Affordable Housing

Advising on all elements of the acquisition of land and subsequent development for affordable housing. This includes complex sites acting for Registered Providers with land and build, golden brick, and turnkey acquisitions, together with strategic land on an unconditional or conditional (typically on planning) basis and joint ventures.

Advising on all elements of the disposal of affordable housing acting for PLC and other large housebuilders, including golden brick and turnkey transactions and Joint ventures. Our social housing solicitors assist housing associations with stock transfers and stock auction sales for both land and existing dwellings.

Acting for registered providers on the disposal of shared ownership plot sales and working effectively to reach crucial deadlines for exchanges and completions with a clear understanding of the position of the social housing sector. We advise on staircasing, lease extensions, and right-to-acquire sales, providing expert housing legal advice. We act as the preferred buyer’s solicitor on the acquisition of shared ownership units.

Advising on all planning matters relating to the acquisition and disposal of affordable housing, including section 106 agreements, variations of section 106 agreements, post-consent conditions, infrastructure agreements, nomination agreements, and highway matters. We advise on all land, planning, and environmental matters, including providing bespoke advice on environmental strategies, strategic planning support, nutrient neutrality, biodiversity net gain, CIL and associated reliefs/exemptions, Compulsory Purchase, appeals, and Judicial Review.

Advising on every type of property-related dispute. This includes rights of light, building and fire safety, telecommunications, enforceability of covenants, misrepresentation, site clearance, contractual disputes, and obtaining vacant possession. We are experts in all forms of dispute resolution, whether that is litigation, negotiation, mediation, or arbitration and regularly advise on all aspects of real estate and development litigation.

Our expertise is wide-ranging and includes contentious and non-contentious development work for Registered Providers, other residential and commercial property, infrastructure projects, and renewables, including professional appointments. We support our clients in developing commercially driven strategies for successful project delivery.

We advise on governance and regulatory matters, including charities, trusts, and other community-focused structures. We leverage significant experience dealing with regulators and working in-house to support boards, GCs, and Risk Managers to minimise risks and maximise opportunities, helping you keep your strategy on track.

We advise registered providers on proposed Community Land Trust schemes, working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure acquisition without subsequent clawback, negotiating appropriate option and leasehold documentation.

Advising on all types of ancillary support matters, including data protection agreements, substation transfers, infrastructure agreements, deeds of easement, build-over agreements, oversailing licences, and scaffolding licences. Providing support relating to asset management, commercial risk management, investment and funding (including grant funding), renewable energy (including retrofit solutions), health and safety, tax structures, and employment matters.