Social housing: finance in London

‘Probably the leading firm to act for lenders in the social housing sector, really good engagement with us and often seen acting on a “global” basis for multi-funded transactions – excellent project management on these complex deals.’

‘Lee Shankland runs an amazing team of individuals. He is very knowledgeable, helpful and approachable, and is very much the go-to person in this sector. Geoff McGinley and Natalie Montezuma are a joy to work with. They know their stuff and make legal work fun! I can’t praise the individuals highly enough; fantastic individuals make up this fantastic team.’

‘They are sector leaders and their work and advice is invaluable. They are very engaging and add real value to the relationship.’

‘The part of the firm I work with is led by an extremely capable partner, Jennie Chilton – technically very strong and so very engaging.’

‘Lee Shankland and Steve Mackie are the stand out partners on the finance side. Their willingness and ability to deliver complex deals effectively makes the firm a practice of choice in the sector. Geoff McGinley is reliable and a solid managing associate.’

‘Beth Collett’s knowledge of social housing bonds is second to none, as is the service she delivers. She always gives sensible, practical advice which balances the needs of all parties. If she is on a deal, we know we’re in safe hands.’

‘One-stop shop for bank loans, capital markets, property charging and governance advice and documentation. Additional insights in specialised financing using joint ventures and similar vehicles also available when required.’

‘Andrew Cowan. Sheer breadth of experience in the social housing sector and depth of recall in relation to our documentation matters. Good sounding board. Julian Barker. Makes it all look very simple, which of course it isn’t. So it’s a testament to his knowledge and competence. Sharon Kirkham. Highly motivated sorter-outer of anything property charging. Tremendous energy and commitment to the task.’

‘The team at Devonshires has developed a wide-ranging and intimate knowledge of matters affecting the social housing sector, including in relation to funding, regulation and employment. This enables clients to gain assurance from a ‘one stop shop’ style of service which offers high quality support and advice with the various component parts being skilfully interlinked.’

‘The team led by Andrew Cowan is adept at building relationships and is easy to do business with. Julian Barker, Saghar Roya and Alice Overton have supported us through a number of complex funding projects, enabling us to meet challenging timescales without any concerns and exhibiting excellent project management skills.’

‘Devonshires have a large and well resourced team which enables them to meet tight deadlines. All members of the team act in a professional but approachable manner.’

‘The team are always on hand to answer questions and help, which is an excellent level of service.’

‘Julian Barker has been a stand out source of help and guidance for all legal issues that have arisen.’

‘They have a great understanding of their individual clients situation and the sector as a whole.’

‘Strong service and knowledge of the sector.’

‘Excellent advice, particularly Sarah Gooden going the extra mile.’

‘As a firm, they provide well-rounded advice on social housing related matters, including finance, development, governance, procurement, etc. There is a dedicated client partner in keeping in touch about sector development, training, etc.’

‘Naomi and Lara have been very efficient, responsive, direct and effective in closing a number of agreements in record time. I trust their advice and capability in social housing finance-related matters.’

‘Very efficient professional and knowledgeable across all areas of registered provider’s legal requirements.’

‘Approachable, available and efficient.’

‘A deep and through knowledge of the market. Clear understanding of the market’s requirements. A willingness to interact with other professionals to ensure the customer receives comprehensive advice A willingness to go that little bit extra to service the clients needs.’

‘Natalie Singh; One of the most proficient and professional people I have ever had the pleasure to deal with. Always willing to give up her time to ensure the client gets the right advice. Willing to look for compromises to ensure service is delivered on time and to the required standard.’

‘Anthony Collins have a unique set of social values which governs the sectors in which they work. They provide very good value services, efficient working alongside excellent sector expertise. Natalie Singh stands out as a real asset to the real estate – social housing team.’

‘Natalie Singh is a partner in the team. She stands out as an excellent advisor not only because she provides everything you would expect from a top flight professional lawyer in terms of great service, but also because she couples this with a lovely personal style. Her straightforward, friendly approach and sense of humour shine through in the work that she does.’

‘Anthony Collins support our business in a wide range of areas, and so can draw on colleagues from other legal specialisms where required to answer specific queries. They understand our business really well, and make an effort to engage regularly.’

‘The finance team at ACS are very responsive and will quickly provide a full response or advise a timescale when this will be provided. They frequently go above and beyond to ensure completion of a project, working late or even on scheduled time off when the situation requires it. Communication is key and we have built a really good rapport with the individuals we work with regularly.’

‘The team went the extra mile, guided us through the whole process, including sitting in on a Microsoft Teams call to ensure that all of the right documents were signed in the right place by the right signatories.’

‘Both Natalie Singh and Adriana Klincova worked with us to ensure a successful transaction. They are both easy to work with and they provide excellent support and guidance. Work completed on time and was high quality.’

‘Very knowledgeable, professional, engaging, reliable and customer focussed.’

‘A good team with deep experience of acting on social housing finance matters.’

‘They take a very collaborative approach to working with their clients, such that they don’t feel like external advisors but part of our team.’

‘Recently started working with Bevan Brittan. They are knowledgeable and proactive, very easy to speak to and help cut through any legal jargon.’

‘Their knowledge and the standard of legal advice they provide; special mention to Wendy Wilks, Louise Leaver and Deborah Rowntree.’

‘The team at Bevan Brittan are committed to delivering a professional and best practice service and have a strong work ethic.’

‘Great team delivering for the social housing sector. Offering good value for money but the quality and deliverability of work was exceptional.’

‘Knowledge of area we commissioned and ability to deliver within project timescales.’

‘The team is very strong in dealing with securitisation for registered social landlords. They have extensive knowledge of the lenders’ requirements and are able to resolve issues so as to maximise values of properties.’

‘Vicky Kells is extremely knowledgeable in this field. Her advice is invaluable in making sure that property values are maximised and always works to protect our interests.’

‘A combination of factors make it a well rounded team – experienced, proactive, knowledgeable, practical. There is a good range of partner skills if issues crop up.’

‘The partners bring similar skills and traits – experienced, proactive, knowledgeable, practical. I work most closely with Vicky Kells who we go to for all our securitisations.’

‘The uniqueness of of this practice is the people and the knowledge. Social housing finance is a very specialist area and has a history going back many years. This is important in understanding both financial documents and property matters. This practice can offer both.’

‘The standout member of the team is Angela Shepherd, who is one of the leading practitioners in the area of social housing finance. Her knowledge gained over a long time is critical in being able to support financiers looking to fund social housing particular new entrants. The quality of her work has always been tip top.’

‘A practice that can deal with complex and technical legal matters in a way that rivals would find difficult to emulate.’

‘Angela Shepherd has a deep and wide level of experience and knowledge in this specialist field.’

‘The team have an attention to detail that is second-to-none and they are always quick to reply.’

‘I value their attention to detail above anything else. Angela Shepherd has this quality in abundance.’

‘Sound, practical advice on an established products but also an ability to introduce efficiencies learned in other disciplines.’

‘Prashanth Satyadeva – one of the few finance lawyers we’ve worked with that can offer valuable legal and commercial advice on a wide range of financial products.’