The Ipswich office of Birketts LLP is home to a substantial proportion of the firm-wide commercial real estate practice. Among its standout partners are  Chris Schwer, who is a key adviser to housebuilders and developers, and major corporate occupiers, and practice co-head Oliver Crichton, who has notable expertise in freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals, as well as landlord and tenant matters. The 'friendly, attentive and knowledgeable' group also includes Stuart Raven and Paul Squire   who are key advisers to corporate and developer clients; utilities specialist Vicki Chilton and Keith Andrews, who handles all property work for an active NHS Trust. Legal director Amanda Timcke and newly promoted partner Sam Froud are also key to the practice.

Ashtons Legal's commercial property practice operates across many offices and handles high-value transactions across the region and beyond. Led by Magnus McManus in Cambridge, it has a highly regarded partner of long standing in Ron Clare in Bury St Edmunds, who continues to advise a broad spectrum of corporate and institutional clients. He recently assisted Abel Homes Limited with the multimillion-pound disposal to a registered social landlord of affordable housing at Swaffham, Norfolk. The firm 'provides excellent advice' and Charlotte Vallins is respected for her advice on landlord and tenant matters.

Buckles Solicitors LLP has substantial commercial property expertise in its Peterborough office. The team 'offers a very personal approach and a service tailored to your exact needs'. Practice head Michael Rabbett is a prominent adviser on both agricultural and commercial property matters, while key partner Colleen Gostick (who is 'unique - very experienced and knowledgeable') has particular expertise in retail and industrial development, agricultural land, and commercial leasehold matters. She assists clients with real estate portfolios across the UK and Europe. Chris Mundell also plays a key role in the team.

Greene & Greene in Bury St Edmunds has a strong three-partner practice that serves a diverse client base across East Anglia and beyond. The firm frequently works opposite large regional and national firms on matters of high complexity, a prime example being a £25m development for Leeder Landholdings Limited. Hugo Greer-Walker led that matter. Practice head Tim Mendes da Costa also handles multimillion-pound development projects and acquisitions, while Sally Whatley-Brown handles transactional work for individuals, corporate bodies, trusts, and public sector organisations. Clients praise the 'excellent service and timeliness' of associate Julia Cardy.

Ellisons Solicitors joins the ranking having expanded its commercial property team in East Anglia with the hire of Jonathan Greenhalgh in early 2024 from Howes Percival LLP. His broad practice encompasses high-value acquisitions, development work, option and promotion agreements, and secured lending. He joins a 'highly professional and very responsive' practice led from Essex, which is growing its presence in both Ipswich, where newly promoted Bethan Williams is increasingly active, and Bury St Edmunds, which is Greenhalgh's primary location.

Nicholsons Solicitors LLP handles commercial property transactions from its Lowestoft, Norwich and Great Yarmouth offices. It has experienced partners in Mark Rymarz, who focuses on development and strategic land matters for house-builders and landowners, and Jade Tinney, who leads on  acquisitions and disposals, development, secured lending and landlord and tenant matters. Associate Jennifer Lee also stands out for landlord and tenant, and commercial lending work.

Prettys Solicitors LLP in Ipswich is known for 'a diverse range of expertise with a willingness to go the extra mile for clients'. 'First-class' practice head Rebecca Cleal is a hit with clients and 'demonstrates exceptional professionalism, communication skills and extensive knowledge'. Senior associate Paul Munnings is also praised for his advice to residential developers. Together, they advised Soka Enterprises Limited on a £4.5m development finance facility for a residential scheme in Essex.

Barker Gotelee in Ipswich joins the ranking due to its involvement in a growing number of high-value and complex transactions. The practice led by the 'very responsive and helpful' Christopher Green handles site assembly and sales, promotion and option agreements, overage agreements, and secured lending matters. It also advises on landlord and tenant matters, of which Oliver Ray has in-depth knowledge. Clients praise the team's 'great personal service and detailed knowledge of the industry'.

Hunt & Coombs LLP in Peterborough has a loyal client base among local businesses, charities and individuals for advice on diverse matters including property transactions. Former practice head Olivia Chalmers handles both real estate and corporate matters, and her successor Naina Tilney built her reputation in the insurance-related litigation field. Senior associate David Marsh and associate James Steward in Oundle are key advisers on commercial property and development matters. 'Always professional and focused’, remarks one client.