Firms To Watch: Property finance

Gary Wainwright at Healys LLP advises on all aspects of senior and mezzanine finance and corresponding lender’s requirements for secured property deals.
Gregory Palos leads the real estate finance practice at Lawrence Stephens solicitors alongside banking head Ajoy Bose-Mallick - the team advises lenders, especially challenger banks, with expertise in bridging finance.
James Dakin leads the team at the boutique commercial real estate firm Newmanor Law, which was established in 2018, and acts for alternative lenders and challenger banks in the development finance space.

Firms in the Spotlight Property finance

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP

Ronald Fletcher Baker attracts a diverse client base from financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals and substantial freehold corporate investors, as a result of which the firm has considerable expertise acting for corporate investors based in the BVI, Bahamas, Mauritius, Seychelles, Turkey and Isle of Man. This department also acts for sellers and buyers, and buy-to-let investors, …

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Property finance in London

Allen & Overy LLP

Powerhouse Allen & Overy LLP have ‘great depth of practice and experience and international reach’, advising lenders and sponsors on landmark financings, including many pan-European big ticket real estate M&A, European development finance and portfolio transactions. Leading partners Mark Manson-Bahr and Simon Roberts maintain an active international practice advising banks on large scale real estate loan portfolio trades and structures. David Oppenheimer is ‘commercial minded and can do it all, including restructuring.’ Peter Mailer and David Varne are also top names to note for lender and borrower-side financing. Joining from Goldman Sachs in early 2023, Anneliese Foster adds complementary expertise in mezzanine lenders and private equity funds on their European real estate finance matters, with a focus on complex infrastructure debt transactions and holdco financings.

Practice head(s):

Mark Manson-Bahr


Other key lawyers:

Simon Roberts; David Oppenheimer; Peter Mailer; David Varne; Anneliese Foster


Testimonials

‘Great team, great depth of practice and experience and international reach.’

‘David Oppenheimer – technically great, commercial minded and can do it all including restructuring. A Star. ‘

Peter Mailer – again technically great and commercial.’

Work highlights


  • Advised Starwood on its financing of the acquisition by entities owned by funds managed or advised by Blackstone Inc. and its affiliates of Crown Resorts Limited, a publicly-listed Australian gaming company. With a value of AUD 8.9bn, it is one of the largest and most prominent Australian public M&A deals of 2022.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s ‘well resourced team who are very knowledgeable across the whole property finance spectrum’ is led by Naveen Vijh, who alongside senior associate Benedict West, advised on Brookfield Asset Management’s first European core-plus real estate fund (BPREP-E) on financing the acquisition of eight logistics assets located in France and the Netherlands. Claire Watson‘s expertise in investment grade lending and the student accommodation sector further bolsters the practice’s offering. Debt finance expert Gordon McMillan, ‘stand-out’ Payam Yoseflavi and Taslima Salam are sought after by market-leading lenders, borrowers and sponsors.

Practice head(s):

Naveen Vijh


Other key lawyers:

Benedict West; Claire Watson; Gordon McMillan; Payam Yoseflavi; Taslima Salam


Testimonials

‘Well resourced team who are very knowledgeable across the whole property finance spectrum. Able to come together easily to push deals through when needed without effort. Lots of expertise and market knowledge in the team.’

‘Payam Yoseflavi is a stand-out partner whose affable style has a way of directing transactions. Very good at seeing the whole picture to readily resolve any issues, and he’s excellent at proposing pragmatic solutions to move deals. The team clearly collaborates very well together, as every transaction is seamless.’

‘BCLP have an exceptionally talented team and approach to real estate transactions. They always make themselves available at short notice and have an extremely commercial approach to financing transactions.’

‘Gordon McMillan – provides clear and concise advice and gets quickly to the commercial points we need to focus on as a deal team. A trusted adviser who can get on with the job and who knows when to raise commercial issues.’

‘Benedict West is an exceptional lawyer. He has a unique and sound understanding of not just the finance elements of a transaction, but also of construction, planning and general real estate issues. He provides clear, concise and tailored advice making even the most complex of transactions seem painless. Would highly recommend.’

‘Taslima Salam has worked with us previously and when called on she has stepped in at critical points to deal with more involved matters / time critical matters – ensuring delivery. She has good oversight even when a senior associate is leading the day to to. This is reassuring and important.’

‘They are highly knowledgeable, practical and experienced with a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to understand their goals and challenges. I have valued their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering results for our clients.’

‘This is a truly full service real estate firm that is first class in all of the aspects of a construction project from site acquisition through planning, delivery, construction and thereafter in to finance. They are responsive, smart and hard working throughout their teams. Some firms are centred around a few high quality individuals, whereas BCLP has strength in depth.’

Key clients

R&F One (UK)


Qatari Diar


OEE PropCo


LIM


Tristan Capital


TIPS One Alpha PV I


Kensington Row Property


Project Arrow


Hermes Real Estate Senior Debt Fund


Henderson Park Capital Partners UK


HPREF II Silverburn Investments LP


OEE Holdings European Logistics


Cheyne Capital Management


Carlyle


BREO Hundred


Brookfield Asset Management


Work highlights


  • Advised R&F Properties on the £772 million senior and mezzanine construction financing of its development at One Nine Elms, London consisting of the 57-storey City Tower containing 334 apartments and the 42-storey River Tower consisting of a 203-room Park Hyatt Hotel and 103 Park Hyatt branded luxury apartments.
  • Advised Cheyne on a senior facility to finance the purchase of Taxi House, a mixed-use scheme situated on the Grand Union Canal, occupying the site of the former London Taxi Drivers’ Association headquarters.
  • Advising BauMont Real Estate Capital on an £86 million green loan from Cain International for the development of 100 Fetter Lane, London, a 95,000-square-foot, highly-sustainable, best-in-class office scheme.

Clifford Chance LLP

Highlighted for its ‘depth of the market knowledge, commercial acumen and wide range of experience’ Clifford Chance LLP‘s multifaceted team includes ‘very experienced lawyer’ Andrew Carnegie and practice head Barry O’Shea, ‘a firm favourite across the industry’, both of whom participate in complex cross border financings across Europe, loan portfolio sales, and restructurings. Emma Matebalavu ‘has tremendous market knowledge’ in loan origination for senior and mezzanine lenders. Laura Smallcombe and Claire Fawcett continue to be active in development finance and acquisition finance across a range of asset classes. For repo financings and CRE CLO, Will Sutton and director Dmytro Orendarets, who focuses on financings in sectors in the residential, student housing, offices and logistics sectors, are recommended.

Practice head(s):

Barry O’Shea


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Carnegie; Emma Matebalavu; Laura Smallcombe; Claire Fawcett; Will Sutton; Dmytro Orendarets


Testimonials

‘Great practice and European reach.’

‘Laura Smallcombe – really coming through. Smart, ambitious and technically excellent. Andrew Carnegie – one of the most experienced partners around. Good at advising on the big calls.’

‘The depth of the market knowledge, commercial acumen and wide range of experiences in the partner team make this team unique. The team has a broad network of local offices and partner firms across Europe, which is critical in getting complex pan-European deals done.’

‘Barry O’Shea has an excellent commercial outlook and advises his client taking into account risks while also viewing things through a commercial lens. He is always solution oriented and easy to work with – which both sponsors and sponsor counsel always appreciate. He is very organised and ensures his team are always leading the transaction and guiding it towards a sensible close. He is highly regarded by everyone in the market and is a firm favourite across the industry.’

‘Andrew Carnegie is a very experienced lawyer who is good at advising clients and structuring solutions. You know when you go to him, it is a one-stop shop, and he will coordinate with all teams to ensure the client has the optimum solution throughout the whole transaction. His many years of industry experience make him an asset.’

‘Laura Smallcombe is an amazing lawyer, highly attuned to her clients goals. She is super smart, with an excellent understanding of risk. She is a great problem solver and is highly organised.’

‘The team is what you would expect from a Magic Circle firm, skilled and with a solid bench of talent.’

‘Emma Matebalavu is a fantastic lawyer; she is technically proficient, dynamic and has tremendous market knowledge. She’ll be running Clifford Chance globally, soon.’

Key clients

Bank of America


Apollo


Deutsche Bank


Goldman Sachs


Morgan Stanley


Blackstone


Wells Fargo


JP Morgan


Fortress Investment Group


Davidson Kempner


Rothesay Life


Ares


Corebridge


Cale Street


PIMCO


Bentall GreenOak


Royal Bank of Canada


EQT Exeter


Work highlights


  • Advised Bank of America as the Arranger and Original Lender on a £1.2 billion Green Loan in respect of the refinancing of 22 Bishopsgate, London, a prime real estate asset in the City of London, as well as providing assistance in respect of the primary syndication of the loan.
  • Advised Rothesay Life PLC on providing a 10-year senior term loan to Lendlease for the acquisition of 21 Moorfields for £809 million. 21 Moorfields is a 568,500 sq ft premium office development in the City of London.
  • Advised Davidson Kempner on the financing of their c. €850 million acquisition of two private equity funds and their Portuguese management company (ECS), which has more than €1 billion in assets under management. The target portfolio includes multiple hotels, golf courses, land and residential properties, amongst other assets.

Ashurst

Ashurst has seen a continued increase in the financing of data centres, science parks and live-work schemes alongside purpose built student housing, multifamily buildings and senior living. It also reports a growth in development financings, many involving senior and mezzanine debt. This year saw Ruth Harris increasingly active on hybrid infrastructure assets, while Sarah Watkinson is in-demand for pan-European real estate investment, development and structured finance, often acting for investment banks, private equity and inbound Asian investors. Stuart Blacklock is an ‘exceptionally talented technical lawyer’ active on debt-on-debt transactions.

Practice head(s):

Ruth Harris; Sarah Watkinson


Other key lawyers:

Stuart Blacklock


Testimonials

‘Ruth Harris – will always make herself available. Is on top of issues and documents and able to give practical and commercial advice.’

‘Exceptional performance from Sarah Winter and Stuart Blacklock who continue to excel delivering for clients. The team has very broad experience in the sector and remain very competitive when it comes to fees.’

‘Stuart Blacklock – an exceptionally talented technical lawyer with broad experience and incredible attention to detail. Sarah Winter is incredibly committed and goes above and beyond for her clients.’

Key clients

Almacantar SA


Apollo


Arax Properties


Aviva


Barings Asset Management


Blackrock


Blackstone


Birchwood


Brockton


Cain International


CarVal


Castlelake


Cheyne Capital


Davidson Kempner


Delancey


Eagle Street Partners


EcoWorld


EQT


ICG


ING Bank


Lendlease


M&G


NatWest


OakNorth Bank


Oaktree Capital Management


Oxford Properties


Patrizia


Pocket Living


Rothesay Life


RBSI


Samsung


Santander


Security Benefit Life Insurance Company


Signal Capital


Tritax


Varde Partners


Westfield


Work highlights


  • Advised Lendlease in relation to the £809m acquisition of 21 Moorfields, London.
  • Advised Related Argent on development financing of multiple phases of a major regeneration project providing 6,700 homes and workspace for 25,000 people in relation to what will be the UK’s largest net zero town centres.
  • Advised Mandated Lead Arranger, Deutsche Bank, in respect of an over EUR1bn development financing for multiple data centre sites across Germany, providing committed facilities and accordion facilities for further expansion.

CMS

CMS‘ balanced lender and borrower real estate finance practice remains active in financing of industrial, office and mixed use, and care homes. Practice head Clive Swillman has an extensive domestic and international practice, and is a leading name for structured financing, development and fund finance. Ian McGarr is particularly noted for his work related to hotels and leisure. Development finance specialist Simon Johnston is also a core team member. Other key partners include Mike Delaney, who concentrates on cross-border deals, CMBS financings and restructuring, and Andrew Besser.

Practice head(s):

Clive Swillman


Other key lawyers:

Ian McGarr; Simon Johnston; Mike Delaney; Andrew Besser


Testimonials

‘Strong transactional presence and deal doing ability’

‘A highly capable REF team, and jolly nice people!’

‘Real world practical and straight forward approach to deals and documentation.’

Key clients

UBS


Bank Leumi


NatWest


Santander


Nuffield Health


Shojin Property Partners


Nykredit Realkredit


The Bank of East Asia, Limited


Primary Health Properties (PHP)


Global Student Accommodation


Nuffield Health


easyHotel


Deutsche Pfandbriefbank


Landesbank Baden-Württemberg


Münchener Hypothekenbank


Barings Real Estate


Bank of Ireland


Alliance Bernstein


Bank Hapoalim


Deutsche Hypo/NordLB


KanAm


OakNorth


Work highlights


  • Advised on the £1.2 billion financing of 22 Bishopsgate, the largest UK office financing of the year.
  • Advised easyHotel on its acquisition and financing of eight Benelux hotels from real estate and private equity fund manager Crossroads Real Estate as part of its European growth drive.
  • Appointed by Nykredit to act as English counsel on two recent investment loans as part of Nykredit re-entering the UK real estate lending market.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher‘s London office regularly acts for US, and other foreign-based investors and lenders, in high-end transactional work across Europe. Team lead Alan Samson has more than 25 years’ experience in all aspects of real estate finance, and in particular, acquisition of real estate loan portfolios. Robert Carr is noted for advising private equity and other top tier sponsors on their borrowing transactions. Ben Myers and Claibourne Harrison are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Alan Samson


Other key lawyers:

Robert Carr; Ben Myers; Claibourne Harrison


Testimonials

‘Their attention to the client and client service is superb, as is their product and market knowledge.’

Key clients

Accuride Corporation


Apollo Global Management


Ares Management


Blackstone


Brookfield


Cale Street Partners


Centerbridge


Davidson Kempner Capital Management


Deutsche Bank AG


Fremont Realty Capital, LP


Work highlights


  • Advised Brookfield in relation to its approximately £1.2 billion senior and mezzanine financing of 100 Bishopsgate in London.
  • Advised Oaktree Capital Management’s Real Estate Opportunities Fund in connection with the financing relating to the recapitalisation of Auriens senior living developments in both Chelsea and St Johns Wood, London.
  • Advised Oaktree as lead consortium member in connection with the voluntary public takeover offer for Deutsche EuroShop AG, a major shopping centre investor that owns a portfolio of 21 high quality centres in prime locations across Germany and selected cities in Central and Eastern Europe, and related financing.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP maintains an active real estate finance practice, with a steady stream of instructions in NPL financings, investment grade financings, restructurings and insolvencies. Practice head Simon Chadney continues to act for borrowers, lenders and other creditors on mainstream finance transactions, while fellow senior partner Gary Hommel specialises in complex development and investment financings. Chris Mann leads on senior and mezzanine transactions and development financings, as well as pan-European deals for both lenders and sponsors.

Practice head(s):

Simon Chadney


Other key lawyers:

Gary Hommel; Chris Mann


Testimonials

‘Strong performers – good European coverage.’

 

Key clients

China Citic Bank


The British Land Company Plc


JP Morgan Asset Management


Deutsche Bank AG


Capital & Counties


Morgan Stanley


Cerberus


DekaBank


Societe Generale


Deutsche Pfandbriefbank


BNPP


Ballymore


United Overseas Bank


Hammerson


Cain International


Brookfield


Starwood Property Trust Inc


Macquarie/John Laing


Nuveen Asset Management


Almacantar Limited


Work highlights


  • Lead counsel to Deutsche Bank on two acquisition and development financings totalling €270,000,000 for Sunrise/ARES JVs in France and the Netherlands to fund the acquisition (by way of corporate acquisitions) of a portfolio of logistics assets.
  • Advising the arranging banks on the £605,000,000 financing of LaSalle/National Pension Service of Korea’s acquisition of 5 Broadgate in London.
  • Lead counsel to Deutsche Bank on the acquisition and development financing for Sunrise/ARES’s acquisition of a logistics property in Sweden.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

A favourite among private equity houses, banks, debt funds and sovereign wealth funds, Hogan Lovells International LLP's ‘well-resourced‘ group ‘handle complex transactions with multiple lender groups’ across the UK and Europe. Andrew Flemming heads the group and is a trusted counsel on loan-on-loan, loan purchases, development and acquisition finance. For borrowers, Jo Solomon is the lead partner, and Katie Gill is recommended for hotel finance. Associate Simon Bacchus is noted for back-leverage arrangements and on Sharia law compliant real estate financings.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Flemming


Other key lawyers:

Jo Solomon; Katie Gill; Simon Bacchus


Testimonials

‘Great attitude. Always available. Have all the skills we need. Banking, corporate, tax, planning, litigation etc.’

