Energy and waste, public sector real estate, and residential-led developments make up the portfolio of local and national work that has kept the team at Ashfords LLP busy in recent times. Kate Topp heads the practice from the firm’s Bristol office. In Exeter, Robin De Wreede advises on real estate matters, including large-scale regeneration and development projects. His Exeter colleagues Tim Heal and Simon Bailey focus on residential development matters and real estate investment, respectively. James Heath, who heads up the Plymouth-based team, is a key name to note for secured lending matters. Emma Warren, who often leads on the firm’s energy work, is also recommended.

The core pillars of Michelmores LLP‘s practice are commercial real estate and investment, residential development, energy, and the sustainable economy; the team’s recent advice regarding a UK-wide roll of habitat bank credits is testament to their capabilities in the latter. ‘Stand-out property lawyer' Lucy Smallwood leads the South West transactional practice, while Emma Honey, who has significant experience of advising on residential development work, heads the overall real estate department. Other key figures include Stephen Newson, whose expertise extends to corporate occupier mandates, and Richard Walford, who advises on a broad array of commercial property matters. Richard Honey and Chloe Howard-Smith are also noted.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP's varied offering encompasses inward investment as well as a wide range of commercial and residential investment and development work; the firm is particularly strong on complex urban regeneration projects involving multiple stakeholders from the private and public sector. Georgina Savill-James and Chris Rundle co-lead the Exeter real estate team; Savill-James, in particular, is noted for her expertise in residential property matters - including portfolio acquisition work.  Other central figures include Ben Neary, who has specific expertise in investment property disposal; Nicholas Burt, whose residential expertise includes high street funding mandates; and Gail White, who has a proven track record of acting for clients in the education sector.

Developers, financial service providers and energy and infrastructure companies make up some of Foot Anstey‘s core client base. Regarded as ‘knowledgeable, commercial and practical', the firm handles mandates ranging from portfolio management to Shariah-compatible property transactions. Richard Sutton, who chairs the practice from the firm’s Exeter office, is well versed in property development matters. The Bristol-based Zahir Nayani is recommended for his expertise in Islamic finance. Philip Parrott, who joined the practice in July 2022, is a key contact for portfolio clients from the retail and energy sectors. Other names to note include Kate Dawe, whose commercial property expertise extends to leasing management.

The ‘depth of knowledge and experience‘ at Lester Aldridge LLP is brought to bear on work relating to residential development, healthcare, hotel, and leisure sector transactions, to name a few. The Bournemouth-based team frequently works alongside the firm's Southampton office, and is additionally well regarded in the niche area of ports and marinas. The 'outstanding' seniors housing expert Mark Benham and enfranchising specialist Suki Samra serve as the Bournemouth-based practice heads, while Tom Alder oversees matters from Southampton.

Acting primarily for clients from the agricultural sector, Blanchards Bailey LLP‘s expertise extends to advice on refinancing and tax structuring issues. The ‘highly experienced‘ practice head Robin Cole, who divides his time between Dorchester and Blandford Forum, specialises in development and investment issues such as acquisitions and disposals. His colleague Sarah Dunlop is noted for her expertise in land law, tenancies and farming partnerships.

GA Solicitors advises across secured lending, residential development, renewable energy work and sale arrangements for housebuilders. The Plymouth-based team is headed up by David Stone, who has significant experience of handling landlord and tenant matters for commercial property. His colleague Lucy Foster frequently acts for independent lenders on development finance work. Tony Dupreez is a key contact for developers based in the region, while Hannah Madders is particularly strong on secured lending work.

Wolferstans‘ commercial property team has a strong focus on acting for business clients and SME developers, with site acquisitions, strategic land assemblies, and school conversions among the unit’s strengths. Development specialist Arash Dinari leads the Plymouth team. His colleague Paul Bramall draws praise for his ability to complete lease reassignments ‘at very short notice’, while Pippa Tanner Wood is well versed in managing leasehold portfolios.

The ‘highly responsive’ team at Wollens is a popular choice for clients from the hospitality and leisure sector, as well as charities. Torquay-based practice head Ashley Bevans – ‘as good as they come’ –  has noteworthy experience of handling sales and purchases of licensed premises. Emma Reed is praised for her ‘accurate, articulate, and knowledgeable' approach to negotiations. Simon Wilson and Hayley Green are further key contacts.