Next Generation Partners

Firms in the Spotlight Social housing: local authorities and registered providers

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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Social housing: local authorities and registered providers in London

Devonshires Solicitors LLP

Devonshires Solicitors LLP‘s market-leading social housing practice has an established reputation advising new entrants into the sector, including for-profit registered providers, as well as providing services to not-for-profit and private registered providers and local authorities. Head of social housing Andrew Cowan has over 30 years’ experience in banking and governance work within the sector. Triya Maicha co-heads the real estate and projects team and has over 17 years’ experience assisting registered providers on complex development, joint ventures, and large-scale regeneration projects. Maicha leads the team alongside Jonathan Corris, who works with the firm’s corporate and governance team on structures for the delivery and funding of clients’ development programmes. The firm has been at the forefront of advice on the rent reform, with Samantha Grix taking a leading role in this matter, following her promotion to partner in April 2022. Matthew Waters advises a range of organisations, particularly on the corporate, governance, and regulatory aspects of social housing transactions. With the opening of a new Birmingham office, the housing and management and property litigation team, led by Donna McCarthy, has noted an increase in work assisting registered providers with tenancies, management agreements, and compliance with the Regulatory Standards.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Corris; Triya Maicha; Julian Barker; Mark London; Andrew Cowan; Donna McCarthy; Philip Barden; Sharon Kirkham


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Jarvis; Matthew Waters; Neil Toner; Lee Russell; Samantha Grix; Elad Yasdi


Testimonials

‘The team are very well informed about the sector and the prevailing market changes. This is invaluable when seeking their advice. They have a good range of experience, being able to draw in specialists from across their team if and when the complexity of the deal or situation requires.’

‘The team, led by Jonathan Corris, has excellent sector and commercial awareness and knowledge, which is invaluable in being able to navigate new deals effectively and at the required pace.’

‘Jonathan Corris’s understanding of our business, previous transactions, and associated risk profile enables us to concentrate on evolving the wheel as opposed to inventing it each and every time. He is able to navigate the mix of quick high level steer and detailed advice as the situation requires.’

‘The team at Devonshires is engaging, efficient, and takes care in informing and educating clients on both risks and practical solution to ensure that clients are adequately protected in our interests.’

‘The team is a multi-skilled team with a number of divisions – the teamwork between these teams is effective and it is a one-stop shop that is holistic and comprehensive. The billing is both fair and competitive and the team is very accessible to ensure that our key dates and milestones in commercial transactions are met.’

‘Of particular note is Elad Yasdi as he provides a fast, efficient, thorough, and diligent service. He is both able to articulate very complex issues and distill them into simple concepts, and is also able to draw out areas of concern or risk that clients should be sighted on whilst working hard to provide appropriate solutions.’

‘We have the utmost confidence in Elad Yasdi’s abilities and expertise. He is an all-rounder and his greatest skill, above his legal opinion, is his ability to work through issues and find solutions for his clients.’

Key clients

Beyond Housing


Peabody Trust


Southern Housing Group


Optivo


London & Quadrant Housing Trust


Sage Homes


Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association


Home Group


VIVID Housing Limited


A2Dominion


The Riverside Group Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Vivid on its entry into a strategic joint venture with Legal & General Modular Homes to deliver over 1,000 highly sustainable, affordable modular homes.
  • Advising The Riverside Group on the purchase and development of a 100% affordable modular scheme of 449 dwellings, along with a school and associated infrastructure to service the new community at Westwood Village.
  • Acted as joint legal advisers to Optivo and Southern Housing Group Limited in all aspects of their amalgamation, which completed in December 2022 to form Southern Housing, a new 77,000-home registered provider.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's social housing team, led by Tonia Secker, continues to operate at the forefront of the market. Spearheaded by ‘sector-leading lawyer' Rob Beiley, the firm acted on a significant number of new entrant registrations in 2022, including local authorities returning to direct housing delivery and international clients investing into UK vehicles. The team advises a full range of sector participants and Sara Bailey has over 20 years’ experience advising private providers, local authorities, and central government developers. The practice has expanded its offering to cover growing areas within the sector, including carbon neutrality and building safety, which are particular areas of focus for Rebecca Rees. The team handles complex transactions, including housing infrastructure funding, private and public collaborations, and portfolio transactions, with Amy Shaw leading on joint ventures and Jeremy Hunt specialising in residential regeneration projects and mixed-use development schemes. Scott Dorling, head of the public sector group, has ‘vast experience with local authorities' and provides leading advice on housing policy, alongside Sharron Webster, who co-leads the social housing governance team.

