As part of the wider housebuilding & strategic land team, the social housing team at Freeths LLP is at the forefront of the social housing market, acting for a variety of registered providers, local authorities, and partnership contractors. The team possesses a strong offering across property development, securitisation, joint ventures, and planning matters. Sarah Rowe sits as practice head and engages closely with local authorities on property acquisitions, while Rachel Clarke is recommended for her work advising housebuilders on disposals of affordable housing. Kimberley Stone specialises in the acquisition of affordable development sites and takes the lead on medium value transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'For us the people are what make Freeths unique. Our experience of the team is that they are highly dedicated, great at communicating and very experienced. We find their approach to be thorough with excellent attention to accuracy and detail, giving us the reassurance and confidence as a client that our contracts are well negotiated.'
- 'Freeths' team are extremely thorough in their due diligence whilst friendly and approachable with a problem solving mindset. Their ethical policies are excellent, embracing a diverse range of work practices whilst maintaining a professional work ethic.'
- 'Sarah Rowe and her team are approachable and very professional and extremely thorough.'
- 'The team has a good level of expertise and breadth of experience.'
- 'They are brilliant to deal with, communicate clearly, are highly experienced in their profession and have shown an exceptionally high level of dedication, attention to detail and professionalism.'
- 'The Team at Freeths are commercial and technically top drawer.'
Key clients
- Nottingham Community Housing Association Limited
- Midland Heart Limited
- Cambridge City Council
- Vistry Group PLC
- Southampton City Council
- Longhurst Group, now Amplius Living
- Homes by Honey
- MyPad 2020 Limited
- Jigsaw Group
- Keepmoat Homes Limited
- Cottsway Housing Association Limited
- Torus62 Limited
- Sefton Borough Council
- Barratt Redrow Limited
Work highlights
Acting for Longhurst Group Limited on the simultaneous purchase of 107 s.106 affordable and additionality units from the same developer across 2 sites within Lincolnshire pursuant to land and golden brick development agreements with a combined value of £20m.
Acted for Southampton City Council (SCC) in connection with an Affordable Housing Framework for the disposal of several SCC owned sites for the delivery of fully Affordable Schemes.
Acting for North-East Lincolnshire Council on the disposal by way of Building Lease of a site for the development of 380 mixed tenure homes, including increased Affordable and over-55s accommodation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Kimberley Stone
Practice head
Sarah Rowe
Other key lawyers
Rachel Clarke, Kimberley Stone