‘The Hogan Lovells team is well resourced. They are able to handle complex transactions with multiple lender groups and non-vanilla structures. There is a good level of partner direction with support from junior team members.’

‘Simon Bacchus was very helpful in leading the re-negotiation of a financing facility with multiple lending parties. Simon was able to consolidate disparate views and distil key issues to ensure that a consensus view was formed and that the transaction closed on time.’

Key clients

KW Holdings Co Limited


Carte Postale Investment Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Shiva Hotels in respect of £76m mezzanine financing in respect of four of their hotels in London.
  • Advising Carte Postale Investment Limited on the refinancing and CapEx financing of the Beaumier Group by Cheyne.

Jones Day

Jones Day‘s real estate finance practice concentrates on high value London-based development projects, as well as large scale disposals and acquisitions, representing lenders and equity sponsors. Led by Andrew Barker, the group has carved out a reputation acting on fund financings, NAV facilities, mezzanine finance, build-to-rent and student housing sectors. Emily Stew regularly counsels private equity funds, alternative capital providers, and corporate borrowers.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Barker


Other key lawyers:

Emily Stew


Work highlights


Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is ‘exceptionally good at breaking down complex transactions and particularly strong in their financing advice’, and is highly active for borrowers and private equity sponsors. Team lead Jonathan Birks is a well-known expert in debt finance and primarily acts on acquisition financing, restructuring and distressed investing. ‘Exceptional lawyer’ Kazik Michalski continues to work with TPG Real Estate on the financing of its “StartLiving” joint venture with Gatehouse Bank to construct up to several thousand suburban, purpose-built family rental homes throughout the UK. Private equity specialist Peter Chandler joined in September 2022 from Clifford Chance LLP, while Usman Khan left for McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP in September 2023.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Birks


Other key lawyers:

Kazik Michalski; Peter Chandler


Testimonials

‘K&E financing team are best in class. They are incredibly thoughtful and commercial and always get it done despite the difficulty of circumstances or counterparties.’

‘Jonny Birks and Kazik Michalski are outstanding lawyers. They are able to cut through all the less important issues to focus on what the threshold issues are and come up with solutions to complicated problems.’

‘The Kirkland and Ellis real estate financing team are world-class. Their knowledge of the market is exceptional and their ability to execute is second to none.’

‘Kazik is an exceptional lawyer, he knows the real estate finance markets better than anyone. Collectively we have worked with him on over 6billion of financing transactions across Europe’

‘Kirkland & Ellis are our most trusted law firm working with us on M&A, financing and fund structuring. They are exceptionally good at breaking down complex transactions and particularly strong in their financing advice. Their work ethic and commitment is as good as any, whilst always keeping a commercial approach.’

‘Kazik and Jonny do all of our financings across Europe. They expertly balance strong technical knowledge with commercial acumen.’

Key clients

LaSalle Investment Management


Brookfield


TPG Real Estate


GIC


GLP


Blackstone


Centerbridge Partners


Node


KKR


Eagle Street


Edyn Limited


Capital & Regional PLC


alstria Office REIT-AG


Work highlights


  • Advising Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC Private Markets Private Limited, together with Greystar, on the financing aspects of its acquisition of the StudentRoost student accommodation platform.
  • Advised alstria on the EUR500 million mortgage financing of a portfolio of German office properties.
  • Represented Brookfield in the financing for its successful public-to-private acquisition of Irish-listed Hibernia REIT for c.EUR1.1 billion, one of the largest European real estate transactions of 2022. The target is a leading Dublin-focussed real estate office platform.

Linklaters LLP

Linklaters LLP fields a team praised for its ‘excellent knowledge of the sector that they operate in.’ Banking partner Philip Gore is the lead partner on high-profile REF transactions, development financing and mezzanine-level portfolio transactions, and co-heads the department alongside ‘unparalleled professional’ Scott Simpson, a top specialist in senior/mezzanine, distressed and special situations, and Jessica Jenner, who joined the group from Ashurst in September 2022. Newly appointed partner James Godfrey is involved in all facets of investment and development lending.

Practice head(s):

Scott Simpson; Jessica Jenner; Philip Gore


Other key lawyers:

James Godfrey


Testimonials

‘Excellent team led by Scott Simpson. They have done a multitude of large, complicated deals for us in the last year. Scott is technically very strong and very commercial minded. He and his team get things done in the UK and across the continent. The team is expanding and emerging as one of the best in the market.’

‘The Linklaters real estate finance team have excellent knowledge of the sector that they operate in. Particularly worth noting is their expertise in senior/mezzanine financing transactions, where they have impressive knowledge of market norms. They are highly responsive and offer quality client service.’

‘Phil Gore is an excellent real estate finance lawyer. He offers clear and pragmatic advice, paired with strong technical knowledge. He is responsive, commercial and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Knowledgeable, pragmatic and able to stand their ground just based on reputation.’

‘Linklaters has tremendous depth of experience in the EU market. That experience informs practical approaches to solving problems, which clients appreciate. They are a team that gets things done, hits deadlines and does not complain. They are all about client service.’

‘Scott Simpson is an unparalleled professional. He’s a trusted advisor who knows how to manage difficult situations and counterparties. He never loses his cool and pushes to the finish line. Scott does the hard work and makes it look easy. He is generous with his resources, being willing to invest in his client’s long term success.’

‘Phil Gore – extremely responsive and hands-on, always available to discuss transactions and provide advice.’

‘The team recently added Jess Jenner to the ranks, who brings a wealth of experience from her long career at Ashurst. Jess Jenner is incredibly committed to ensuring that clients are well serviced.’

Key clients

Apollo Global Management


M&G Investments


Goldman Sachs


Bank of America


King Street Capital Management


Royal Bank of Canada


Citigroup


LaSalle Investment Management


Wells Fargo


Allianz


OakNorth Bank


Sculptor Capital Management


Cale Street Partners


Nuveen


AustralianSuper


Macquarie


Prologis


Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies


Work highlights


  • Acted for funds advised by Cale Street Partners LLP as lenders in respect of the financing for the acquisition of the property known as the Fenwick Department Store on Bond Street, London.
  • Advised Apollo (as senior lenders) and Carlyle, Crosstree and Precis (as mezzanine lenders) on a £770 million-plus financing package that will provide the expected funding necessary for full completion of One Nine Elms development.
  • Acted for the borrowers on completion of a £1bn facility to refinance and consolidate a number of existing facilities secured against certain investment assets at the King’s Cross Estate.

Mayer Brown International LLP

Mayer Brown International LLP continues to be increasingly involved in large portfolio financings, including NPL transactions, CMBS, loan-on-loan transactions, and loan origination. David O’Connor has developed an expertise in loan origination and real estate capital markets matters, enabling him to advise sponsors on capital markets funded real estate finance transactions as well as bank funded transactions. O’Connor leads the group alongside Andrew Hepner, who is an expert in the restructuring of bilateral, syndicated and securitised debt, and debt portfolio acquisitions and disposals. Charles Malpass is highly knowledgeable in residential mortgage and commercial mortgage debt, while senior associate Annabel Ersser is recommended for structured finance.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Hepner; David O’Connor


Other key lawyers:

Charles Malpass; Annabel Ersser


Key clients

Citibank N.A., London Branch


SMBC Bank International PLC


Ellington Management Group, LLC


Cheyne Capital Management (UK) LLP


Work highlights


  • Represented Citibank, a global bank, and SMBC Bank International PLC, a Japanese multinational bank, as senior arrangers and Lenders in a financing to Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (the Sponsor) in order to refinance its acquisition of a 20 Churchill Place in Canary Wharf, London. Mezzanine financing was provided by a subsidiary of Apollo.
  • Acted for Ellington, an investment and advisory firm, as Issuer, Seller and Retention Holder of a €495 million public residential mortgage backed securitisation. The issuer, Ellington Residential Holdings Ireland II DAC, issued notes backed by a portfolio of Spanish re-performing residential mortgage loans secured with Spanish mortgages over real estate properties located in Spain originated by Santander and its subsidiaries.
  • Acted as common transaction counsel for Bank of America, an American multinational bank, and RBC Europe, a bank, in a relation to Senior/Mezzanine facility agreements with various Lone Star Fund SPVs as borrowers.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s borrower focused real estate finance maintains a stellar reputation advising private equity real estate funds including, principally, Blackstone, in their pan-European credit transactions and financial instruments, as well as cross-border finance issues. Team lead Tom Lloydhas a very good grasp of what lenders require and is able to balance that with borrower requirements.’ James Esterkin specialises in complex cross-border real estate acquisition and development financing, non-performing loan financing arrangements and the restructuring of real estate related secured debt.

Practice head(s):

Tom Lloyd


Other key lawyers:

James Esterkin


Testimonials

‘STB are a very good borrower side firm for real estate finance work, particularly off the back of their work for Blackstone.’

‘Tom Lloyd has a very good grasp of what lenders require and is able to balance that with borrower requirements. Tom sets the standard for his team.’

‘James Esterkin’s technical excellence is unsurpassed by any other real estate finance lawyer we have worked with. He is very commercial and has worked with us on a variety of complex financing structures. He is also very adept with numbers and formulae to include in drafting which many lawyers are not so good at!’ 

Key clients

Apollo Global Management


Bain Capital Credit


Biomed


Boreal Investment Management


The Blackstone Group


Edyn Investments


Goldentree Asset Management


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts


KSL Capital Partners


Logicor


MARK Capital Management


Mileway


Sage Housing Group


Sponda Plc


Testa Residencial SOCIMI


The Arch Company (joint venture between Blackstone and Telereal Trillium)


Work highlights


  • Represented Blackstone in its €21 billion recapitalization of Mileway, the largest last mile logistics portfolio in Europe, alongside Blackstone’s Core+ strategy.
  • The financing of various acquisitions to form Blackstone’s European urban logistics assets with an aggregate total enterprise value of more than €21 billion.
  • Represented Blackstone in connection with senior and mezzanine refinancings of two portfolios of logistics assets located in France, Netherlands, Portugal, German and Spain with total enterprise value of more than €850m

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP maintains a strong flow of mandates on the lender-side, particularly in relation to multijurisdictional asset portfolios. Senior partners Jeffrey Rubinoff and Justin Jowitt represent borrowers and lenders across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, in relation to senior and mezzanine investments, loan sales and syndication and development facilities. Jowitt’s practice also encompasses fund finance; representing lenders and funds in relation to subscription lines, and borrowing base facilities. Newly appointed partner Lisa Seifman is ‘very responsive, solution-oriented’, and is highlighted for her knowledge of data centre financing. Sudhir Nair is experienced in advising bank lenders and sponsors on financing transactions in the emerging markets.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Rubinoff; Justin Jowitt


Other key lawyers:

Lisa Seifman; Sudhir Nair


Testimonials

‘Justin Jowitt is the MVP of the team.’

‘Justin Jowitt is the Lionel Messi of real estate finance – he’s equally technically adept while having tremendous commercial instincts. This dude is one of a kind.’

‘Solution oriented, up to speed with the latest legal technology and best market practice, able to suppress ego and temptation to score points over opposing counsel to get the deal across the finish line.’

‘Lisa Seifman – very responsive, solution-oriented, and with great ability to engage with lender counsel in a constructive manner. No wasted time on hypothetical “rabbit holes”. Lisa presents options, makes recommendations and is a true counsel to the business.’

Key clients

Oaktree Capital Management


JP Morgan Chase Bank


Crosstree Real Estate LLP


Starwood Capital Group


Antin Infrastructure Partners


Deutsche Bank


Royal Bank of Canada


Deutsche Bank and Natixis


JP Morgan Chase Bank


Oaknorth Bank plc


Work highlights


  • Advised Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and its joint venture partner Outpost Management on the development financing of the construction of College Road Tower, a 49-storey premium residential tower block in Croydon, UK.
  • Advised JP Morgan, a US multinational investment bank in connection with the £277 million senior and mezzanine development financing of two new residential Build-to-Rent plots in Wembley Park, UK called North East Lands. Quintain is the developer and build-to-rent operator behind Wembley Park. This deal is Quintain’s largest development loan to date, delivering 769 new homes.
  • Advised Crosstree Real Estate Partners, as part of a consortium of mezzanine lenders, on a mezzanine tranche of part of the £772 million whole loan financing of the One Nine Elms project in London. The £1 billion One Nine Elms development project comprises two buildings: the 57-storey City Tower, and the 42-storey River tower.

Addleshaw Goddard

Noted for its ‘very strong team with capabilities across the board’ Addleshaw Goddard‘s six-partner team is led by Zoe Maurer, who impresses with her ‘exceptional market knowledge', and expertise in investment and development finance in the hotels and leisure, offices, retail and industrial sectors. Also a specialist in hotel finance, Sarah Egbu counsels lenders and sponsors from the Middle East lending and investing into UK and European real estate, on both conventional and Sharia-compatible debt and equity financing structures. Zak Ikponmwosa structures deals with multiple debt classes and cross-border elements. Steve Mackie and Ian Kynoch are the other key partners.

Practice head(s):

Zoe Maurer


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Egbu; Zak Ikponmwosa; Ian Kynoch; Steve Mackie


Testimonials

‘Addleshaw Goddard understand the value of a close and well maintained working relationship. Their continued support in terms of their deal performance and value add sets them head and shoulders above the rest.’

‘Zoe Maurer has exceptional market knowledge and expertise: she is technically brilliant whilst also being current on market position and commercial developments. She is a pleasure to deal with and works with a team who clearly value and thrive under her leadership, making for a very positive experience on each engagement.’

‘The amount of time they dedicate to our matters and the level of expertise/proficiency they’ve shown on these is second to none. They’ve developed a thorough understanding of the key risk drivers of our business. Communication is clear and often. Exceptional client service.’

‘Ian Kynoch is a large reason as to why our relationship has gone from strength to strength – he has an exceptional legal/commercial knowledge, is accessible and is clearly very dedicated to the relationship. ’

‘We work very closely with Zoe Maurer, who always provides excellent practical advice. Further, she makes an effort to be available to discuss key issues. ’

‘Very strong team with capabilities across the board. Very commercial and personable. Very responsive.’

‘The firm has an excellent collaborative approach across different offices and geographies – with a particular strength in GCC countries. The ability to run a deal in London and get invaluable advice and input from Doha and Dubai, whilst utilising UK regional offices, is very helpful when trying to execute transactions.’

‘Sarah Egbu (Partner) particularly stands out. Great technical abilities as a lawyer, well-connected, easy to get hold of and enjoyable to work with.’

Key clients

Aareal Bank AG


AIB Group UK plc


Aviva


Bank of Ireland


Bank of London & The Middle East plc


Bayerische Landesbank


British Arab Commercial Bank


Canada Life Investments


CC Land


Clydesdale Bank plc


Coutts & Co


Criterion Capital


DRC Savills Investment Management LLP


Emirates NBD Bank, London Branch


Europa Capital Debt Investment


First Abu Dhabi Bank, London Branch


Fortwell Capital


Handelsbanken plc / Svenska Handelsbanken AB


HB Reavis


Hillview Real Estate


ICICI


Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, London Branch


Investec Bank plc


KAMCO Investment Company K.S.C.P.