Practice head(s):

Tonia Secker


Other key lawyers:

Andy Bernard; Amy Shaw; Rob Beiley; Scott Dorling; Rebecca Rees; Jeremy Hunt; Sara Bailey; Lizzie Pillinger


Testimonials

‘Unparalleled knowledge. Friendly and accessible lawyers.’

‘Rob Beiley is a sector-leading lawyer on profit making RPs and new registrations.’

‘Scott Dorling has vast experience with local authorities and their housing companies.’

‘Amy Shaw is responsive, firm, and commercially-minded in real estate transactions, taking the time to explain the legal issues and working very fast.’

‘Really understood our objectives, corporate structure, governance, and constraints. Expert multi-disciplinary knowledge on complex development matters. Made themselves available at short notice and really got into the detail.’

‘Lizzie Pillinger is hugely knowledgeable, proactive, and pragmatic. I really like working with her, as she is not afraid to challenge me and push back, which I really value and it feels very much like a partnership.’

‘The team are very experienced and understand the sector.’

‘Amy Shaw is very good. She is proactive and helps get a deal across the line.’

Key clients

Hyde Group


Diocese of Gloucester


Citizen Housing


Trent & Dove


Rooftop Housing


Trident Housing


Orbit Housing Group


Optivo


Southern Housing


London Borough of Hillingdon


Octopus Real Estate


Newlon Housing Trust


Karbon Homes


A2 Dominion Housing Group


Dolphin Charitable Foundation


Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea


Square Roots Registered Provider


Paragon Asra Housing Limited


One Housing Group


GreensquareAccord


Clarion Housing Group


Thrive Homes


Homes England


Greater London Authority


The Regulator of Social Housing


Peabody Trust


Legal & General Affordable Homes


Vistry Partnerships


Habitare Homes


Vengrove


Sovereign Housing Association


Evera Homes


VIVID Housing


Paradigm Housing Group


Network Homes Limited


Origin Housing


Hill Residential


BoKlok


L&Q Housing Trust


Mount Anvil


Residential Secure Income plc


QSix


Housing 21


Cross Keys Homes


Goram Homes


Capital Letters


Westminster City Council


London Borough of Enfield


London Borough of Barking & Dagenham


Slough Borough Council


London Borough of Ealing


Epping Forest District Council


Metropolitan Thames Valley


Funding Affordable Homes


Eastlight Community Homes


Cottsway


Housing Solutions


Wates


Lovell Partnerships


Work highlights


  • Advising Hyde Group on various aspects of their innovative joint venture with Axa.
  • Assisting the Church of England with setting up a national housing association, which will enable the Church to become a major provider of social housing.
  • Advised Octopus Real Estate in relation to the acquisition of a for-profit registered provider of social housing (Newarch Homes) and the establishment of Octopus’ affordable housing platform.

Bevan Brittan LLP

In 2022, the social housing team at Bevan Brittan LLP won both appointments and reappointments to a number of housing association panels. Practice head Andrew Shaw has 22 years’ experience advising London-based registered providers on housing development and regeneration schemes. He leads the team alongside Louise Leaver and Wendy Wilks, who act for not-for-profit and for-profit registered providers, and they handle sector-significant joint ventures, mergers, and private placements. Neil Brand contributed to the continued expansion of the housing management team and senior associate Fiona McDonald assists with all stages of development acquisitions. The team noted an increasing overlap between housing and other sectors, with registered providers and developers looking to develop land to support health trusts and care companies.

Practice head(s):

Louise Leaver; Andrew Shaw; Wendy Wilks


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Turner; Neil Brand; Deborah Rowntree; Fiona McDonald; Theresa Ferguson


Testimonials

‘Wendy Wilks is focused on client relationships and provides a highly professional, high quality service.’

‘Good, very knowledgeable, and approachable team with a broad coverage of specialisms that support work in the social housing sector. They provide useful and informative briefings via newsletters and blogs.’

‘The practice is particularly adept at providing a service that acts as if it is a 1-2-1 relationship while having a larger firm experience and capability behind it.’

‘Their knowledge and expertise of the sector is amazing. The advice provided each time is appreciated.’

