease structures and a commitment to delivering clear, evidence-based advice.
Market trends and emerging challenges
Matt joins 51ĀŅĀ× at a time of transformation in the office market. The shift towards hybrid working, rising fit-out costs, and an increasing preference for flexibility are reshaping lease terms and negotiation strategies - particularly among smaller occupiers.
Landlords are increasingly being asked to deliver fitted space with shorter lease lengths and break options, while tenants are evaluating the functionality and quality of whatās on offer. This changing landscape requires careful assessment, as many recent deals involve fitted space, whereas leases signed five years ago - now coming up for review -typically did not.
Understanding the fit-out element has become a central part of lease advisory work, and involves distinguishing between varying levels of specification, from basic meeting rooms to premium-grade installations, and adjusting valuations accordingly. Mattās methodical approach will be instrumental in helping clients interpret and respond to current market dynamics.
Supporting clients across the board
Mattās technical knowledge is matched by a strong commercial awareness. His role involves interpreting complex lease clauses, coordinating with legal and agency teams, and advising clients on the implications of market movements. With the broad range of service departments at 51ĀŅĀ× Matt will be well positioned to offer clients a joined-up service, supported by a network of in-house expertise.
Looking ahead
In his first few months, Mattās focus will be on immersing himself in the London market, strengthening client relationships, and supporting the continued growth of the lease advisory function. With supply of prime space limited and development pipelines tight, demand for high-quality office stock remains strong, and London rents continue to be driven upward by supply-demand imbalances. This makes the need for accurate lease advisory insight more important than ever.
While long leases on larger office spaces are expected to remain relatively stable, occupiers are increasingly focused on value, flexibility, and usability - meaning that shorter leases, fitted solutions, and break options are becoming more common, particularly for smaller occupiers. These shifts are creating new advisory challenges, from assessing the impact of flexible terms to analysing leases in an evolving market.
As the market continues to adapt to the demands of hybrid working, rising costs, and shifting occupier expectations, Mattās combination of technical proficiency and commercial understanding makes him a strong addition to the team.