Kasamar Holdings


KTB Asset Management


Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen GZ (Helaba)


Lembarga Tabung Haji


M7 Capital


MiddleCap Real Estate


Nord/LB, Hanover


OakNorth Bank plc


Public Islamic Bank Berhad


Puma Property Investments


Qatar National Bank, London Branch


Q Investment Partners Pte. Limited (QIP)


RBC Europe Limited


Rocket Properties


Santander UK plc


Tellon Capital


Tribeca


United Overseas Bank Limited


University Partnership Programme (UPP)


Venn Partners LLP


Wing Tai Properties Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for HSBC Bank plc as agent of the finance parties in connection with the £600m refinancing of The Leadenhall Building (aka “The Cheesegrater”) one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers.
  • Acted for Maslow Capital on its £258m development financing of a SevenCapital/MARK joint venture, a 462-home prime residential-led scheme in Kensington, West London.
  • Advised new, Saudi Arabian-based client, Aljazira Capital (AJC), in connection with a Sharia-compatible financing with Riyadh Bank in connection with its acquisition by way of sale and leaseback of Vodafone’s headquarters known as The Connection, Newbury.

Baker McKenzie

Sébastien Marcelin-Rice heads Baker McKenzie‘s real estate finance team, which has ‘a diversity and depth of knowledge’ extending to equity investments, acquisitions, debt financing, commercial leasing, and providing real estate due diligence on major corporate transactions. Oliver Jefferies ‘is a thoughtful and commercial partner to have on transactions’, and is experienced in senior and mezzanine structures, and restructuring.

Practice head(s):

Sébastien Marcelin-Rice


Other key lawyers:

Oliver Jefferies


Testimonials

‘Sébastien Marcelin-Rice is an adept leader and proactive problem-solver.’

‘Oliver Jefferies maintains excellent attention to detail throughout the process. He is a thoughtful and commercial partner to have on a transaction.’

‘The team are very commercial, and are extremely good at thinking laterally to resolve issues if and when they arise.’

Key clients

Alliance Bernstein


HIG Europe Realty Holdings II L.P.


Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Comp


Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.


Nippon Telegraph and Telephone


Royal Bank of Canada


Roundshield (RS Fund II LP and RS Fund IV LP)


GWM Asset Management


Standard Chartered Bank


Davidson Kempner European Partners


Tyrus Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised Standard Chartered Bank as Lender/MLA counsel in connection with the acquisition of the North Galaxy towers by a KB Financial affiliated entity for in excess of EUR 600 million.
  • Acted for Royal Bank of Canada as administrative agent in providing combined real estate finance and real estate advice in connection with financing of the acquisitions of hospitals and medical office buildings in the UK.
  • Advised a syndicate of seven initial purchasers on the EUR 300 million 5.25% senior secured high yield bond issuance by Vía Célere Desarrollos Inmobiliarios, S.A. (“Vía Célere”), the leading developer of residential homes in Spain based on units delivered, as of December 31, 2020.

Dechert LLP

Dechert LLP's practice predominantly concentrates on the lender-side, but extends to acting for these lender clients in their capacity as borrower, or seller, in back-leverage arrangements. Department head Aparna Sehgal leads on loan-on-loans and repurchase facilities, and routinely represents the interests of whole loan and senior lenders, mezzanine debt providers, and both back-leverage counterparties. John McGrath advises banks and buy-side parties on performing and non-performing financial products, often involving enforcement or restructuring of derivatives and securitisations. Richard Pugh is active on commercial mortgage-backed securitisations.

Practice head(s):

Aparna Sehgal


Other key lawyers:

John McGrath; Richard Pugh


Key clients

AGC Equity Partners


Apollo Global Management


BAWAG PSK


Blackstone


Blackrock


Citibank N.A., London Branch


Edmond De Rothschild


Goldman Sachs


Dentons

Simon Tweedle and James Irvine co-head the ‘professional, efficient and knowledgeable’ finance team at Dentons, covering all aspects of bilateral and syndicated lending, and acting for banks and corporate borrowers in relation to both investment and development facilities. The London team frequently work alongside its European and global network in deals across the office, retail, residential, hotels and student accommodation asset classes. Simon Masri and Jason Sheard are recommended for restructuring work.

Practice head(s):

James Irvine; Simon Tweedle


Other key lawyers:

Simon Masri; Jason Sheard


Testimonials

‘Professional, efficient and knowledgeable. Well-connected and commercial.’

‘High level of partner time on deals resulting in fast decision-making processes. Always contactable and commercial in their approach.’

‘Good quality advice with good access to partners. Calm and considered service.’

‘Simon Masri and James Irvine are always accessible and give good, honest, clear advice, and make sure their teams do the same.’

Key clients

DBS Bank


Metro Bank


Chenavari Investment Managers and its funding entity (AREO Sarl)


Ho Be Land


Aprirose


McArthurGlen


Harrison Street Real Estate Capital


United Overseas Bank


OCBC


Raven Property Group


Cheyne Capital


InfraRed Capital Partners


Patrizia AG


Mayfair Capital / Swiss Life


Heitman


Work highlights


  • Advised The Al Habtoor Group in cross-border financing on their European portfolio of hotels in London (Hilton Wembley), Budapest (InterContinental and Ritz-Carlton) and Austria (Hotel Imperial).
  • Acted for Dickinson Street Manchester Limited, Greek Street Leeds Limited, Grosvenor Square Southampton Limited and Southernhay Limited as borrowers in relation to a refinancing by QSix
  • Advising the lender, Cheyne Capital Management (ENIV Sarl), in relation to the acquisition financing of companies which own the HoneyMonster Factory site in Southall, London.

DLA Piper

Described as ‘a safe pair of hands’ DLA Piper is headed by Toby Barker, who continues to drive the practice’s development of green loan financings, advising a number of lenders and professional organisations on setting up green lending platforms and advising on green loan financings for both lenders and investors. On the pan-European transactional side, Paul Gray and Christopher Chan are the lead lawyers on leveraged and structured deals, including securitisations, loan on loan and portfolio sales, refinancings and restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Toby Barker


Other key lawyers:

Paul Gray; Christopher Chan


Testimonials

‘They are a safe pair of hands. They will always deliver when they say they will deliver and the quality of their work is high. They keep up to date with our internal requirements and you never have to tell them something twice’

‘Stand out partner is Toby Barker who is very responsive and is very much on top of his matters.

‘Chris Chan – always up to speed on transactions and stays involved.’

Key clients

Aareal Bank AG


Aerium


AIB


Allianz


AMRO Partners


ARA Venn


Archer Capital Management


Ares


Aviva


AXA Investments


Bain Capital


Bank Leumi


Barings Real Estate Advisers


Brookfield Asset Management


Credit Suisse AG


Crosstree


Deutsche Bank


DRC


Edyn (formerly Saco)


EQT


Harel Insurance Company


Harrison Street


Hermes


Invesco


Investec Bank plc


Kildare


KKR


LaSalle Investment Management


Sabadell


Work highlights


  • Acting for Aareal Bank AG in relation to the funding provided by it to Raag Westminster Holdings Limited (and others) for the £239,900,000 refinancing of a Tristan Capital Partners backed acquisition of a group of companies owning and operating a portfolio of nine Point A Hotels based in London and Scotland.
  • Acting for a Harrison Street/Eagle Street joint venture in relation to a €204,500,000 facility made available by Apollo to assist with the development of a scheme comprising 554 build to rent units in Dublin, Ireland.
  • Acted for Aareal Bank AG and PBB in its lending of multi-currency facilities of up to EUR 470,000,000 to a European logistics fund, which financed the acquisition of over twenty prime logistics properties mainly in continental Europe.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Simon Mead heads the ‘thoroughly responsive, pragmatic and solutions-focused team’ at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, which remains a favourite amongst clearing banks completing complex development deals, as well as overseas banks, insurers, debt funds and asset managers. Deputy head Robert Ludwig is known for his senior and mezzanine transactions and development financing practice. ‘Highly competent, knowledgeable and trusted partner’ Chris Brooks has a strong pan-European practice and is sought after by non-bank lenders on development and structured transactions.

Practice head(s):

Simon Mead


Other key lawyers:

Robert Ludwig; Chris Brooks


Testimonials

‘A thoroughly responsive, pragmatic and solutions-focused team. They are a key partner for our business in executing transactions in an efficient, timely and professional manner.’

‘Chris Brooks is a highly competent, knowledgeable and trusted partner. He provides balanced advice which offers both sound legal opinion as well as providing a commercial overlay to aid decision-making and negotiations.

‘Simon Mead has excellent commercial instincts and runs as smooth ship.’

‘Chris Brooks is an absolute all star individual and lawyer. He is incredibly smart, whilst remaining humble – his patience in answering endless queries and sound legal advice is second to none. ‘

‘Superior interpersonal communication, hard-working team who are knowledgeable and commercial. They manage to strike the right balance in securing best terms whilst creating minimal headache for their clients.’

Key clients

Precede Capital


Aviva Commercial Finance Limited


LaSalle Investment Management


Tristan Capital


Starwood Capital


Audley Group


Citibank


Schroders


Cheyne Capital


Pacific Alliance Group (PAG)


Work highlights


  • Advised Precede Capital, Carlyle and Crosstree as the mezzanine lenders on Project One, a very complicated financing of R&F’s development of One Nine Elms.
  • Advised Starz Real Estate
    as lender in connection with a €68.5m facility provided to Union Street Investments, a US-based investment firm which is managed by Spring Real Estate. The facility comprised a term loan and a capex facility designed to fund further upgrade works at a portfolio of office buildings in the Netherlands.
  • Advised PAG Assets Ltd in connection with the refinancing of facilities to refinance Abbots Gate property.

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins‘ practice is led by Jeremy Trinder, who is an expert in commercial mortgage loan transactions, including the servicing and restructuring of mortgage debt. With a balanced equity and debt practice, Quentin Gwyer handles acquisitions, and sale and leaseback transactions across Europe, particularly on portfolio acquisitions and data centres, and acting for sponsors and lenders on the origination of loans. Counsel James Beeson concentrates on cross-border acquisition and development financings.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Trinder


Other key lawyers:

Quentin Gwyer; James Beeson


Testimonials

‘They provide outstanding advice on real estate finance topics, and have a strong multinational network of partners they can pull in. They also cover complex transactions such as loan on loans which is very helpful. They’re not the cheapest but you get top-quality legal advice and they’re also very commercial.’

‘Apart from the top-quality legal advice they are very good in negotiations, often defusing otherwise tense situations.’

Key clients

Blackstone Real Estate Advisors


Blackstone Mortgage Trust


TDR Capital


Asda


Cerberus Capital Management


Ares Management


KSL


Brookfield


Partners Group


Barclays


Work highlights


  • Advised Goldman Sachs on its term loan, bridge, and revolving credit facilities in connection with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Holdings’ £6.6 billion take private of WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc.
  • Advising Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc on the acquisition and development financing in respect of seed assets comprising two warehouse facilities in England.
  • Advised ASDA on the financing aspects of its acquisition of EG Group’s UK and Ireland operations for an enterprise value of c.£2.27bn.

Macfarlanes LLP

One client notes that Macfarlanes LLP has ‘invested in building up a strong property finance practice with enough resources in terms of lawyers, and, above all, sophistication and excellent technical ability, to handle top-notch mandates’. Well-balanced between lender and borrower representation, Colin Morgan‘s team of specialists acts in intercreditor negotiations involving multi-layered capital structures, whole loan financing, build-to-rent financing, hotel and student accommodation and advising high-net-worth individuals on buying or refinancing residential properties. Laura Bretherton has ‘significant experience across a range of real estate financing matters’. Restructuring partner Jat Bains is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Colin Morgan


Other key lawyers:

Laura Bretherton; Jat Bains


Testimonials

‘Laura Bretherton is very capable and has significant experience across a range of real estate financing matters. She clearly has excellent technical knowledge and can apply this in a practical manner to deliver pragmatic and commercial advice.’

‘The team is well-balanced. Macfarlanes demonstrates that the firm has invested in building up a strong property finance practice that has enough resources in terms of lawyers, and, above all, sophistication and excellent technical ability, to handle top-notch mandates. They argue their positions beyond mere “market standard” arguments, always supporting their position in strong legal arguments based in recent case law, precedents, and their knowledge of the market. ’

‘Colin Morgan has led advice in most of the matters that I have entrusted to Macfarlanes. I would highlight the practicality of his advice, which is always supported by strong legal arguments. His thoughtful contributions are brilliant and reveal his tenacity and depth of inquiry.’

‘Jat Bains is solutions driven, authoritative and a great mentor to his team.’

‘The Macfarlanes real estate finance team is a market-leading, well-organised, engaged and pleasant team to work with. They work efficiently and diligently and make themselves available to assist even on challenging timelines. Their advice is commercial, taking all aspects of the legal and factual matrix into account.’

‘Colin Morgan is a very experienced, level-headed adviser who knows the market very well. He manages his team excellently to ensure a high level of client care and goes above and beyond to guide his clients through even the most challenging of transactions.

‘Laura Bretherton was central to assisting us through a very challenging transaction last year. Throughout, she demonstrated strong technical legal skills coupled with sensible commercial views to assist us in finding an acceptable solution to each issue which arose.’

Key clients

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited


Brookfield Asset Management


Hayfin Capital Management LLP (“Hayfin”)


Ashford Investor Limited Partnership


ARA Venn


VeCREF II S.à r.l.


Legal & General UK Build To Rent Fund LP


Realstar


Work highlights


  • Assisted Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited with loan facilities of c.£240 million made available to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of student accommodation and buy to rent properties in London, Coventry and Manchester (worth £388 million and comprising c.2,000 beds).
  • Advised Brookfield Asset Management on a senior and mezzanine financing provided by a club of senior lenders and a mezzanine debt fund, to refinance the acquisition of 20 Churchill Place in Canary Wharf.
  • Advised Hayfin Capital Management LLP on their refinancing of Red Oak Taverns’ extensive pub portfolio in the UK. The refinancing forms part of Hayfin’s direct lending strategy and will support Red Oak Taverns’ ambitious acquisition programme over the next five years.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbrighthas extensive capability across all corporate finance matters’, notably in mezzanine structures, development financings, forward fundings, Opco/Propco structures, and sale and leasebacks. ‘Standout’ Sarah Cullen leads the team, and is active in hotel financings, loan portfolio sales and distressed debt restructuring. Banking partner Dan Kennedy is sought after for development financings of large-scale mixed-use regeneration projects. Structured finance expert Jennie Dorsaint and senior associate Jessy Makdessi are also of note.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Cullen


Other key lawyers:

Dan Kennedy; Jennie Dorsaint; Jessy Makdessi


Testimonials

‘We have worked with Norton Rose on a range of deals for many years, and what makes them stand out is the availability of and attention from partners and senior lawyers through the deal life cycle. The firm is good at distilling the key issues which the client should be focusing.’

‘Dan Kennedy is a nice guy, very experienced, and stays engaged throughout the deal.’

‘The team has extensive capability across all corporate finance matters. They stand out from other firms because of their calm, reasoned approach to all problems, they always listen to the client and find the best solutions and outcomes. They are a pleasure to work with and are exactly who you need by your side in tough situations.’

‘Sarah Cullen is a standout partner, extremely knowledgable, very easy to get along with and always available.

‘Jessy Makdessi is a superb senior associate and ably steps into complex and tricky situations. Jessy’s proactive, intelligent approach and adept style dealing with challenging counterparties makes her a critical part of any of our transactions. A true star partner of the future.’

‘Sarah Cullen and Colin Kwok – outstanding. They go above and beyond for us.’

‘Jennie Dorsaint takes great care and provides a top-notch and seamless service to clients.’

‘Sarah Cullen is the partner on our engagement. Her depth of knowledge, commercial awareness and skill in managing discussions/negotiations have made her an invaluable asset to us.