Key clients

Places for People Group


Peabody Group


London & Quadrant Housing Trust


Network Homes


Hyde Housing


Orbit Homes


Sanctuary Group


Sovereign Housing


Catalyst Housing Group


Sage Housing


The Housing Finance Corporation Limited


Affordable Housing Finance Plc


bLEND Funding Plc


Work highlights


  • Advised Peabody and Catalyst Housing on their merger in 2023 to create a new organisation responsible for 104,000 homes and approximately 220,000 residents across London and the home counties.
  • Advising The Havebury Housing Partnership on a £60m revolving credit facility with Lloyds and a £150m private placement.
  • Advising Peabody upon its £8bn joint venture with international developer Lendlease to deliver 11,500 new homes over 40 years at Thamesmead Waterfront, SE London, which includes constructing a new tunnel rail tunnel and DLR extension under the River Thames.

Capsticks LLP

The housing and regeneration practice at Capsticks LLP boasts a well-established team and an increasing number of registered providers that it supports on bespoke private developments. Practice head Chimi Shakohoxha specialises in property development, joint ventures, regeneration, and mixed-use developments for private and public sector housing, and he is supported by James Howard, who advises a wide range of registered providers on land and development acquisitions and stock rationalisation. With its background as a healthcare firm, the practice is uniquely positioned to advise on the collaboration between NHS healthcare trusts and housing associations; in 2022, the team noted an increased interest from both developers and investors in supported living. The practice’s fast-growing housing management group, spearheaded by Michael Owen, saw a growing number of disrepair matters. The group is involved in other recent sector developments, such as sustainability-linked funding and stock transfer to for-profit registered providers, led by Susie Rogers, head of the treasury and portfolio team. Sarah Waite left the firm in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Chimi Shakohoxha; Michael Owen


Other key lawyers:

James Howard; Susie Rogers; Abi Condry; Nalton Stembari


Testimonials

‘Excellent understanding of the unique elements of the registered provider development sector.’

‘James Howard and his team are very open, approachable, responsive, and are able to explain complex real estate issues in plain language.’

‘Always look to solve problems in advance of them happening; preventing most issues from taking place beforehand is a skill and takes experience and sector knowledge.’

‘Honest, straightforward approach in plain English for all the people they interact with.’

‘The responsiveness and quality of service is excellent. Flexible, pragmatic, and commercial.’

‘A very good balance of thoroughness and commercial flexibility.’

‘I have always found the Capsticks team highly engaged with its clients with a real depth of knowledge of the individual circumstances of its clients. They are innovative and solution focused. The Capsticks team is diverse, but a common trait is a focus on client satisfaction and delivering quality work in a collaborative way.’

‘Chimi Shakohoxha is highly engaged and innovative in his approach. He fosters great collaborative working relationships with clients. Chimi can be relied on for an informal opinion at early stages of project initiation.’

Key clients

Orbit Group


Eastlight Community Homes


London & Quadrant Group


Optivo


Local Space


Clarion Housing Association


Spurgeon’s College


Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association


Southern


Shepherds Bush Housing Association


Work highlights


  • Supporting Optivo qith the preparation of 2,544 units for security charging and working with the client on the uplifting of the values of the remaining units to MV-STT where appropriate.
  • Advised London & Quadrant on the transfer of 546 units to another registered provider, giving detailed advice on transfer of the procurement process and section 20 consultation, key data protection, and TUPE concerns, as well as the issue of missing tenancy agreements.
  • Assisted Orbit Group with negotiating two separate agreements regarding an acquisition of land and 55 units to be constructed in a package deal.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Counting a significant number of registered providers in its client roster, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP's ‘responsive and knowledgeable' social housing team boasts a national presence and established relationships with sector bodies, including the National Housing Federation. Jonathan Cox, an expert in leasehold management and supported housing, leads the firm’s social housing work, including stock rationalisation matters, and Victoria Jardine chairs the team on joint ventures and due diligence work for registered providers. Peter Hubbard advises registered providers on major projects as well as constitutional, governance, and regulatory issues, while Andrew Millross has an established reputation in procurement and construction work in the social housing sector.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Cox


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Jardine; Peter Hubbard; Andrew Millross; Phil Scully; Lucy Worral; Emma Hardman; Helen Tucker; Sarah Patrice; Tom Starkey


Testimonials

‘Lucy Worral is notable in development and housing management work, and Phil Scully on Land Registry issues.’

