Providing 'impeccable' advice, the team at Birketts LLP has deep expertise in affordable housing developments. The social housing practice is co-led by Jonathan Hulley, who focuses on contentious matters; Clive Adams, who divides his time Norwich and London offices, leading the housing management side of the practice. Norwich-based senior associate Sarah Fish acts for numerous Housing Associations, local authorities and private housebuilders on a range of non- contentious matters. Legal director Kevin Edwards joined the Cambridge office from Shakespeare Martineau LLP, bringing longstanding experience in acquisitions, developments and disposals in the social housing sector. Edwards recently acted for Broadland Housing Group in the discharge and then re-charge to two new lenders of a portfolio.
Social housing in East Anglia
Birketts LLP
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Hulley; Clive Adams
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Fish
Testimonials
‘The personal contact with the firm and also the opportunity to share the latest case laws and update definitely stands out.’
‘Jonathan Hulley and the team are so dedicated for the good course of housing. Their advice and and guidance is impeccable.’
Key clients
Broadland Housing Group
Chelmer Housing Partnership
Platform Housing
Eastlight Community Homes Limited
Freebridge Housing
Clarion Housing
Eastlight Community Homes Limited
B3 Living
London and Quadrant
Orbit Group
Howes Percival LLP
Known for providing 'practical and pragmatic' advice, the team at Howes Percival LLP is adept at advising on service charges, regularly assisting housing associations and charities. In Norwich, practice co-head Estelle Corner focuses on development and property transactions, and in Cambridge co-head Simon Murphy specialises in housing management matters. Michaela Henson in Cambridge, frequently acts for Hundred Houses Society and Accent Group in real estate matters. Senior associate Jonathan Parker, who has extensive experience in section 106 allocated affordable housing matters, joined the Norwich office from Birketts LLP; and associate Katie Reading joined from Spire Solicitors LLP in April 2023.
Practice head(s):
Estelle Corner; Simon Murphy
Other key lawyers:
Michaela Henson; Jonathan Parker; Katie Reading; Scott Smith
Testimonials
‘Extrememly helpful and always mindful of costs. Happy to provide additional resource for projects and help with negotiations. Always provide practical and pragmatic advice.’
‘Scott Smith is extremely competent. Always focused on finding practical solutions. He is also a great advocate for diversity and wellbeing both within the firm and externally too.’
‘The team always treat us with respect and understanding. The people are fantastic.’
‘No job or question has been too much for them and they always approach us with a smile, even on the trickier cases.’
‘Estelle Corner is very skilled at managing my expectations around cases which we bring to them which, is no small feat!’
Key clients
Accent Group
Broadland Development Services Limited
Broadland Housing Association Limited
Crimson Development Homes Limited
Crocus Contractors Limited
Flagship Housing Group Limited
Freebridge Community Housing
Hundred Houses Society Limited
Orwell Housing Association
Saffron Housing Trust Limited
South Holland District Council
United Response
West Norfolk Housing Company
Work highlights
- Advised various regional RPs on s106 acquisitions that will deliver over 240 affordable homes in the East of England with a total package price in excess of £45 m.
- Advised Freebridge Community Housing Limited on a phased land acquisition and development agreement with the borough council for provision of a 100% affordable scheme of 78 homes in Kings Lynn supported by Homes England grant funding.
- Advised a regional housing association on S106 acquisition of 70 affordable homes on a phased golden brick basis over three years for a package price of £19 m.