Key clients

AIG Asset Management


Bangkok Bank


Battersea Power Station


Centurion Corporation Limited


Crest Nicholson Plc


DBS Bank


DFI European Value Add Fund


Haitong Bank, S.A.


HSBC


Industrial and Commercial Bank of China


InterGlobe (Empire 3 Investment S.à r.l.)


Ivanhoe Cambridge


Macquarie Capital Principal Finance


Münchener Hypothekenbank eG


National Westminster Bank Plc


Picton Property Income


Qatar National Bank


Residential Land


Standard Chartered Bank


Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Group


United Overseas Bank


West End of London Property Unit Trust (WELPUT)


Westminster Development Services


Yoo Capital


Lloyds


BNPP


PPHE (Park Plaza)


Bank Leumi


DPK Real Estate


SMBC


Emirates Bank


Nedbank Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised WELPUT in connection with a £400 million financing (as part of a £1 billion investment) provided in part by Allianz Real Estate for the redevelopment of 105 Victoria Street into an office, retail and leisure development owned by 105VSUT.
  • Advised Westminster Development Services Limited as Borrower in relation to two new facilities including a bank guarantee facility totalling £113.72 million from a syndicate of lenders led by State Bank of India, London Branch as part of the existing £813.72 million development financing for the £1.2 billion development of the Old War Office in Whitehall.
  • Advised Macquarie Capital Principal Finance on its €123.4 million senior secured loan to DL Invest Group, secured against 10 modern logistics assets in Europe.

Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP's practice head Miles Flynn has carved out a reputation in loan origination and loan-on-loan finance transactions for alternative lenders and commercial mortgage backed securitisation. The practice leverages its international footprint, and demonstrates experienced handling in complex matters involving cross-border elements.

Practice head(s):

Miles Flynn


Key clients

Bank of America Europe DAC


Investec Bank Plc


JP Morgan


Morgan Stanley


Deutsche Bank


DRC Savills Investment Management


Oaktree Capital


Fairfield Real Estate Finance


Goldman Sachs


Ares


Work highlights


  • Advising Fairfield REF ECS III Designated Activity Company as lender in relation to the refinancing and development of a large mixed use site located in Cornwall, England comprising a 40 unit ApartHotel, commercial units, 489 residential units, industrial storage, community and cultural floor space, sports, leisure, and open space.

Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP‘s real estate finance is co-led by Iain Balkwill and Jason Richardson, who collectively handle all stages from loan origination to distribution and loan servicing, workout and restructuring. The practice is known for its activity in large development projects and mixed-use schemes, and executing purchase and sales in the retail and hospitality sectors. Balkwill’s practice focuses on commercial real estate securitisations and structured financings, while Richardson represents lenders and sponsors on commercial mortgage lending transactions.

Practice head(s):

Iain Balkwill; Jason Richardson


Testimonials

‘Very competent, commercially aware and knowledgeable team.’

Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons‘ practice is headed by Mark Waghorn, who acts for all market participants in real estate finance, with a notably strong private wealth lender practice. Also key within the department are head of banking Helen Hagan, and James Taylor, a specialist in loan-on-loan financings, preferred equity, and senior and mezzanine financings. The firm also handles opco/propco structures, offshore financing and revolving credit facilities to property companies.

Practice head(s):

Mark Waghorn


Other key lawyers:

Helen Hagan; James Taylor


Testimonials

‘The quality of advice and engagement is first class – overall, I believe the engagement is the best of any firm I have worked with. The partners we regularly work with are excellent. They do more upfront work when considering a transaction than other firms, which means their quotes and thoughts on deals are well considered. The ongoing advice is also first class.’

‘James Taylor is very hands-on and always looks after us.’

Key clients

Legal & General Group Plc


Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America


Valor Real Estate Partners LLP


Société Générale


NatWest Group PLC


Nuveen European Real Estate Debt Fund IV


Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited


CBRE Global Investors (UK) Limited


Sinarmas Land Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising LGIM, the global asset management business of the Legal & General Group, on term loan facilities of £245 million secured on a portfolio of UK student accommodation.
  • Advising National Bank of Kuwait (International) plc on a £205 million real estate investment term loan facility to the family trust of a prominent Middle Eastern sponsor.
  • Advised Societe Generale, London Branch and HSBC Bank Plc on the amendment and restatement of a £134m term loan investment facility to The Carlyle Group in connection with 26 logistics properties situated in the United Kingdom.

Taylor Wessing LLP

Taylor Wessing LLP‘s group acts on senior, mezzanine and preferred equity lending across the spectrum of real estate assets. Martin Yells is a well-known advisor in debt funding for private equity sponsor backed borrowers and asset backed financings. Heather Buttle continues to be involved in development transactions within the care home, student accommodation and the professional rented sectors. Debt financing partner Jonathan Marks, and Edward Manser, are other key figures.

Practice head(s):

Martin Yells; Heather Buttle; Jonathan Marks


Other key lawyers:

Edward Manser


Testimonials

‘Experience over a long track record and able to call on this to provide advice on specific negotiation points, especially where “market standard” is being debated. Flexibility on fee discussions and dealing with cost-conscious clients.’

‘Worked with Ed Manser for multiple transactions and given the experience, each deal becomes quicker as many issues were discussed before or could be discussed with reference to precedent transactions, resulting in increased confidence, familiarity and speedier outcomes.’

‘The main real estate partner we instruct is always available when needed. Stays actively involved in transactions.’

Key clients

Wells Fargo Bank


SIR Theme Parks Limited


Hotel owning entity


Precede Capital Partners


Cain International


Federated Hermes, Inc.


Deutsche Bank


Tristan Capital Partners


1Box Holdings BV


PGIM


Work highlights


  • Advised Wells Fargo in its arrangement and underwriting of a £350m debt facility for abrdn-managed AIPUT (Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust).
  • Acted for Precede Capital Partners on a £227,700,000 facility agreement provided by Precede and Nomura to Downing to finance the development of three towers located in Manchester, constituting 1,790 individual and multifamily units. The transaction was made more complex by a Guernsey limited partnership and unit trust structure.
  • Advised Tristan Capital Partners on a €59,250,000 facility to Anacap Financial Partners to finance the acquisition of South Station, a freehold office asset located in Massy, Paris. The transaction was made more complex as the financing was structured by way of on lending the funds from a Lux Holdco to the French Propco by way of a back-to-back French law, French language loan.

Fieldfisher

Philip Abbott and Iain Thomas lead the team at Fieldfisher, which ‘provides a high level of legal advice combined with a flexible and commercially oriented approach’. It remains known for its strong property finance capabilities across Europe. Jayne Backett is often involved in complex intercreditor arrangements and restructuring work, while Christian Francis is known for working with senior lenders, life insurers and debt funds. Oliver Abel Smith is a specialist in ground rents as an asset class and is experienced in advising alternative lenders on their funding arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Philip Abbott; Iain Thomas


Other key lawyers:

Christian Francis; Jayne Backett; Oliver Abel Smith


Testimonials

‘There is a real sense of team between us (the client) and Fieldfisher. There is a thorough understanding of our business, and advice provided is relevant and cognisant of our risk profile.’

‘Transactions are complex, and the Fieldfisher team is highly competent in helping us navigate our way through these complexities. While counterparts are represented by Magic Circle firms, we never feel underpowered with the support provided by the Fieldfisher legal team.’

‘Oliver Abel Smith is able to pick up complex issues quickly and understand their relevance to our business and strategic objectives. He takes great care to understand the practicalities of our business and how the requirements of the financing documents can impact upon these.’

‘Great mix of property and finance expertise.’

‘Focussed on getting the transaction done and leading the process on our behalf.’

‘The team at Fieldfisher provides a high level of legal advice combined with a flexible and commercially oriented approach. They have the ability to provide legal support with complex multi-jurisdictional transactions, due to their network of offices in various key jurisdictions, with the London team seamlessly coordinating and managing the work of local counsel.’

‘Philip Abbot is an excellent partner, who combines an extremely broad know-how with a hands-on and practical approach to the negotiations.’

Key clients

Puma Property Finance Limited


Invesco


Work highlights


  • Acted as English advisors to Invesco UK Limited, on a £30m loan to Karma Kitchen, a business that transforms industrial spaces into so-called “dark kitchens”.
  • English advisors to Puma Property Finance on a £33m facility to redevelop the six-storey Mountbatten House in Basingstoke, Hampshire.
  • Counsel to Puma Secured Finance DAC (as lender) on a circa £30.7 million financing to Taurus (Parsons Green) Limited (as borrower) in connection with the acquisition of Alexander House to develop the property into a sustainable office space based in Parsons Greens, London.

Fladgate LLP

Fladgate LLP advises global financial institutions, challenger banks and prestigious borrower-side clients on mid-market loans. Acquisition of loan portfolios, as well as deals in the healthcare, hotels and student accommodation sectors are key areas of instruction. Kim McMurray leads the group.

Practice head(s):

Kim McMurray


Key clients

Blackhorse UK Propco Limited


Forma Real Estate


Etna Holdings


Lowy Group


AIEF Assetstone LP


Work highlights


  • Instructed by Scape to act on a £50m loan from Puma Property Finance (its largest loan to date) to fund a co-living development in the Blackhorse Lane quarter in Walthamstow, E17.
  • Advised Forma Real Estate in connection with a senior debt financing of 5 St Pauls Square, Liverpool by Leumi UK.
  • Advised Etna Holdings on mezzanine financing of a commercial development financing in Barcelona.

Goodwin

Paul Lyons leads Goodwin‘s real estate practice, and is known for his significant experience in advising both borrowers and lenders on leveraged finance, debt finance and debt originations. Fellow senior partner Richard Semple remains active in domestic and pan-European acquisitions of portfolios of loans. Counsel Toby Young represents sponsors on borrower mandates and as lender counsel for the deployment of real estate focussed debt funds.

Practice head(s):

Paul Lyons


Other key lawyers:

Richard Semple; Toby Young


Key clients

BentallGreenOak


Meadow Partners


Ares Funds


London Square Developments


Partners Group


Work highlights


  • Advised BentallGreenOak on three logistics portfolio development financings amounting to £400 million in aggregate.
  • Advised London Square Developments Limited on the Nine Elms Development financing.
  • Advised Meadow Partners, as mezzanine lenders, on four development financings.

Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG‘s client roster consists of UK clearing banks, debt funds, alternative lenders, and REITs. The practice is consistently active on development projects in the private rented sector, build to rent, student accommodation, data centres and hotels. Team lead Nick Turner is recommended for his expertise in restructuring distressed real estate finance deals and distressed assets, inter-creditor arrangements. Turner also frequently represents German banks on their investments.

Practice head(s):

Nick Turner


Testimonials

‘Transaction is typically partner led with support from a good quality associate base. The firm often collaborates well with the client and third parties (other consultants and other sides legal advisors).’

‘Nick Turner is highly commercial and always considers the risks of the underlying transaction in his approach to documentation and negotiation of legal agreements. Very good at drafting bespoke legal agreements to cover deal risks and collaborates well with colleagues and the client.’

Key clients

ICG


HSBC Bank plc


LBBW


Aberdeen Standard European Logistics plc


CBRE/Grosvenor


DZ Hyp


Empiric Student Property PLC


Work highlights


  • Acted for Ealing Council on a £400m facility agreement for development and regeneration for the provision of social housing in the borough.
  • Acted for Hayfield Homes on an increase to its existing facility with OakNorth Bank plc to a total maximum amount of £67m, in order to fund the purchase of an additional site. We acted on the facility increase and the purchase of four sites.
  • Acted for Inland Homes on a £21.6m facility agreement with Homes England and a £1.75m increase to its existing facility agreement with Paragon, to refinance existing indebtedness and provide funding for its Cheshunt Lakeside development.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

With extensive experience acting on behalf of lenders and borrowers in UK and European real estate finance transactions across all mainstream asset classes, Partha Pal, Daniyal Ansari and Sierra Taylor - the latter having joined from Paul Hastings LLP in April 2023 - are the lead partners at Greenberg Traurig, LLP‘s ‘well resourced’ finance practice. The group is especially active in the financing of student accommodation, private rental, industrial and retail properties.

Practice head(s):

Partha Pal; Daniyal Ansari; Sierra Taylor


Testimonials

‘Excellent ability to execute cross-border loan executions in an effective manner, with good co-ordination.’

‘Very good technical ability and fight for our position well.’

‘The GT Team are well resourced, which results in a high level of attention and coverage throughout the transaction. They are able to bring in experienced subject-matter experts as necessary to address concerns which may arise on any deal, and will work to tight deadlines when needed. We have a great amount of trust in their ability to be pragmatic and deliver commercial solutions to get a deal over the line.’

‘Partha Pal is a highly attentive and diligent partner that leads all parties through a transaction. He will find solutions to commercial problems and ensures lender’s interests are protected.’

‘Partha Pal is undoubtedly one of the best banking/structured finance lawyers in London. Excellent qualifications, industry knowledge, commercial, efficient and superior client service.’

Key clients

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank


Berlin Hyp AG


DWS


Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America/Nuveen Real Estate


Peel Logistics Partnership


H.I.G Capital


Ares Capital


MGT/Oaktree Capital


Azora Capital


The Ardent Companies


Henderson Park


Cain International


Westbrook Partners


RFR


Work highlights


  • Advised Westbrook Partners on financing granted by PGIM for the forward-purchase of two highly sustainable urban multi-unit logistics portfolios and a further site in Coventry, from Chancerygate and Bridges Fund Management.
  • Acted for Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America as lender in respect of a £150,000,000 credit facility provided to Sigma Capital, a private equity backed investor in and developer of single family private rented sector assets (PRS) in the UK.
  • Advised Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America as lender in respect of a Euro 100,000,000 credit facility provided to BlackRock to finance the acquisition of a Build to Rent asset in Dublin, Ireland.

Hill Dickinson LLP

Comprised of a ‘talented, dynamic and diverse group’ of finance specialists, Hill Dickinson LLP continues to rapidly expand its bench strength with the January 2023 recruitment of Alastair Moss, formerly co-head of real estate at Memery Crystal, who brings in a strong client base of banks and borrowers, such as major retailers, listed property investment companies, developers, institutions and charities. The group also added a number of experienced directors and senior associates, such as Ela Paza, who represents institutional investors and developers, and senior associate and lead of Islamic finance, Afsor Ullah. ‘Steadfast leader’ James Garton is recognised for his development finance and hotels and leisure work.

Practice head(s):

James Garton


Other key lawyers:

Alastair Moss; Ela Paza; Afsor Ullah


Testimonials

‘The property finance team at Hill Dickinson are a talented, dynamic and diverse group with a real focus on proactively servicing their client base. They offer advice and support at the early stages of transactions to ensure a robust security structure and are extremely efficient at transacting within defined timescales with good, regular communication to all parties. We find them to be pragmatic, approachable and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘James Garton – a steadfast leader for the property finance team with a wealth of knowledge and experience across all aspects of property finance. Jim operates with real focus to deliver outcomes and solutions for his client base, and empowers his team in the same way. He takes a commercial approach to transactions with a solid understanding of associated risks and is great at unlocking challenging situations. Very relationship centric.

‘A great team where all departments are in situ with one another. Solicitors who answer the phone, have a can do attitude, use tech to make the relationship more transparent and easier, and most importantly reasonably priced which offers exceptional value for money’

Key clients

Silbury Finance


Wildhorn Properties Ltd


Rothschild & Co Wealth Management UK Limited


Recognise Bank


Bank of London & the Middle East (BLME)


HSBC UK Bank plc


National Westminster Bank plc


Cynergy Bank Ltd


Santander UK plc


Secure Trust Bank Plc


Paragon Development Finance


Ingenious Real Estate


Alpha Real Capital LLP


LendInvest plc


Oblix Living Limited


CapitalRise Finance Limited


Ashtrom Properties UK


Work highlights


  • Advising Development Finance on a flow of substantial, high value development funding matters across the UK, such as in relation to its continued involvement in a £54m development loan and the development of a former council car park in Birmingham.
  • Advising long-standing clients, National Westminster Bank plc and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc., on a £55 million loan to assist a transfer and re-finance of a large portfolio of properties owned by Paul Simon Magic Group Holdings Limited.
  • Acted for Alpha Real Capital LLP in relation to a development loan to a joint venture borrower in relation to the development of438 new homes on a five-acre site in Birmingham and the redevelopment of the Suffolk HMS Ganges Naval facility in Shotley near Ipswich.