‘Anthony Collins have a positive skillset across the board in terms of legal advice which, for us, included specific advice regarding different complex JV structures, which has provided innovation for the way we wish to develop in partnership.’

‘Their main quality is being proactive rather than reactive in terms of advice sought and progression of legal agreements.’

‘The team is collaborative and responsive. They have a broad range of knowledge and can provide detailed advice on planning and VAT, as well as general land purchase advice.’

‘Lucy Worral is friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely efficient. I trust her implicitly and I can rely on her to give me practical and sensible advice.’

‘The individuals are professional and approachable, offering pragmatic and straight forward advice and counsel.’

‘Great knowledge of the sector and a real focus on the clients needs.’

‘The team possesses the full range of capabilities to deal with all of the matters that we engage with, with a particular strength and understanding in social housing regulation.’

Key clients

London & Quadrant Housing Trust


The Hyde Group


Clarion Housing Group


Lewisham Homes


National Housing Federation


Citizen Housing Group


The Riverside Group


Connexus


Platform Housing Group


Livv Housing Group


Orbit Housing Group


Redditch Borough Council


Nuneaton and Bedworth Council


Rooftop Housing Group


Walsall Housing Group


The Guinness Partnership


Salix Homes Limited


Trafford Housing Trust Limited


Connexus Group


Work highlights


  • Advised the National Housing Federation on its discussions with the government on behalf of the housing association sector regarding significant issue for 2023 and 2024, including rent caps for tenants and leaseholders, which led to estimated savings of £1.7bn compared to the initial 5% proposed cap.
  • Advised a number of landlords on navigating the provisions of the Building Safety Act 2022 from both a regulatory and service charge perspective, including application of the new service charge restrictions to remedial works arising.
  • Advised a number of registered providers on their applications for funding under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and the necessary contractual and legal arrangements.

Pinsent Masons LLP

The social housing team at Pinsent Masons LLP, which advises a growing number of local authorities on housing projects, is led by Anne Bowden, who also heads the local government practice nationally. The practice is increasingly handling mandates for housing associations, such as Homes England, and this is a key area of work for Rebecca Rowley. The team advises a range of clients, including the government, on innovative structures for housing delivery and has seen an increase in corporate joint ventures. Nick McDonald leads the group in advising on planning and CPO for council-led housing regeneration projects. David Meecham left the firm in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Anne Bowden


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Rowley; Nick McDonald


Key clients

Westminster City Council


Clarion Housing Group


Lovell Partnerships


London & Quadrant Housing Group


Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea


London Borough of Wandsworth


London Borough of Barnet


London Borough of Southwark


London Borough of Hackney


London Borough of Haringey


London Borough of Ealing


Birmingham City Council


Maidstone Borough Council


London Borough of Lambeth


Work highlights


  • Advised on the London Borough of Wandsworth – Winstanley and York Road joint venture project with Taylor Wimpey, which is a council estate regeneration scheme to deliver 2500 new homes beside Clapham Junction.

Winckworth Sherwood

With social housing at the core of Winckworth Sherwood LLP's strong capabilities, the team offers registered providers a full-service practice. The social housing team advises for-profit and not-for-profit registered providers and private residential developers, while Charlotte Cook has extensive experience working with sheltered and supported housing and extra care providers. Practice head Charlie Proddow specialises in property development and estate regeneration for both private and public-sector housing providers. The practice is able to draw on other areas of expertise and ‘pull in relevant advice’ from the real estate tax, building safety, and neighbourly matters departments. The group has also seen a boost in the regeneration and stock rationalisation markets, which are particular areas of expertise for Will Rutter.

Practice head(s):

Charlie Proddow


Other key lawyers:

Charlotte Cook; Will Rutter; Richard Tinham; Matt Cowen; Liam Hale


Testimonials

‘The social housing team is extremely knowledgeable about each and every area of housing management. It is committed to delivering realistic advice to clients and delivering the best achievable results.’

‘Liam Hale is an exceptional lawyer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of housing law. He is a master tactician.’

Very responsive and always keen to help us explore innovative ideas.’

‘The whole team works collectively to provide the required level of service for each project or scheme it is appointed to assist upon. The lead will pull in relevant advice from the teams and colleagues without being prompted in readiness to assist and help move matters forward.’

