Representing a client list of registered providers of social housing, local authorities, and investors, Gowling WLG’s Birmingham-based team displays ‘strong sector knowledge’ when handling disposals of property portfolios and residential investment transactions. The advice extends to assisting with complex shared ownership framework agreements, while the head of affordable housing Jacqueline Knox is an expert in public funding arrangements. Richard Beckingsale is knowledgeable in residential investment matters, and Sally Farrall is a social housing development specialist. Gemma Courtenay is also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Strong sector knowledge and very responsive.’
- 'Commercial, no nonsense, and get the work done with a minimum amount of fuss. I find that their fees are attractive and they tend not to go over budget, which is different to some other firms we work with. They can be left to get on with transactions, coming back on key commercial points where appropriate. We have a panel of firms and Gowling is definitely the best.'
- 'Jacqueline Knox is the main partner we work with, and she's really excellent.'
- 'Genuinely client-focused. Always work collaboratively to deliver to timescales. Quality of advice and commitment to supporting the business remains excellent at all times. Take the time to understand the brief, problem solve (where necessary), providing innovative solutions and deliver successful outcomes.'
- 'Trusted partners who understand our business and always work to deliver outcomes in line with our commercial imperative. The team understand our business and strategic objectives and use this to provided commercially focussed advice. Can deliver multiple and concurrent transactions, to time and budget.'
Key clients
- Sanctuary Group
- Metropolitan Thames Valley
- Clarion Housing Group
- London and Quadrant
- Bournville Village Trust
- London Borough of Barnet
- LaSalle Investment Management
- BAE Systems Pension Funds Trustees Limited
- Coal Pension Properties Ltd
- KW Housing Limited
- Triple Point Social Housing REIT plc
- Horizon Infrastructure Partnership
- Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Legal & General Affordable Homes
- Hyde Group
- Fox Hound Capital
- Symmetry Housing CIC
- Anchor
- MSS Communities
- RCM Neo
Work highlights
Advised Hyde Housing on the bid and acquisition of Pinnacle Group, a company managing and servicing 70,000 homes on behalf of councils, institutional investors, and housing developers.
Advised Vistry on one of the largest new build residential investment transactions on record, involving the sale and development of 2,915 residential units across 70 development sites nationally.
Advised Muse Places Limited on its significant long-term public-private partnership, named Habiko, which targets up to 100% affordable homes for rent for those whose needs are not met by the market, with rents set at 20% below the local market rent.
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.
Practice head
Jacqueline Knox; Richard Beckingsale; Sally Farrall; Dominic Morris; Gemma Courtenay