Mishcon de Reya LLP

Nick Strutt is the lead partner at Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s debt finance group, where he continues to be the counsel of choice for banks, funds, developers and investors on all aspects of investment, development and structured financings. The firm is also noted for its expertise in the student accommodation and housebuilding sectors. Raji Bartlett and Sarah Spurling are trusted counsel to borrowers and lenders in relation to syndicated and development finance.

Practice head(s):

Nick Strutt


Other key lawyers:

Raji Bartlett; Sarah Spurling


Testimonials

‘Sarah is very good at understanding the delicate nuances of her client’s and their partner’s needs, and is able to balance her role as an advisor and a facilitator, accordingly. She possesses a very strong and deep knowledge of her field of practice (as expected of course) but she complements this very well with her comprehensive understanding of her client’s business practice and commercial interests.’

‘Excellent from top to bottom.’

Key clients

Brookfield Asset Management


A.S.K. Partners Agent Limited


Helical


PGIM Real Estate


Taurus Investment Holdings


Ali Ansari


Multipoint Holdings Limited


Coronado Funding Limited


Agf Insurance Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Brookfield Asset Management on financing for the acquisition of a £180m UK logistics portfolio in a joint venture with Copley Point Capital.
  • Acting for ASK and OakNorth Bank plc on a £44.5m development and acquisition loan to privately owned property development company Sheen Lane Developments, to fund the acquisition and refurbishment of a former department store.
  • Advising on financing aspects of a £17,950,000 loan from Ingenious secured on land at Upper Trinity Street, Digbeth in a joint venture between Taurus Investment Holdings and Cole Waterhouse.  Upper Trinity Street (UTS) at Digbeth is a £260 million mixed-use scheme which will deliver 943 new homes and a new public park for Birmingham.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP demonstrates deep expertise advising lenders on investment and development transactions in build-to-rent, private rented sector, and logistics properties. Practice head Nick Padget leads on transactions related to industrial and residential developments, as well as student and retirement living. Based in Bristol, associate Andrew Parsons brings incredible real estate finance experience’ advising lender and borrowers on senior and mezzanine debt and preferred equity positions. Head of banking Madeleine Clark is known for her work with real estate debt funds and alternative lenders.

Practice head(s):

Nick Padget


Other key lawyers:

Madeleine Clark; Andrew Parsons


Testimonials

‘Andrew Parsons brings incredible real estate finance experience and operates out of Bristol, offering clients top level service at better rates.’

‘Andrew Parsons has really integrated himself into our business and has become a trusted advisor to the bank. He always goes beyond what is required, and his advice is top quality.’

Key clients

Cairn Group


Hilltop Credit Partners Limited


ICG Real Estate Debt Investments


Long Harbour


OakNorth Bank plc


PGIM Real Estate


Pluto Finance


RM OMA Limited


SwissRe


Tyrus Capital


Work highlights


  • Acted for entities controlled by Long Harbour in respect of pari passu facilities provided to finance the development of a build-to-rent asset in Walthamstow in London.
  • Assisted ICG with a number of amendments to a £50 million secured debt facility they provided to real estate investment management firm Vengrove, with an accordion option of up to £25 million.
  • Advised OakNorth Bank plc as arranger, original lender, agent and security agent in respect of facilities provided to a leading care home developer to refinance the acquisition of existing finance care home development sites, fund the acquisition of additional sites, and finance the development of all such sites.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP has built a reputation acting for clearing banks, international lenders, specialist real estate lenders, insurance companies and debt and opportunity funds. William Oliver is experienced in green revolving credit facilities, as well as having a strong borrower-side practice. Frances Mallender often advises on senior debt, investment and development finance in the hotel, student accommodation, healthcare facilities sectors.

Practice head(s):

William Oliver


Other key lawyers:

Frances Mallender


Testimonials

‘A firm with an excellent range of knowledge who take a commercial approach to transactions. Billing always remains competitive.’

‘Most of the work is with William Oliver and Frances Mallender, both are always available to offer advice and guidance, both on transactions and with any wider market questions.

‘Frances has been particularly supportive in taking a proactive approach in upskilling us in the life sciences sector, making key introductions to sector experts.’

Key clients

HSBC UK Bank plc


National Westminster Bank plc


AAReal Bank AG


National Bank of Kuwait


Homes England


Brightbay Real Estate Partners


Concord Pacific


Wells Fargo


SACO Property Group


Sir Richard Sutton Limited


Hines


Lendlease


Emerites NBD Bank


AIMCO


Pension Insurance Corporation plc


Westminster County Council


Lambeth Council


Work highlights


  • Advised the syndicate of banks on the £125,000,000 facility that lends to London Square Developments Limited, a high-profile residential developer.
  • Advised M&G Investment Management Limited in its capacity as structuring agent for and on behalf of the purchasers under a senior note purchase agreement entered into with Tirion Investments Limited for the purposes of refinancing a selection of units at a development built on the site of the former Ely Bridge Paper Mill in Cardiff.
  • Working for Pension Insurance Corporation plc, the lender in relation to the utilisation and acquisition by Meadowship Homes LLP in relation to utilisation of the £66,779,600.00 facility agreement dated 4th August 2021.  The purpose is to help alleviate homelessness and reduce the number of people in emergency accommodation, meeting social housing targets for the London Borough of Bromley.

Slaughter and May

Matthew Tobin heads the real estate and sustainable finance practice at Slaughter and May, where he is highly recommended on general corporate financing, including both debt capital markets and bank financing, for borrower clients, acquisition and bid financing, capital markets and securitisation transactions. Ed Fife and Caroline Phillips are the other key banking partners.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Tobin


Other key lawyers:

Ed Fife; Caroline Phillips


Testimonials

‘The team retain knowledge very well even though associates rotate on a regular basis. Drafting of documents is very good first time round. Good ability to condense complex concepts in to “plain English” and well versed with market developments.’

‘The team’s unfailing grasp of the commercial issues, and technical construction and design challenges, and detail, was extremely impressive.’

Key clients

Barratt Developments


Derwent London


Dobbies Garden Centres


Fattal Hotels


Halsbury Homes


Landsec


SEGRO plc


Unite Group


Everton


Work highlights


  • Advised Barratt Developments plc on the refinancing of the group’s RCF. We also assisted Barratt Developments on its acquisition of Gladman Developments Limited for a total cash consideration of £250m on a debt free and cash free basis.
  • Advised Marshalls plc, the UK’s leading hard landscaping, building and roofing products supplier, on the Class 1 acquisition of private equity-owned Marley Group plc for £535 million, financed by an acquisition facility and an equity raise.
  • Advised Land Securities Plc with the update of their commercial paper programme, primarily to facilitate a change in the Agent from HSBC to Deutsche Bank, as well as Land Securities Capital Markets Plc (the issuance vehicle of Land Securities Group PLC) on the issuance of its inaugural £400 million green bond.

Stephenson Harwood

The ‘well-organised and client-oriented’ group at Stephenson Harwood have been increasingly involved in pan-European deals, and has been increasingly active advising borrowers at a strategic level on many recapitalisations and refinancings. Practice head James Linforth and Paul Hayward-Surry, recommended for his expertise working with lenders in the commercial real estate, housing and leisure sectors, are its top partners.

 

Practice head(s):

James Linforth


Other key lawyers:

Paul Hayward-Surry


Testimonials

‘Well organized and client-oriented.’

‘The team was responsive and provided commercially sound advice.’

‘Stephenson Harwood go above and beyond in their service. The firm and their employees are proactive, and work to meet their clients needs in any transaction they are involved with. The knowledge the combined team has is a particular strength, and the ability to offer guidance and insight at an efficient pace. I’ve worked with a number of different of individuals and can say their abilities to consistently build relationships is impressive and goes beyond other firms.’

‘Proactivity and strong relationship management are what makes them different. Additionally, being able to provide speedy but easily comprehensible advice and guidance.’

‘Very responsive and they provide excellent value for money. They have expertise in all the essential areas that are required for real estate financing. They ensure that transactions are resourced properly.’

‘Deep understanding of the industry with a commercial approach to bridge the gap.’

Key clients

Barings Real Estate


The Hill Group


Immobel Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised Hill Group on their £220m RCF, the first ever Sustainability-Linked Loan to a UK housebuilder.
  • Advised Barings on a sustainability-linked development facility to Round Hill Capital to refurbish the Rembrandt Park One building in Amsterdam (to improve its ESG performance)
  • Advised Immobel Capital Partners (a new client) on a financing provided by Lloyds Bank in connection with the first asset for Immobel’s Green Office Strategy located at White Rose (a green office campus situated just outside Leeds City).

Alston & Bird LLP

Alston & Bird LLP‘s representation spans senior, mezzanine, and whole loans, in addition to tranched facilities, securitisable ready loans, loan-on-loan facilities, and bilateral facilities. With previous experience working overseas, Andrew Petersen is well-placed to advise investors purchasing, selling, and managing CMBS, B notes and mezzanine loans, and private debt funds making real estate loans, both in the U.S. and Europe. The ‘very knowledgeable’ James Spencer is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Petersen


Other key lawyers:

James Spencer


Testimonials

‘The team have a wealth of experience, which means that they can more effectively support clients, no matter what the asset class, structure or jurisdiction. They can also call upon their network to obtain advice and support, even if something comes up that’s outside of their area of expertise. They understand our position, which is really important.’

‘The people we work with are extremely knowledgeable, and have proven that they can understand complex structures. They’re very responsive, and actively support their clients during the property finance closing process. They’re commercially minded, and always look to protect the position of their client.’

‘James Spencer is always willing to make himself available when a situation occurs on a transaction. He goes the extra mile, which helps to give the other finance parties a positive impression of our firm.’

‘Very knowledgeable; team has strength in depth; easy to deal with; very responsive’

‘James Spencer – very knowledgeable, sharp and an excellent lawyer.’

Key clients

GWM Asset Management Limited


BlackRock


Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Limited, London Branch


Investec Bank


CBRE Indirect Investments


Trimont Real Estate Advisors


Occorian Capital


Oxane Partners


Situs


CBRE Loan Services


Mount Street Mortgage Servicing Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising CBRE Indirect Investments as investment advisor on the provision of a £63m loan to fund the development of a regional multi use property.
  • Advising GWM as lender on the provision of a EUR59m loan to fund the acquisition of an Irish hotel.
  • Advising our loan agent clients (including CBRE, Mount Street, Oxane, Situs and Trimont (listed alphabetically) on their respective appointment as agent/security agent on a variety of UK and European real estate financings totalling in excess of £5billion of commitments.

Bird & Bird LLP

Particularly known for its work in the hotel finance and data centre finance sectors, Bird & Bird LLP is well-equipped to handle senior, mezzanine and preferential equity structures on both investment and development finance transactions. James Salford and Jonathan Baker are its key partners.

Practice head(s):

James Salford


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Baker


Testimonials

‘Have instructed B&B and James Salford on number of portfolio financings which have been delivered in an efficient manner. B&B have held their own against more well-known firms for financing work.’

‘James Salford has excellent market knowledge (hotels) and presence therein.’

‘The team are an effective unit and outcomes are delivered seamlessly with excellent communication. They are ever ready to deal with issues and speak in layman’s terms.’

‘I deal with Jonathan Baker as a contact point. He oversees the process from initiation to delivery. His communication is excellent, and the transactions are dealt with in a simplified and very commercial way.’

Key clients

Aareal Bank AG


Leumi UK Group


Bank of Ireland


Cheyne Capital


Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd.


Danske Bank A/S


Dominvs Group


Fairplay Estates


Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, London Branch


KSL Capital Partners


Mizrahi Tefahot Bank


National Bank of Kuwait (International) PLC (NBK)


Oaknorth Bank


Paragon Development Finance


Precis Group


Puma Property Finance


Work highlights


  • Advised Cheyne Capital on a £108m Facility to the Champneys Hotel group.
  • Advised Leumi UK on a £26,335,000 Facility to the Zetter Hotels group to acquire the Grange White Hall, 2-5 Montague Street, London WC1B 5BU.
  • Advised Black Sea Trade and Development Bank on financing for the construction of Novotel Hotel in Lviv, Ukraine.

Brecher LLP

Brecher LLP regularly advises borrowers, including developers, funds, and family offices, in all aspects of their debt transactions. The department is also increasingly active on instructions from UK and Middle East-based banks and investors looking to structure Sharia-compliant facilities. Its key partners include head of practice Richard Gilchrist, banking partner Redmond Byrne and the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Charles Bezzant.

Practice head(s):

Richard Gilchrist


Other key lawyers:

Redmond Byrne; Charles Bezzant


Testimonials

‘The team are great and always available to discuss matters in a prompt fashion, providing sound advice and allow us to make decisions.’

‘The lead partner is excellent. We have a brilliant relationship, and we believe that they go out of their way to accommodate our requirements.’

‘They have expertise and work well together across all aspects of real estate finance – you are able to get planning, construction and litigation advice quickly and cost effectively without any outsourcing.’

Key clients

Pluto Finance UK LLP


United Trust Bank Limited


Maslow Capital LLP


Shawbrook Bank Limited


Paragon Development Finance


Glenhawk Financial Services


And others


Work highlights


  • Lender counsel to Shawbrook Bank Limited on a development loan to a borrower to build a 200 unit retirement village with a parade of shops and village pond.
  • Acting for Maslow Capital LLP in connection with the provision of development finance to 6 UK incorporated developers in connection with a variety of residential sites across the UK.
     
  • Advising United Trust Bank as lender on a refinancing of a city centre site in the South-West for a 97 bedroom purpose built student accommodation scheme.

Burges Salmon LLP

Bristol-based Burges Salmon LLP advises alternative lenders in the mid-market space, and is known for its strength in hotel, student accommodation and healthcare asset classes, which are the focus of its lead partner, Paul Browne. Fellow senior partner Richard Leeming has a long track record acting for the majority of the UK’s clearing banks as well as investment banks, debt funds and private banks.

Practice head(s):

Paul Browne


Other key lawyers:

Richard Leeming


Testimonials

‘The people within Burges Salmon’s real estate are arguably their greatest strength. They are highly personable individuals and provide relevant solutions to problems. They speak the language of lenders.’

Very knowledgeable, excellent value.’

Key clients

Whiteoaks Capital Limited


Portobello Starboard Ltd


Lloyds Bank plc


PP08 Finance Ltd


Fern Trading Group Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Whiteoaks Capital Limited as Borrower on facility agreement to in relation to the refinance of 40 Berkeley Square, Bristol.
  • Acted for Portobello Starboard Limited as borrower in relation to the provision by OakNorth Bank of term facilities of up to £40m. Portobello Starboard is a pub operating company backed by the London-based private equity firm Zetland Capital.
  • Advising on a £20,000,000 revolving loan and term loan facility to Eden Living Holdings Limited for the purpose of acquiring a portfolio of residential properties.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Daniel Sullivan heads the practice at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, advising primarily in the residential and commercial development, healthcare, logistics and student accommodation sectors. With a Middle East and an Asia desk, the firm is well-placed to advise overseas clients and ultra-high net worth individuals on their investments and lending, including Islamic finance, into the UK property market.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Sullivan


Testimonials

‘Expert knowledge is second to none. Willingness to solve problems in a straightforward way. Always collaborative.’