‘Charlotte Cook is attentive and responsive. She understands our contractual requirements and approach on new business opportunities and supports us to achieve these in a clear manner.’

‘Charlotte Cook will always follow up on any actions to keep matters moving forward in a timely manner and reports back, in full, with appropriate guidance and suggestions.’

‘Richard Tinham and Matt Cowen are always quick to help us and understand our values and risk appetite.’

Key clients

A2Dominion


Abri


Bpha


Catalyst


Clarion


Hightown


Hyde


Hyelm


Golding


London & Quadrant


Metropolitan Thames Valley


Moat


Network Homes


Notting Hill Genesis


One Housing


Optivo


Peabody


Sage


Settle


Southern Housing


Sovereign


Swan Housing


Vivid


ReSI Housing


Lewisham Homes


Evolve Housing + Support


Worthing Homes


Longhurst


Grand Union


Bexley Co Homes


Work highlights


  • Advised Sovereign Housing Association on the purchase of the Princes Mead Shopping Centre and two adjacent retail assets in Farnborough for £17.6m, which will open the door to the residential-led, mixed-use regeneration in the heart of Farnborough town centre.
  • Advising Phi Capital on the bulk purchase of individual street properties using Right to Buy receipts as held by the Borough Council, with the intention of bringing properties back into social housing use.
  • Acting for Clarion in its ‘Clarion 2040 Stock Disposal’ project, which involves not only the sale of properties, but the complex disposal of parts of Clarion’s business.

Clarke Willmott LLP

The social housing practice at Clarke Willmott LLP, led by Vicky Kells and Lindsay Felstead, acts for significant London-based registered providers, having won both appointments and reappointments to several panels in 2022. The firm is involved in active areas within the sector, advising on biodiversity net gain, the rollout of electric vehicle charging points, and fire safety litigation. Kate Silverman leads on regeneration, property, and development-related matters, and the team is handling an increasing number of acquisition and regeneration projects.

Practice head(s):

Lindsay Felstead; Vicky Kells


Other key lawyers:

Kate Silverman; Kary Withers; Aimee Davies; Simone Protheroe


Testimonials

‘Great team ethic and they work really hard for the social housing clients.’

‘They have the experience and history of working with lenders’ solicitors and know what they prefer.’

‘Vicky Kells always updates us, keeps matters transparent, and there is always someone available.’

‘The team are very responsive and helpful. This is a practice I would approach when I need something looked at a bit differently, from a different angle. The team are also very well connected.’

‘They bring experience from other situations, and are well placed to connect clients up where there is a mutual benefit.’

‘Kary Withers brings her calm but considered expertise to every scenario. She has an ability to quickly apply logic to different scenarios. This I believe comes from her breadth and depth of experience and industry wide network.’

‘Clarke Willmott have a good understanding of the issues facing social landlords in managing claims for possession across different categories.’

‘The practice is excellent at maintaining open communication with me as client, providing sound advice, not seeking to say what I would like to hear or to please me, and keeping an eye on details and providing helpful feedback.’

Key clients

Peabody Trust


Clarion Housing Group


Metropolitan Thames Valley


Southern Housing Group


London & Quadrant Housing Trust


One Housing Group Limited


BPHA


Sovereign


Silva Homes


Guinness Partnership


Work highlights


  • Advised L&Q Group on negotiating a bespoke works agreement in relation to gas safety upgrade works with the ultimate landlord and freeholder, which involved a detailed review and negotiation of the underlying building contract, together with drafting provisions in the works agreement to cover access, defects, and delay.
  • Advised One Housing Group Limited on the highly intricate Granville Road regeneration scheme involving infill development between council tower blocks, dealing with the phased acquisition of the affordable housing as well as the subsequent transfer of the long-term management of the estate to the client.
  • Acted for Lewisham Homesin defending a judicial review claim with costs sought, and since instigated possession proceedings after a tenant passed away and the tenant’s son submitted an unsuccessful succession claim.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Andrew Casstles leads the London-based social housing team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, advising housing associations on significant acquisitions and developments. The team provides structures for housing delivery to local authorities, and investment models to an increasing number of private-sector investors that are moving into the social housing space. Peter Massey leads the practice’s busy fire-safety group, advising housing associations. The arrival of Sanjeev Shah in September 2022 from Perrin Myddelton bolstered the team’s offering in joint ventures and commercial matters within the sector.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Casstles


Other key lawyers:

Sanjeev Shah; Mark Sellers; Peter Massey; Ben Robinson; Tom Manderson; Minara Khatun; James Hallas


Testimonials

‘Everybody is very friendly and approachable, including the partners. They build a genuine rapport with their clients and add personal touches to conversations and meetings.

‘In terms of collaboration, they are adept at leading meetings where there will be a mix of people from the housing association and very different levels of understanding. They are knowledgeable without being patronising.’

‘I would definitely mention Ben Robinson as a stand-out partner. I have been working with him on various cases for over 3 years now. He makes the effort to get to know the whole team and takes time to explain things that he could delegate. He makes you feel valued, as you are never passed around.’

‘Andrew Casstles has acted for us on numerous transactions over the last 6 years. He is proactive and knowledgeable in property matters and will work with his clients to achieve a sensible and pragmatic solution.’

‘Andrew Casstles has a wealth of experience and knowledge. He is approachable and easy to work with and has the interests of the client at the forefront of his mind. I hope to continue working with Andrew on transactions in the future.’

Key clients

Paragon Asra Housing


Newlon Housing Trust


Newlon Build Limited


Peabody Trust


CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund


Hightown Housing Association


Optivo


bpha Limited


Saxon Weald


Accent Housing


Abri Group Limited


Settle Group


White Horse Housing Association


Poplar HARCA


Treveth Holdings LLP


Treveth Development LLP


Mount Green Housing Association


Phoenix Community Housing Association


Inquilab Housing Association


Plymouth Community Homes Ltd


North London Muslim Housing Association Ltd


One Housing Group Ltd


Hexagon Housing Association Ltd


NW3 Community Land Trust Limited


Sapphire Independent Housing Limited


LiveWest Homes Limited


Southern Housing Group Ltd


West Kent Housing Association


Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association Ltd


Epping Forest District Council


Advance Housing & Support Limited


London & Quadrant Housing Trust


Raven Housing Trust Limited


South Yorkshire Housing Association Ltd


Catalyst Housing


Cross Keys Homes Ltd


Bromsgrove District Housing Trust Limited


Richmond Housing Partnership Ltd


Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing


Westway Housing Association Ltd


Bromford Housing Association Ltd


Sovereign Housing Association Ltd


Ekaya Housing Association Ltd


Warrington Housing Association Limited


Orbit Group Ltd


Mace Housing Cooperative Limited


Christian Action (Enfield) Housing Association Ltd


Midland Heart Limited


Wandle Housing Association Ltd


Mackenzie Homes Limited


Housing Solutions Group


Octavia Housing


Walton on Thames Charity


Clarion


Notting Hill Genesis


Origin Housing


Wooldridge Developments Limited


Work highlights


  • Acting for for Paragon Asra Housing Limited in the forward funding and acquisition of four significant housing blocks in the context of a significant wider regeneration of a brown field site in South London by a Jersey based trustee ultimately funded by L&G.
  • Advised Treveth Holdings LLP and Treveth Developments LLP on the set up and delivery of Cornwall Council’s investment and delivery programme, including advising on over 12 active developments.
  • Acting for Abri and its subsidiary The Swaythling Housing Society Limited in options to purchase a large 100+ dwellings site, including development agreement, joint venture, and ultimately the outright purchase of the site.

TLT

TLT provides a ‘high-quality', full-service social housing offering, which is led by Linda Convery, who handles new developments, joint ventures, and estate regeneration. Convery also has experience in extra care and supported housing. The team is bolstered by the firm’s core real estate practice, with specialists such as the ‘diligent' Shazia Bashir involved in housing-led regeneration schemes. Senior associate Kristian Scholfield acts for housing associations and local authorities on housing development projects. David Meecham joined the firm from Pinsent Masons LLP in October 2022, with a particular focus on large-scale housing and residential schemes.

Practice head(s):

Linda Convery


Other key lawyers:

David Meecham; Shazia Bashir; Kristian Scholfield


Testimonials

‘TLT is able to offer a wide range of high-quality services across its contract, land, planning, and CPO divisions that bring confidence to the work it undertakes. The in-house team is experienced and delivers a professional service to tight deadlines. If external advice is required, it has a number of contacts who are able to assist.’

‘Shazia Bashir is diligent in her work and always on hand to offer her services across a range of areas of law.’