‘Well known and respected in the field.’

‘A reliable, knowledgeable and responsive team.’

 

Key clients

Silbury Finance


EQT Exeter


Octopus Property


London & Oxford Capital Markets


Puma Investments


EFG Private Bank


Rothschild Bank


Opera


The Rumi Foundation


Lombard North Central


Downing LLP


Topland Group of Companies


Country Court Care Homes Limited


Ekistics Property Advisors


Salamanca Group


Caring Homes Group


Northridge Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised Silbury Finance on a £64m retirement living financing in St Albans in relation to a 124 unit integrated retirement community.
  • Advised Topland Group on the acquisition and development financing of the high-end residential development of Allen House in Kensington for over £50m.
  • Advised Octopus Real Estate on a £24m evolving peak-debt facility, to fund the development of 138 residential units, 7 commercial units and community buildings at a former chocolate factory in Bristol, England.

Clyde & Co

Leveraging its UK and global offices, Chris Lenton‘s team at Clyde & Co is particularly active on property acquisitions, development finance, and onshore and offshore investment structures, taking a ‘proactive, pragmatic and commercial approach’ to all finance transactions. Annabelle Redman is noted for inward investment and residential-led mixed use development. Development finance specialist Dan Keys is also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Chris Lenton


Other key lawyers:

Annabelle Redman; Dan Keys


Testimonials

‘Responsive, efficient, knowledgeable, friendly.’

‘They always follow a pragmatic approach with one point of contact and additional experts are lined up swiftly if needed.’

‘Annabelle Redman has been with the firm for a very long time and knows the organisation very well. She is very knowledgeable, also outside of her specific area, very attentive and always responds very timely which makes her the ideal discussion partner for any new enquiry. She also provides quick access to other people in the firm if a certain expertise is required.’

Key clients

Regal London


Secure Trust Bank PLC


Marcol Group


Octopus Real Estate


OakNorth Bank plc


Roundshield Partners


Freshwater Group


Anpora UK Ltd


Bank of London & the Middle East plc


ABC International Bank plc


Aldgate Developments


U&I Group Plc


Lai Sun Developments Ltd


LendInvest


Urban & Civic


Montreaux Limited


British Arab Commercial Bank


Newcore Capital Management


New Era Developments


Grainger plc


Work highlights


  • Advised Corinthian Homes as borrower/developer on the £90,000,000 financing of its design and construction of a new mixed use development at Hayle Harbour in Cornwall of over 550 homes together with a hotel, retail units, industrial, fishing units, a community building and green space and a GDV (Gross Development Value) of £300,000,000.
  • Advised OakNorth Bank plc in connection with over £150,000,000 of financing for various corporate and property acquisitions, refinancings and development financings, including in connection with various acquisition and development facilities aggregating circa £50,000,000 for a UK care home operator with a focus on dementia care, including a £9,400,000 facility to fund the acquisition of a care home in Birmingham through the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the care home owning SPV.
  • Advised Regal London as borrower/purchaser on the acquisition and financing of a long-vacant site next to the Camden Roundhouse with a view to redevelopment of the site for a mixture of office and residential uses including affordable housing.

Collyer Bristow LLP

Collyer Bristow LLP provides ‘excellent all round knowledge of the sector‘ and focuses on supporting clients in secured lending transactions, negotiating and drafting facility agreements and security packages, and negotiating forward funding arrangements for property developments. Mixed-use and residential development work are its best known areas of work. Michael Grace leads the team which includes Stephen Gawne, residential funding experts Rory Macpherson and Alex O’Connor.

Practice head(s):

Michael Grace


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Gawne; Rory Macpherson; Alex O’Connor


Testimonials

‘Excellent all round knowledge of the sector and what is required to meet our objectives.’

Key clients

Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited


First Rand Bank


Handelsbanken plc


Lochailort Investments Ltd


GMS Estates Ltd


Crest Nicholson plc


Chase New Homes


Sutton Harbour Holdings plc


Work highlights


  • Acting for an entity within the Ipsus Development wider group on a joint venture with a pension fund in connection with the acquisition, funding and development of a site in Caversham for residential and mixed use redevelopment and the grant of a development agreement for a lease of part of the site to a social housing provider.
  • Acting for Aberfeldy New Village LLP (a joint venture between EcoWorld London and Poplar Harca) in connection with continuing site assembly, funding, development and sales of phase 3 onwards at Aberfeldy New Village in East London.
  • Advising Willmot Dixon on its funding, acquisition, development and sales at sites in Tower Hamlets, Reading, Sevenoaks and Cheshunt with a combined gross development value of over £300 million.

DWF

DWF‘s core team, which provides 'a good depth of expertise', consists of Simon Elphick, whose specialism is in counselling overseas lenders and debt fund, Simon Sharp, who has a strong relationship with domestic clearing banks, and Brendan Slack, who chairs the national practice and is an expert in energy finance.

Practice head(s):

Simon Elphick; Simon Sharp; Brendan Slack


Testimonials

‘Good depth of expertise.’

‘Couldn’t recommend Simon Sharp more highly. Knowledgeable across a range of asset classes and is very much a trusted advisor. Great at building relationships – always happy to answer the phone and let us shoot a few questions over.’

Key clients

Investec Bank plc


Starwood Capital


Work highlights


  • Acting for Investec in respect of the real estate aspects of numerous high value, complex development financing (working in partnership with White & Case acting in respect of finance),
  • Advising Starwood Capital, and working alongside White & Case (acting as lead counsel relating to the facility) in respect of the financing of current assets (and future capex facility) in relation to thirty five (35) residential care home properties.

Farrer & Co

With a strong borrower-side practice, Farrer & Co is also sought out for its expertise advising major institutional investors, including royal charter bodies, charitable trusts and unincorporated associations. Team lead Martin Blake‘s practice focuses on acquisition financings and general lending transactions. Simon Graham‘s specialisms include art finance, acquisition finance and private placements.

Practice head(s):

Martin Blake


Other key lawyers:

Simon Graham


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable and able to work through challenges to ensure the best outcome.’

‘Very commercial in advising what has become market standard, what is acceptable and what points are worth fighting.’

Great people to work with.’

Broad understanding of the issues in the business.’

What is important is finding a firm with good lawyers who engage with you, and Farrer & Co is that.’

Farrer & Co have good people at all levels.’

Key clients

Deutsche Bank (UK)


Deutsche Bank (Luxembourg)


Deutsche Bank (Suisse)


Bank Julius Baer & Co Ltd


Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Ltd


Coutts & Co


WayPark Commercial Mortgages Limited


Rothschild & Co Wealth Management UK Limited


Royal Bank of Canada


Triodos Bank NV


Work highlights


  • Acted for DB Bank UK Limited in relation to the amendment and restatement of a bespoke £150 million credit facility comprised of a £10 million revolving credit facility and £140 million available for property acquisitions, subsequent equity releases and development tranches.
  • Acted for our longstanding client Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. in relation to the amendment and restatement of a £135 million credit facility that was previously made available to a Gibraltar company that is secured on a portfolio of Japanese artwork and also on a large commercial property.
  • Advised Deutsche Bank UK on an approx. £84 million investment portfolio financing to an English borrower group consisting of companies, trusts and limited liability partnerships owning six aparthotel properties across London, Brighton and Manchester.

Katten

Katten has developed a strong reputation supporting third-party loan servicing and credit asset management firms. Kumar Tewari is an ‘exceptional individual‘ to note in the lower mid-market commercial real estate finance space, and he routinely advises on cross-border loan debt and bond structures involving complex, or bespoke intercreditor arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Kumar Tewari


Testimonials

‘Kumar Tewari is an exceptional individual who goes about his business professionally, diligently and always in a courteous and amiable manner.’

‘Kumar Tewari is a stand-out professional lawyer who epitomises professionalism, and is able to provide concise, practical and sound legal advice which first and foremost puts the considerations and interest of his client and institution when offering legal advice and protection. Kumar is a very kind, considerate, professional, and polite individual to deal with and is always happy to go the extra mile to help. These are the qualities that differentiate and make him stand out from the crowd.’

‘From a client perspective, Katten has the very attractive balance of a wealth of knowledge and experience in the real estate sector, whilst being able to have a very personal touch and provide great customer service to its clients.’

‘Their can do attitude is unrivalled. They are prepared to commit whatever resources are required to make deals happen.’

 

Ropes & Gray

At Ropes & Gray, David Seymour heads the collective real estate department where he specialises in UK and European private equity real estate deals across the risk spectrum for real estate funds, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices. Seymour also advises on structuring and executing both distressed and non-distressed transactions, investments and development financings. Associate Andrew Baker is an individual to note for debt finance.

Practice head(s):

David Seymour


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Baker


Key clients

Blackstone Mortgage Trust


Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies Fund


Partners Group


Cathexis Investment Management


Sixth Street


King Street Capital Management


Millemont Capital Partners


Altice Europe NV


Bio Med Realty L.P.


Work highlights


  • Advised Blackstone Mortgage Trust and Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies Fund in connection with financing of the AUD 8.9 billion (US$6.4 billion) acquisition of Crown Resorts.
  • Advised Partners Group on the financing aspects of the joint venture with Host Student Housing to build up a £1 billion UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and co-living platform and on the joint venture’s first acquisition of a four-asset seed portfolio.
  • Worked with other Ropes & Gray offices globally, to advise a leading global asset management firm in respect of a series of multi-billion-dollar loan repurchase and securitisation structures across multiple jurisdictions.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

At Trowers & Hamlins LLP, Eddie O’Hanrahan has an impressive track record in development finance of commercial, residential and student accommodation and logistics properties. Banking partner Katharine Lewis excels at conventional and Sharia compliant real estate finance transactions. Along with Helen Fysh, Lewis specialises in inward investment into UK real estate. Adrian Carter is the managing partner, and head of banking and finance.

Practice head(s):

Adrian Carter


Other key lawyers:

Eddie O’Hanrahan; Katharine Lewis; Helen Fysh


Testimonials

‘The property finance team at Trowers have helped us through some complex transactions working to tight deadlines and working with us through the nuances that are specific to the regulated sector. They are always ready to jump on new matters quickly and are fair with pricing.’

‘Eddie O’Hanrahan leads the team and is always on hand, often at short notice to assist with anything.’

‘Trowers have always provided excellent service. They take a very commercial and collaborative approach and are always on hand for help and advice when needed.’

‘Stand out partner is Helen Fysh. Smart, clear thinking and keen to ‘get the deal done’. It is a pleasure to work with her, and she has installed the same hard-working values in to her team.’

‘Trowers are a highly professional and friendly team who provide a responsive and focused service when dealing with complex matters. They take a pragmatic approach and always provide reliable advice and guidance.’

People in the team have strong knowledge of local government law and practice, and provide clear pragmatic advice.’

Responsive and pragmatic advice. They have the ability to make what can feel like complex issues simple and easy to resolve, and you can also feel safe that they will have considered all angles of the legal issue.’

Key clients

Third.i Group


Apache Capital Partners


Audley Group


Vistry Group (including Countryside Partnerships)


Global Net Lease Inc.


Affordable Housing & Healthcare Group


Urban Logistics REIT PLC


Shawbrook Bank Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for Urban Logistics in connection with the extension of its credit line with Aviva.
  • Advised joint venture Octopus Real Estate, Schroders and specialist developer Audley in relation to the restatement of the facility agreement financing the development of the Audley Fairmile village, an £80 million scheme which will provide 74 high-quality retirement properties in Cobham, Surrey.
  • Acted for a joint venture between 90 North and Rasameel (the JV) in relation to a £52,726,200 property investment loan facility in relation to various student accommodation schemes spread across the UK: with properties in Exeter, Leamington Spa, Edinburgh, Leicester and Cardiff.

Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP is recommended for development and agricultural finance, as well as secured and portfolio lending. Lead partner Tony Coyne has significant experience in property related acquisitions, disposals, and investments, in addition to corporate real estate matters, with a particular emphasis on management and secured lending.

Practice head(s):

Tony Coyne


Key clients

London Road Block C Limited (subsidiary of Meadow Partners LLP)


Green Lanes Limited (subsidiary of Meadow Partners LLP)


Work highlights


  • Advised London Road Block C Limited (a subsidiary of Meadow Partners Plc) on the final phase of Meadow’s acquisition and financing of a mixed-use development which it purchased for £13.5 million.
  • Advised Green Lanes Limited (a subsidiary of Meadow Partners Plc) on the acquisition and financing of three blocks, comprising of 60 private apartments.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Duncan Hubbard heads the ‘very pragmatic, experienced team’ at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, specialising in commercial mortgage-backed securitisation. The firm also has notable expertise in loan sales and mezzanine finance.

Practice head(s):

Duncan Hubbard


Other key lawyers:

William Lo


Testimonials

‘The team is very committed and easy to work with. They are friendly, helpful and yet still maintain the professionalism and very focus on delivery a successful result.’

‘A very pragmatic, experienced team on real estate finance.’

‘Provide easy solutions. Quick responses, always available.’

Key clients

Invesco Real Estate


Wells Fargo


Employee Provident Fund


AEW Europe


Münchener Hypothekenbank eG


Civitas Social Housing PLC


Work highlights


  • Advising Civitas Social Housing PLC on their financing with Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch by way of a £135,000,000 multi-tranche private note issuance and sale pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement for the refinancing of various existing debt within the REIT group.
  • Advising AEW’s funds UREF LP and UREF II LP in relation to the restructuring of their £108,000,000 facility agreement with HSBC for the financing of a significant county shopping centre.
  • Advising Civitas Social Housing Finance Company 3 Limited on their £100,000,000 revolving credit facility with HSBC Bank plc secured against a large portfolio of UK real estate in a specialised asset class (social housing).

Druces LLP

Druces LLP stands out for its in-house capabilities and experience in Sharia compliant real estate financing and its work representing syndicators of investment property. Antony Cotton heads the practice. Christopher Axford takes the lead of Sharia-compliant financing, while Suzanne Middleton Lindsley‘s practice focuses on syndicate work and development finance.

Practice head(s):

Antony Cotton


Other key lawyers:

Suzanne Middleton Lindsley; Christopher Axford


Testimonials

‘The team are well-resourced and always available within a sensible timeframe when needed. In particular, members of the property and banking teams below partner level appear to be well-supported and encouraged to engage with transaction stakeholders in a collaborative and commercial manner, which helps to speed things along when time is of the essence.’

‘I have particularly enjoyed working with Suzanne Middleton-Lindsley, who takes her role as lead partner very seriously without losing a sense of humour with some of our more challenging transactions.’

‘Chris Axford, on the banking side, is always working hard to ensure our documentation is up-to-date in all respects and keeping us well-protected.’

‘Strong with industry knowledge and commercially minded.’

‘Throughout my experience with Druces, I have witnessed unparalleled professionalism, outstanding expertise, and a genuine commitment to ensuring their clients’ success. Druces’ unique qualities and strengths make them stand head and shoulders above other firms in the industry.’

‘I was struck by the real estate’s team’s unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. Their responsiveness and open communication made me feel valued and reassured that my best interests were at the forefront of their work. Druces truly understands the importance of building strong client relationships and delivering exceptional service.’

‘The real estate team’s vast knowledge and expertise are second to none. Their deep understanding of real estate law, combined with their attention to detail, ensured that every aspect of my legal matters was handled with the utmost care and precision. No challenge was too great for them. Druces’ ability to navigate complex real estate transactions with finesse and efficiency is truly remarkable.’

‘Suzanne Middleton Lindsley’s attention to detail and thoroughness in their work is truly impressive. They possess an exceptional ability to dissect complex legal matters and provide clear and concise advice. Their expertise in real estate law is unparalleled, and strategic thinking has helped me navigate through intricate transactions with confidence and ease.’

Key clients

Bank of London and the Middle East Plc


Denizbank AS, Turkey


ICICI Bank UK PLC


Bank of China (UK) Ltd


Astute Capital plc


Propiteer Capital plc


Property Lending LLP


Work highlights


  • Advising Bank of London and The Middle East Plc on over 40 property finance transactions.
  • Advising Property Lending LLP on an acquisition and development facility to acquire a property that was to be demolished, and in its place a building of 8 flats developed.

Edwin Coe LLP

Edwin Coe LLP has secured instructions from lenders such as growing bank OakNorth, and development funders such as Atelier Capital Partners. The group is also active in restructuring, loan workout and non-performing loan related mandates. Stephen Brower and Rosie McCormick Paice co-head the practice. With over 22 years’ experience in real estate finance, James Walton has great practical knowledge and is excellent at providing guidance as to how a difficult situation might play out.’ 

Practice head(s):

Stephen Brower; Rosie McCormick Paice


Other key lawyers:

James Walton


Testimonials

‘They deal with complicated issues without fuss – reassuring to have them acting for you.’

‘We deal with a good team at Edwin & Coe that are always responsive, reliable and prompt to deal with enquiries and transactions. Friendly and commercial, they strive to understand our business requirements and deal with matters in the appropriate way.’

‘James Walton is the partner that we deal with. He is a very knowledgeable, approachable individual. He clearly engages the rest of his team on our transactions whilst taking the lead. He is pragmatic and commercial and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Great team.’

‘James Walton has great practical knowledge and is excellent at providing guidance as to how a difficult situation might play out. He is our first port of call in a contentious situation.’

‘Great team with a good commercial understanding and easy to speak to. Always cut to the chase on calls and know what the issues are.’

‘James Walton particularly stands out – he has structured complex deals for us in the past and is always professional even during testing times! He has excellent commercial awareness and is a trusted advisor to our business.’

Key clients

Ingenious Real Estate


Atelier Capital Partners


Deploy Capital


Coutts & Co


Clearwell Capital


Mount Street Mortgage Servicing


Eastmount Capital


Salix Finance


Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited


Tyburn Lane Private Equity


Altum Group


Gulf International Bank


Palace Capital PLC


Forsters LLP

Forsters LLP group is led by Victoria Edwards, who is the go-to figure for lenders and borrowers in connection with residential property investment and development finance. In the commercial property realm, Edwards advises on funding for care homes, student accommodation and hotels.

Practice head(s):

Victoria Edwards


Testimonials

‘A strong partner-led team with a tenacious mentality. Good linkage with other disciplines such as construction and real estate law to provide a 360 degree service’

‘Forsters have a large team of well-trained partners, associates and junior staff. There’s a great level of exposure given to junior staff, which enables them to reduce costs and improve training whilst not jeopardising service level. They are experts in their field and collaborate across all aspects of real estate to provide great service.’

The team are personable, explain complex terms and protocol in laypersons’ terms, and are highly visible and responsive.’

The team is like one big family, which I believe is everything in a law firm of this size.’

Key clients

Art Farm Group Limited


Pluto Finance


OakNorth Bank plc


Knight Dragon


Notting Hill Genesis


Rothschild Bank


Savills Investment Management


J.P. Morgan International Bank Limited


Mumbles Group


Secure Trust Bank


WMG


Work highlights


  • Advising Artfarm Group to acquire the world-famous Groucho Club.
  • Advised Pluto Finance on over £200 million worth of real estate finance transactions over the last year, predominantly in respect of residential development funding, including build to rent and student accommodation schemes.

GSC Solicitors LLP

With notable strength in servicing borrowers such as major hotel owners and fast food franchise owners, GSC Solicitors LLP acts for a range of corporates and high net worth clients. The group fields a team which has ‘excellent knowledge in real estate and can advise on complex transactions.’ Lead partner Peter Belcher is recommended for financing and restructuring work in the hotel, leisure, banking and healthcare sectors.

Practice head(s):

Peter Belcher


Testimonials

‘Excellent service and especially professional.’

‘Peter Belcher is very knowledgeable with a wealth of experience. He is very practical to deal with it and nothing is ever an issue. He is very good at solving problems and is professional in his approach. Client care is paramount to Peter.’

‘The team have excellent knowledge in real estate and can advise on complex transactions.’

‘Peter Belcher is extremely well respected in the hospitality sector and has vast knowledge in hotel transactions.’

Key clients

CareTech Estates


Queensway Group


Work highlights


  • Advised longstanding client CareTech on a £200m property portfolio sale and leaseback investment by the Civitas Investment Management (CIM), the UK’s largest specialist care investor.
  • Advised longstanding client Queensway in the £420m acquisition of a majority holding in Raag Hotels Limited which owns Point A Hotels, by Tristan Capital Partners’ European Property Investors Special Opportunities 6 (EPISO 6) Fund.

gunnercooke LLP

gunnercooke LLP acts for lenders and borrowers on both property investment and development finance mandates, with a strong focus in the residential, office and hotel sectors. The practice recruited Sarah Hung and John Hargreaves in mid-2022 from Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP and Druces LLP, respectively, to expand its offering in investment and development transactional work. Matthew East is recommended for development and acquisition finance of hotels properties.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Hung; John Hargreaves; Matthew East


Testimonials

‘Sarah Hung is an extremely experienced solicitor in her field. She is very thorough, efficient, diligent and knowledgeable.’

‘This practice is unique as the team acts for a range of high net worth clients both individuals and corporate level ranging from banks, investors, onshore and offshore investment based in the UK and internationally. The team is commercially aware, specialists in this particular area of work.’

‘We have been working with Sarah Hung for many years now, and she stands out for us in comparison to the previous solicitors we used before. Sarah Hung is accurate, reliable, extremely professional and always provide advice that is specifically tailored to transaction and organisation. Her advice shows her extensive knowledge in this field, which allows us to mitigate potential risks in transactions.’

Key clients

ELS St Marks Residence Limited


The Prosperity Group Limited


OakNorth Bank plc


Work highlights


  • Acted for OakNorth Bank plc in connection with a development loan for the fit out/construction of the new Holiday Inn Sunderland by Cairn Capital.
  • Advised Prosperity Group Ltd, a developer, in the acquisition of commercial land with a ransom strip with a view to creating a multi-storey development located in a prime London location.
  • Advised ELS St Marks Residence Limited on the acquisition of a high value real estate development site, by way of a share purchase of a company out of group with development finance of £4.75m.

Hamlins LLP

Hamlins LLP ‘punch above their weight’ in real estate finance of development and investment property, and has a strong focus on student accommodation, hotel developments, high-end residential developments and apartment complexes. Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood is an ‘excellent lawyer’ who specialises in secured lending for real estate and corporate acquisition transactions.

Practice head(s):

Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood


Testimonials

‘High quality, with integrity, dynamic team which is always available and able to support you and your clients in the best possible manner. A team that can make the impossible possible!’

‘Aselle Djumbaeva-Wood is a mentor not only to her team but to her customers as well, both professionally and personally. Aselle has a very personal touch to any transaction she’s involved with and has proven many times that she excels and overdelivers. Her charisma and positive attitude makes her an amazing partner to work with.’

‘Hamlins are relatively small firm but punch above their weight in real estate. They have deep knowledge and experience in this arena and provide a partner-led service.’

‘Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood is a pleasure to work with. She is very efficient and calm. She also has an excellent rapport with solicitors acting for the other side on the deal.’

‘Efficient work and excellent service.’

‘Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood is an excellent lawyer who gives good advice and ensures she provides the best possible service.’

‘Very professional, efficient and service oriented.’

Key clients

Bangkok Bank Pcl


Handelsbanken plc


Segada LP


Shaviram Group


Silvertown Group


The Sports & Leisure Group


Work highlights


  • Advising a group of property investment and development companies owned by a high net worth family on 13 transactions.
  • Advising Shaviram Group companies on investment and development loan, including a loan from PRS Finance Plc to refinance a recently developed property in South East England; and a development loan from a niche lender in relation to a permitted development of an office building in Staines.
  • Advising Bangkok Bank Pcl in relation real estate investment loans, leveraged loans and development loans, including the refinancing of existing loan facilities to off-shore companies which hold properties in London; and a parent company guarantee from an English company in relation to revolving credit facilities to its subsidiary in Thailand.

Howard Kennedy LLP

Senior partner Steve Clinning heads the banking and real estate finance group at Howard Kennedy LLP, utilising his more than 30 years' experience in general banking, development finance and hotel finance, both for lenders and borrowers. Senior associate Jon Janes is a key figure on syndicated and bilateral facilities on domestic and cross-border transactions.

Practice head(s):

Steve Clinning


Other key lawyers:

Jon Janes


Testimonials

Very knowledgeable team, and very approachable.’

Key clients

Octopus Real Estate


Puma Property Finance


LendInvest


Rothschild & Co


City & Docklands


Galliard Homes


Southern Grove Real Estate


Montreaux Limited


Gordon Hotels Limited


Arbunot Lathum & Co.


Work highlights


  • Acted for Gordon Hotels Limited (as borrower) in the financing with Cynergy Bank for (among other things) the buy-out of shares from a shareholder in companies within the Borrower group and refinancing an existing loan of the borrower with Octopus.
  • Acted for Montreaux Cape Limited (as borrower) in the financing with Zorin Avenue Lendco 5 Limited (as senior lender) and Alvarium (NZ) Real Estate Opportunities Fund I LP (as mezz lender) for the acquisition and redevelopment of a site in St Albans.
  • Acting for Montreaux Binfield Limited in the financing with Zorin Avenue Lendco 2 Limited for the acquisition and redevelopment of a site to build 15 new homes and six flats.

K&L Gates LLP

Richard Hardwick is the practice head at K&L Gates LLP, and is a trusted adviser to finance parties, sponsors and borrowers on cross-border transactions, CMBS loan restructuring and insolvency. Michael Anderson is experienced in origination, syndication and restructuring of real estate debt.

Practice head(s):

Richard Hardwick


Other key lawyers:

Michael Anderson


Testimonials

‘Overall strong leadership and strong input from all the team.’

‘Richard Hardwick – Strong leadership as partner.’

‘The property finance team are very experienced and have a good understanding of the client’s requirements.’

‘The individuals we work with are always proactive and quick to respond to any queries, providing solutions which protect the client’s position.’

Key clients

Northern Trust Group Limited


Threestones Capital Management S.A.


UK Retail Warehouse Fund


Work highlights


  • Advised Northern Trust Group, the property investment, development and land regeneration company, in relation to a £270 million facility.
  • Acted on the English, German and Luxembourg finance aspects of a syndicated euro 53.5m real estate facility secured on real estate in Germany and Spain.
  • Acted on the English and Luxembourg finance aspects of a syndicated euro 16,650,000 real estate facility secured on real estate in Spain.

Maples Teesdale LLP

Maples Teesdale LLP is active in investment and development deals, advising both lenders and borrowers in relation to the financing of retail, office, hotels, student accommodation, PRS and industrial assets. Practice co-heads Zoe Miller and Rohan Campbell lead on all domestic and international real estate finance transactions.

Practice head(s):

Zoe Miller; Rohan Campbell


Testimonials

‘Very organised team. The team always provide exceptionally good instructions on what needs to be done.’

‘Core team real estate finance team is incredibly strong for a firm of Maples Teesdale’s size and punches well above its weight. Recently promoted partner and head of real estate finance, Zoe Miller, is technically excellent, commercially minded and a great problem solver.’

‘Zoe Miller stepped seamlessly into a difficult transaction and did a great job closing, providing good advice and a good understanding of our commercial needs.’

‘When it comes to anything real estate finance related, the firm is able to provide excellent advice which comes with the benefit of an in-depth understanding of the property sector.’

Key clients

AgFe


Bywater Properties


Deutsche Hypo Nord LB Real Estate


ICICI Bank UK Plc


Investec


Lloyds Banking Group


Martin’s Properties


Maslow Capital


Patrizia


Pictet Real Estate Capital


Tristan Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Advising CCP 5, the perpetual core plus fund advised by pan-European real estate investment manager Tristan Capital Partners, on the refinancing of the Interchange Building, a Grade A office asset in Croydon.
  • Instructed by Martin’s Properties in connection with an additional tranche of investment financing secured on an additional portfolio of properties and cross collateralised with existing financing arrangements. Martin’s Properties are a leading property investment and development company based in Central London and operating throughout the South of England.
  • Advising the lender on a multi-currency facility to finance the acquisition of two retail parks in Glasgow and Dublin.

Memery Crystal

Memery Crystal advises on development finance, leveraged, syndicated and high-yield finance, as well as bond offerings and programmes, and financing in connection with corporate acquisitions and alternative finance products. Matthew Lindsay is an expert in structured and mezzanine finance.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Lindsay


Testimonials

‘Super communicative team with vast experience.’

Key clients

Octopus Real Estate


Avamore Capital


Tuscan Capital


Lendhub


Catalyst Property Finance


Crown & Bentley Commercial Finance


Toorak Capital Partners


Saxon Trust


Hypotek


Funding 365


GRE Finance


MBU Capital


Bowling Green Asset Management (BGAM)


Rothschild Bank


ASK Partners


CPI Property Group


Zorin Finance


OakNorth Bank


Deutsche Bank


Southwark Homes


EFG Bank


Z Hotels


Beckman Property Investments


Century Capital


DAO Estate


Gage Properties


Work highlights


  • Advised specialist, independent property funder ASK on a number of financings this year, including:£62,000,000 refinancing and cross collateralisation of various national commercial properties.
  • Advised alternative property funder ASK (as lead lender, arranger, agent and security agent) on a complex £62,000,000 co-lend (with OakNorth Bank Plc), multi-facility refinancing and cross collateralisation of various national commercial, mixed-use properties owned and operated by the BYM Capital group and their investors.
  • Advised Century Capital on a variety of matters with their borrowers during the year of varying deal size, including the extension of their own line of financing with OakNorth Bank (deal size £50m).

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP is a popular choice for clients pursuing a broad range of complex structured transactions, including investment and development, bilateral and syndicated, and senior and mezzanine financing. The department, led by Liz Sweeney, who is based in Manchester and London, undertakes work across the student accommodation, hotel and leisure, logistics, healthcare, infrastructure, education and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):

Liz Sweeney


Testimonials

‘Good value for money, pragmatic and straightforward team members.’

‘Dynamic, driven, professional in their approach. Appeal to the fast moving and wide-ranging requirements of real estate deals.’

‘Well connected, experienced, commercial in decision-making and efficient. When a question is asked, there’s a prompt and accurate answer.’

Key clients

Topland Jupiter Limited


Topland Vintage Finance Ltd and Prospect Capital Limited


Time GB Group Limited (Royale Life)


GJS (Circle) Investments Limited


Kellen Homes GM Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised HSBC UK Bank plc in relation to the amendment and restatement of their £250,000,000 term and revolving credit facilities to the Soho Estates Group.
  • Acted for Time GB Group Limited (t/a Royale Life) on the amendment and restatement of its existing facilities.
  • Advised HSBC UK Bank plc on a new £31,800,000 term loan facility to KW Forum Limited to be used to refinance the acquisition of the Solent Business Park.

Sidley Austin LLP

Sidley Austin LLP is known for its work on private loans, bespoke hybrid investments, and repo and repack transactions, as well as CMBS, including both public and privately placed deals. It also advises on asset-based finance, REITs, and leverage financing for real estate businesses. Rupert Wall chairs the finance group in Europe, and works alongside London partners, Nick Brittain, Jade Williams-Adedeji and Emilie Stewart.

Practice head(s):

Rupert Wall


Other key lawyers:

Nick Brittain; Jade Williams-Adedeji; Emilie Stewart


Key clients

Starwood Capital


Apollo


Work highlights


  • Represented certain funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management on the successful launch of a 50:50 joint venture with illimity Bank S.p.A., aimed at investing up to €500 million in NPL and UTP loans secured by real estate assets in Italy.
  • Representation of Starwood Capital in connection with a US$250 million commercial real estate loan repurchase facility with Goldman Sachs Bank USA, in particular, reviewing issues arising from inclusion of English and European loans into the portfolio and advising on related local security aspects, risk retention issues, and risk free rate replacement of LIBOR.