‘TLT is always trying to think of solutions, which is what a client wants to hear. They are always at the end of a phone if needed.’

‘They are keen on building relationships with the client which means a lot. No case is treated as run of the mill; it is always looked at individually.’

‘Linda Convery has been outstanding in dealing with development matters, which can be complex. Her team often deal with shared ownership leases for us. She is able to think outside the box and provide us with tailored advice.’

‘TLT have helped us on a variety of different projects and have consistently shown that they have the strength and breadth of knowledge and experience to resolve any of our legal issues.’

‘The project management skills and professionalism were top-notch, as one project required assistance from a huge variety of practitioners within TLT, who all were brought together for a seamless service to us as clients. They also have an optimistic and upbeat outlook on the matter in hand.’

Key clients

Sovereign Housing


Southern Housing Group Limited


The Guinness Partnership Limited


Peabody Trust


London and Quadrant Housing


London Borough of Waltham Forest


One Housing Group Limited


Network Housing Group


Notting Hill Genesis


Notting Hill Home Ownership


Swan Housing Group


London Borough of Brent


Work highlights


  • Advised Waltham Forest on the regeneration of the Score Centre, Leyton, to deliver 715 new homes, shops, a cafe, a health hub, a new civic square, and a new five indoor court leisure centre with community rooms and a nursery.
     
  • Advising Guinness on its range of property matters throughout its commercial property portfolio, from granting new leases, lease renewals, dealing with licences to underlet, licences for alterations, agreements for lease, rent deposit deeds, and disposal of office spaces.
  • Advising Peabody on its commercial property portfolio, from granting new leases, lease renewals, dealing with licences to underlet, licences for alterations, agreements for lease, rent deposit deeds, and, more recently, advising on tenancy issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Birketts LLP

Birketts LLP expanded its social housing practice following the firm’s merger with South East social housing firm Batchelors Solicitors in April 2023. The team, led by Jonathan Hulley, advises on affordable housing development, the establishment of for-profit registered providers, and provides specialist regulatory advice. Clive Adams heads the housing management team, acting solely for registered providers and local authorities.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Hulley


Other key lawyers:

Clive Adams; Lee Stone


Testimonials

‘Special relationship and not just another lawyer. They truly care about clients and also help to equip front line staff.’

‘The main difference between them and other team is direct access and personal care on legal matters.’

Key clients

Broadland Housing Group


Chelmer Housing Partnership


Platform Housing


Eastlight Community Homes Limited


Freebridge Housing


Clarion Housing


Eastlight Community Homes Limited


B3 Living


London and Quadrant


Orbit Group


HALA


Hyde Housing


Sovereign Housing


Forsters LLP

The social housing practice at Forsters LLP, led by sector expert Sara Branch, is a one-stop shop for registered providers, developers, and contractors. The team handles acquisitions, financing, and joint ventures, as well as significant transactions, such as housing association mergers. Jonathan Preece represents registered providers on housing stock transfers, which is a growing area in the sector. Anne O’Neill's practice ranges from the acquisition of street properties to structured developments and joint venture arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Sara Branch


Other key lawyers:

Anne O’Neill; Jonathan Preece; Nichola Padget; Charlotte Youngs


Testimonials

‘There is good co-ordination between the Forsters team and less duplication of work, which is more time and cost effective.’

‘Sara Branch is a standout Forsters employee. She is incredibly knowledgeable and retains information well. She will provide straight-forward advice for complex situations and is very responsive amd hard working.’

‘Pro-activity, commercial acumen, and client-focused approach. Always on our side.’

‘The commercial real estate team really know us, our business, our relationship with funders and the regulatory environment we operate in. The in-depth knowledge and collaborative working style makes the Forster’s team unique for me.’

‘This is a results-focused team with a steely determination to get the best deal for their client.’

‘Sara Branch is an outstanding real estate lawyer supported by an excellent team, including Jonathan Preece, who is always a pleasure to work with. I am confident I have the best team I could have to deliver my objectives.’

Key clients

Notting Hill Genesis


Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association


Preferred Homes


Knight Dragon


Hastoe Housing Association


Springboard Two Housing Association Limited


Soho Housing Association Limited


Newlon Housing Trust


Mount Anvil


Gallions 2A Developments LLP


Gallions 2B Development LLP


Chobham Farm North LLP


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