Teacher Stern LLP

Teacher Stern LLP‘s key lawyers, Phil Berry and Claire Gibson, ‘both offer a wealth of knowledge in their field’ and routinely work with private banks, bridging lenders, institutional investors, corporates, investment trusts, and high net worth individuals across the full range of lending transactions.

Practice head(s):

Phil Berry


Other key lawyers:

Claire Gibson


Testimonials

‘Teacher Stern’s team, led by Claire Gibson, has advised us on real estate finance for the last couple of years on various deals. The team is of the highest calibre for this sector in the London market. They are very professional and always responsive. All matters were dealt with, with attention and great flexibility. The team has proven to consist of highly skilled professionals, all of whom have very extensive knowledge of legal issues and an actual understanding of our needs, making it possible for them to provide advice and solutions, which are always individually tailored for the issues and goals in hand.’

‘Claire Gibson is our well-trusted advisor. Claire helps us resolve challenges that we, and our business, face. Claire is highly praised for providing the highest quality advice.’

‘The real estate finance team offers in inimitable service to their client. They are always a pleasure to work with, offering pragmatic advice in a professional, personable style.’

‘Phil Berry and Claire Gibson both offer a wealth of knowledge in their field. Clients are central to the team’s work ethos, and they are undoubtedly people you want to have in your corner.

‘The Teacher Stern team are knowledgeable, responsive and commercial in their approach. Those are three traits that most clients will have at the top of their wish list when instructing legal counsel.’

Key clients

Livingway Group Limited


Westcity Property Group


PRMO Real Estate UK Limited


Kaizen Real Estate Limited


Spring Finance Limited


Dookro Ltd


Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C)


Elyseum Finance S.C.A.


Kenfin Holdings Limited


Limecourt Finance & Investments Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised well known spa company group in relation to an £116,000,000 amendment and restatement of an LMA facility and comprehensive multi jurisdiction security package.
  • Advised a lender with a senior funding line from an institutional bank with a revolving credit facility of £25,000,000.
  • Advised Livingway Group Limited on loan agreement of £26,500,000 for the acquisition of 119 buy to let units in Liverpool.

Acuity Law

Acuity Law predominantly services specialist and alternative lenders in the real estate space, as well as developers and investors. Team lead Sam Clarke, praised by clients for his ‘commercial understanding’, specialises in investment and development financings across hotel, student accommodation, office, retail, and residential asset classes.

Practice head(s):

Sam Clarke


Testimonials

‘Sam Clarke makes this practice unique, in that he has the City training, combined with the commercial understanding, to provide an outstanding product.

‘The strength is that Sam is able to meet all timelines, asks on each deal what the particular requirements are on that transaction and aligns with our business values.’

‘Very strong team ethic with property, corporate, and construction lawyers working cohesively to provide a single view. Very responsive and flexible in approach and available when needed.’

‘Very pragmatic and will balance legal opinion with a risk based approach / commercial view.’

The team is very responsive and agile.’

Sam Clarke is excellent. Very knowledgeable and proactive. He understands the business and offers sensible solutions, and provides an excellent service.’

Key clients

OakNorth Bank


Secure Trust Bank


Zorin Finance


A.S.K. Partners


Ingenious Real Estate


Investec


Homes of England


Julian Hodge Bank


Principality Building Society


Handelsbanken


Work highlights


Bates Wells

Real estate lawyer Mark Traynor is the lead contact at Bates Wells, acting for commercial, charity and private clients in all aspects of transactions involving commercial property. Traynor is also experienced in the real estate and financing aspects of developing and operation of hydroelectric and solar panel systems.

Practice head(s):

Mark Traynor


Testimonials

‘A highly professional firm with 1st class service. Always willing to talk through new cases and offering common sense guidance.’

‘This is such a good organisation. It has personal client contact that knows the business, is innovative with solutions, is highly networked, able to understand complex issues and is fast to respond. This is, for us, an ideal legal firm for the complex world we inhabit.’

‘They are extremely personal, from the partners to the specific area staff. They are a multi-faceted team organisation that is a flat rather than hierarchical structure. They are humble yet experienced, calm and organised in their approach to complex issues. They are completely reliable on deadlines and targets.’

‘Bates Wells balance a commercial legal mindset, with the particular nuances of the management of property secured for charitable purposes, gifted in wills and requirements of the Charities Act.’

‘Sector knowledge is second to none.’

‘Good level of experience and knowledge on property/development finance. Pragmatic and practical advice. A good understanding of the client’s requirements.’

‘Good quality advice. Responsive and pragmatic.’

‘A highly professional firm with 1st class service. Always willing to talk through new cases and offering common sense guidance.’

Key clients

Postal Heritage Museum CAF Bank


Triodos Bank UK Limited


Lexadon Properties


J49 Limited


The Charity Bank Limited


Reliance Bank


The Football Foundation


Handelsbanken plc.


Co-Operative Bank


Lloyds Bank


Work highlights


  • Advised J49 on an the development and financing of an affordable housing scheme in Lewisham, in which as all 33 flats will be socially rented at GLA affordable rent rates.
  • Advised Triodos Bank UK Limited on a £4m facility to Heal Rewilding, a charitable incorporated organisation, for a term of 5 years to fund the purchase of a dairy farm in Somerset – the Bank’s first loan for a nature preservation project.
  • Advised the Charity Bank Limited in connection with loans to be used for the development of a new purpose-built air base, office, and training centre for Magpas Air Ambulance.

Boodle Hatfield LLP

Boodle Hatfield LLP‘s practice head Jonathan Hyndman and the firms’ private client and real estate teams have continued to win new lending and borrowing instructions from high net-worth-individuals, family offices and alternative lenders. Acquisition financing and development investment are a key area of work. Hyndman specialises in debt finance, loan restructuring and loan workouts.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Hyndman


Testimonials

‘The team worked both diligently and very effectively in delivering the legals on a major refinancing for the company. They were very strong on all of the detail pertaining to the transaction and provided balanced and realistic advice in assisting with negotiations.’

‘Jonathan Hyndman is the lead partner we deal with on Financing Transactions. He is very reactive, has an excellent grasp of both the law and its application and is able to provide clear and credible advice.’

‘The partners are very strong and commercial.’

 

Glovers Solicitors LLP

Property finance boutique Glovers Solicitors LLP advises lenders on residential development finance and investment loans. The firm is experienced in supporting lenders, receivers, and administrators in connection with restructuring and disposals following borrower default. It also handles high and ultra-high net worth mortgages. Darran Smith is the key contact.

Practice head(s):

Darran Smith


Testimonials

‘A very strong, specialist team who cover all aspects of the secured property lending market including development, investment, planning, etc. Very personable and responsive and competitive on fees.’

‘Darran Smith leads the team and all individuals within it perform well.’

‘Very attentive. Good knowledge and take a pragmatic approach to solving issues’

‘Darren Smith is an excellent lawyer. ’

‘Approachable, knowledgeable, commercially-minded and very strong relationship builders. A solid mixture of proactivity, efficiency and professionalism – you are always made to feel like you are their only client.’

‘Darran Smith is our main point of contact and an excellent person to work with. He is always available should we need and goes out of his way to assist in any way he can.’

‘The team always have a can do attitude whatever obstacles that they come across from the Borrowers lawyers. They have an excellent people and billing is always competitive.’

‘Glovers provide exceptional service and always deliver on time.’

Key clients

Commercial Acceptances Limited


Close Brothers Limited


Davon Investments Limited


Hampshire Trust Bank plc


Heritable Development Finance Limited


Investec Bank plc


Royal Bank of Canada Trustees Limited


Strata Residential Finance plc


United Trust Bank Limited


Lendinvest Limited


Shawbrook Bank Limited


Investec Bank (Channel Islands) Limited


Paragon Bank Plc


Cambridge & Counties Bank Limited


Atelier Capital Partners Limited


Downing Development Lending Limited


PP08 Finance Ltd (trading as Pluto)


Blend Loan Network Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised a leading bank in the development finance industry for a £14million development loan in a prime Mayfair residential development of 10 flats involving complex issues including rights of light, access and construction methods.
  • Advised Investec Bank Plc in connection with a £14,750,000 investment finance facility to refinance a prime central London building containing 11 apartments.
  • Advised Close Brothers Limited in connection with a £10,680,000 development finance facility to develop a former school to construct 56 apartments (comprising 30 private units and 26 affordable units) .

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP is experienced in all forms of property finance, and its lead partner, Paul Cain has particular strength in advising property development companies and investors in the acquisition of development sites and plot sales. Cain also handles high value refinancing and bridging finance. Real estate partner John O’Callaghan is another key figure.

Practice head(s):

John O’Callaghan; Paul Cain


Testimonials

‘Always explains situations, risks are explained also make you feel they are covering your back and getting the best outcome.’

Key clients

Octane Property Finance Limited


Cranfield Investments Limited


OneSavings Bank Plc t/a Kent Reliance


RGL Services Ltd


Glasshouse Asset Management


Dominvs Property Developments Limited


Keystone Holdings Limited (Isle of Man)


Ganco Holdings Limited


ILM Capital


Work highlights


  • Acted on over 200 matters for Octane Property Finance Limited since being appointed to their panel, with a total loan value of over £100m.
  • Advised Kent Reliance on over 200 matters, with a total loan value of at least £80m+.
  • Acting in the refinance of a residential property portfolio by a well-known property investment fund for £20m with a recent advance of £9m. The portfolio consists of 27 residential properties that are being converted into Houses of Multiple Occupation under permitted development.

Rosling King

Rosling King acts for private banks, debt funds and commercial lenders as well as investors, developers and other sponsors. Alexander Edwards works closely with the real estate department, while Ann Ebberson and Peter Lewis advise clients on investment, development, commercial and residential financing, and are frequently active often on deals with a cross-border element.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Edwards; Ann Ebberson; Peter Lewis


Testimonials

‘Always readily available, and always keeping the client up to date with progress on the deals. Happy for me to run cases past them, and use as a sounding board, but also they are on top of everything, keeping me in the loop throughout.

‘Peter Lewis – extremely knowledgeable, as well as practical, in dealing with complex property matters. His associates mirror this and puts me in good faith with what is taking place from a legal point of view.’

‘We have a good relationship with the whole team – they are knowledgeable, approachable, and always professional. They resource each deal well and manage costs smoothly.’

‘Alex Edwards is the standout member of the team. He is quick to understand the brief, diligent, and clearly communicates any issues that arise. He manages the deals well throughout and is easy to chat to.’

‘We appreciate their collaborative approach and their ability to apply a sensible degree of commerciality. We have worked together for a few years now and their track record in delivering (especially against tight timescales) is much appreciated.’

‘Alex Edwards is very personable and commercial and always available to discuss any matter.

‘Ann Ebberson is a trusted advisor on real estate matters. She always explains complicated real estate matters very well and gives clear and well reasoned advice.’

‘A very capable team we’ve worked with for many years and who always provide outstanding client service. Knowledgable and efficient.’

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Mohammed Saqub at Shakespeare Martineau LLP heads the property finance team from London and Birmingham, which has notable strength in Islamic finance. Clients of the department are predominantly UK and Middle East wholly Sharia compliant banks, and conventional banks which have an Islamic window.

Practice head(s):

Mohammed Saqub


Testimonials

‘Shakespeare Martineau has a extremely strong property finance practice and represents a wide range of lenders and sponsors. Not only do they act for conventional lenders, but also Islamic banks, challenger banks, bridging lenders and debt funds. I have always felt as though I am in a safe pair of hands with Shakespeare Martineau.’

‘The people are very easy to deal with and always go the extra mile. They are also very commercial, driven and focussed on getting the job done.’

‘Mohammed Saqub and his team are all exceptional lawyers with a solid understanding of property finance principle. Not only are they all technically able, but they are also commercially-minded.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC


Lloyds bank


Santander


ADIB UK


Al Rayan Bank plc


Gatehouse Bank plc


Habib Bank AG Zurich (Islamic and conventional)


Islamic Development Bank


Masraf Al Rayan


OFFA


Qatar Islamic Bank PLC


UBL


Nester


Work highlights


  • Assisted Al Rayan on the refinance of circa £35,000,000 secured against real estate in the UK.
  • Undertook a significant acquisition and funding round with a Gulf Sharia-compliant private equity investor based in the UAE in a UK Islamic finance Fintech.
  • Advising a number of Islamic Banks (e.g. Al Rayan and Gatehouse) on their retail mortgages, helping add circa £500 million to their retail books.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs‘s practice focuses on commercial and residential development projects, including forward funding and financing of forward funds, as well as advising on bespoke funding solutions for operational real estate assets, such as hotels, student accommodation and care homes. Jon Lent is often instructed by private equity investors, banks, debt funds and alternative lenders.

Practice head(s):

Jon Lent


Testimonials

‘Pragmatic, helpful, always available, realistic advice. Attention to detail.’

‘Jon Lent – excellent.’

Key clients

Activum SG


Octopus


Greater Manchester Combined Authority


Sheet Anchor Properties


HC-One Limited


London and Cambridge Properties


London Wall


MGT Lincoln


OakNorth Bank


Wells Fargo


Work highlights


  • Acting for private equity business ActivumSG on all operational and funding aspects of their ASG Iberia venture for the development of a new high-end luxury lifestyle hotel in Barcelona.
  • Advising alternative specialist lender London Wall Lending on a development and refurbishment facility for an office in Cardiff.
  • Advised the London and Cambridge Properties group and related entities on investment and development facilities with Lloyds, Aviva, Handelsbanken, and Barclays, aggregating well in excess of £400m in the last 12 months.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Richard Ellard heads the Tunbridge Wells based Thomson Snell & Passmore, which counts senior debt lenders, mezzanine and short-term lenders, as well as high-net-worth individuals and corporate borrowers among its clients. Loan and security documentation, development and acquisition finance, loan restructuring and portfolio refinancing are its key areas of instruction. Matthew Grogan and senior associates Laura Keatley and Nicole Priestly are recommended.

Practice head(s):

Richard Ellard


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Grogan; Laura Keatley; Nicole Priestley


Testimonials

‘My dealings are with Nicole Priestley and Richard Ellard, and so to me, they are the team. I particularly like that they are proactive rather than reactive and always appear to be on the front foot. They are focused on getting the job done. If or should I say when there are issues along the line they’ll tell you what they are, what the options are for dealing with it and which they’d recommend and why. This is far more preferable than throwing the ball into my court.’

‘Matthew Grogan has resourced his team with good quality lawyers, trainees and paralegals to enable them to provide us with adequate and efficient service in meeting both our, and our clients’, demands. Under Matt’s guidance, the team are among the best I have worked with in terms of their knowledge, ability to explain an issue and written communication.’

‘Ease of access and professionalism. Prompt turnarounds.’

Key clients

Close Brothers Limited


Paragon Development Finance Limited


Commercial Acceptances Limited


Shawbrook Bank Limited


LendNet Property LLP (Triplepoint)


Tarn & Co Limited


Keystone Property Finance Limited


Lendinvest Security Trustees Limited


Aldermore Bank plc


Invest & Fund Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Paragon Development Finance Limited in connection with a senior loan revolving credit facility of £19 million and intercreditor arrangements with junior lenders and equity providers. The debt and equity was used to fund a phased development of 100 residential houses in Lincolnshire with a GDV of £30 million.
  • Advised Aldermore Bank Limited on a development loan facility of over £7 million to assist a borrower working in partnership with Housing Growth Partnership, in turn backed by Lloyds and Homes England, to acquire and develop a site in Preston with planning permission for 195 dwellings.
  • Advised Tarn & Co Limited in connection with multiple senior and junior development loan facilities.