The Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner real estate finance team regularly advises both domestic and international clients, including real estate investment managers, asset managers, and global banks, on market-leading real estate financing transactions regarding complex real estate assets, such as commercial skyscrapers, residential towers, and park developments. The team is headed up by Naveen Vijh, a seasoned partner with over twenty-five years of experience in the real estate sector. A key choice for leading debt funds, recent engagements for Gordon McMillan and Benedict West, who was promoted to partner in January 2024, include refinancings on large-scale residential properties. Claire Watson brings high-level expertise in office towers and logistic developments, while Payam Yoseflavi has vast experience in a wide range of transactions secured on real estate assets, including senior, mezzanine, and Islamic finance transactions.

The Clifford Chance LLP real estate finance team is most well regarded for their CMBS and pan-European work. Practice head Barry O’Shea is a key contact for major investment managers seeking assistance with complex, multi-jurisdictional refinancings, among other matters. Recent engagements for the ‘very detail oriented’ Laura Smallcombe include the acquisition of logistics assets across Western Europe for a large US real estate investment firm. Emma Matebalavu is a market leader in CMBS transactions in Europe, routinely working with high-profile banks on large transactions. Claire Fawcett is a key contact for investment banks and other financial institutions for the refinancing of built to rent homes. Will Sutton works with major investment banks on major commercial mortgage loans and CMBS transactions, while Dmytro Orendarets regularly supports Fawcett and Matebalavu on complex acquisitions.

Ashurst regularly works with both lenders and borrowers on real estate-backed loan financings, often cross-border in nature. Ruth Harris and Sarah Watkinson co-lead the firm; Harris specialises in investment, development, and structured lending, while Watkinson - a member of the firm’s global loans practice - regularly works with some of the world's largest asset managers on high-value transactions. A ‘disciplined, focused and delivery-oriented practitioner’, Sarah Winter 's recent engagements saw her acting as lead counsel on the financing of a large entertainment asset. Stuart Blacklock, ‘both commercially astute and an excellent project manager’, recently acted as lead counsel for a Korean sovereign wealth fund on the refinancing of debt facilities in London. Both Winter and Blacklock were promoted to partner in May 2023.

The ‘very practice-oriented, proactive, reliable’ real estate finance team at CMS regularly assists international banks and major hospitality and leisure operators on both lender and borrower-side mandates. Clive Swillman - who leads the practice - frequently acts for banks, debt funds, and sponsors in transactions involving term loans and revolving facilities in Europe. Ian McGarr is a key contact for hotel and leisure related transactions, while Simon Johnston specialises in development finance and structured real estate finance. Andrew Besser - 'very responsive and provides sharp commercial advice' - also comes recommended for his strong lender-side practice.

The ’proactive and helpful’ real estate finance team at DLA Piper is experienced working with both lenders and borrowers on large, complex European financing transactions. Described as ‘very detail driven and focused’,  practice head Toby Barker recently advised on the refinancing of two student housing schemes in Italy. Paul Gray notably acted for several lenders on a billion Euro construction financing agreement to Futbol Club Barcelona – a novel transaction which used the newly formed Spanish securitisation fund. The ‘very personable’ Christopher Chan is an expert in advising clients in financing built to rent and student accommodations. Other key figures include Natalie Thorn, who regularly supports the practice in various development financing and refinancing projects.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is well known for its work with market-leading institutional real estate investors.. Besides real estate investors, the firm also works for US opportunity funds and lenders. Spearheading the team, Alan Samson is a key contact for American global asset management firms in financings and acquisitions of various high-profile developments and real estate assets in London. Robert Carr is an expert in advising on loans for large developments, and a key port of call for various leading investment banks and asset managers. Claibourne Harrison specialises in private equity and corporate transactions. Theresa Witoszynski regularly supports Carr in financings for clients in the asset management and alternative asset management sectors. In August 2023, Sean Tierney - a seasoned transactional lawyer - relocated from the Los Angeles office to London.

Long renowned for its property finance work, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP acts for both borrowers and lenders, in the UK and frequently in Europe. The team is headed up by Simon Chadney, a highly experienced real estate finance partner whose recent engagements include lender-side advice on cross-jurisdictional refinancings. Other key figures include Gary Hommel, who is well-versed in lender-side work related to residential and hospitality real estate financing. Chris Mann is often turned to by lenders to act as lead counsel for a range of property financing acquisitions in the UK and Europe.

Well regarded by peers for their mezzanine work, the financial markets team at Jones Day acts on a wide range of real estate financing transactions for both lenders and borrowers. On the lender side, the firm regularly engages in large NAV financings for asset management firms, alternative asset management firms, and investment banks. On the borrower side, the firm is advising real estate companies and banks on purpose-built student accommodations and multifamily homes. Andrew Barker spearheads the practice and is advising a mezzanine lender in the refinancing of multiple properties in Western Europe. Emily Stew is well known for her work with an international real estate developer regarding their accommodation assets in Europe. Recent engagements for Matt Trafford have seen him advising alternative investment management companies in financing a portfolio of logistics assets in the UK.

Co-chaired by Jonathan Birks and Kazik Michalski, the Kirkland & Ellis International LLP team specialises in advising borrowers in complex CMBS, mezzanine and European transactions. Birks and Peter Chandler – a debt finance partner – recently worked with leading foreign investment management firms in financing five separate pools of offices in Europe, advising on mezzanine financings and CMBS transactions with significant cross-border elements. Michalski’s recent engagements have seen him advising Singaporean sovereign wealth funds and international real estate developers on large acquisition deals for a student accommodation platforms.

Working with both borrower and lenders, Linklaters LLP is a market leader in mezzanine finance transactions. Practice head Scott Simpson - who regularly works closely with Philip Gore - works with banks, asset managers, and hedge funds on all manner of real estate finance work . The ‘committed, commercial, experienced’ Jessica Jenner is experienced in advising sovereign wealth funds in refinancing senior and mezzanine transactions, while James Godfrey's recent engagements have seen him advising two leading banks on a repurchase transaction in relation to the refinancing of the Generator Hostels portfolio across Europe.

Mayer Brown International LLP's cross-practice offering draws closely on the support of the firm’s banking and finance, real estate, and construction and engineering teams. The team is headed up by Andrew Hepner and David O’Connor. Hepner, who heads up the firm’s real estate practice, is experienced in advising alternative investment managers in relation to term loan facilities. O’Connor, a banking and finance specialist, regularly provides lenders in bank-funded real estate finance transactions. Charles Malpass, ‘a very experienced technician with a wealth of knowledge and experience’, advises alternative investment firms on various restructuring and acquisitions in Europe, while Annabel Ersser of the real estate team often supports Hepner on financing and refinancing term loan facilities.

Praised for its ‘deep knowledge and expertise in structuring and financing‘, the Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP real estate finance practice specialises in advising borrowers, including some of the world’s largest alternative asset managers. Tom Lloyd, a market-leader for borrower advice, is the key contact for Blackstone on various financing and refinancing transactions regarding European hotels, logistics facilities, and residential properties. James Esterkin is well-regarded for real estate acquisitions, development financing, and real estate-related debt restructuring. Edward Hampson’s practice is tailored to private equity and corporate clients regarding credit transactions, including a recent extension of an underlying loan in respect of a European CMBS.

Co-chaired by Jeffrey Rubinoff and Justin Jowitt, the property finance team at White & Case LLP advises on a wide range of property assets, with a particular emphasis on data centre financings. Rubinoff recently advised a number of investment banks on data centre campus financing transactions in Europe, while Jowitt handled the financing for the acquisition of a number of assets in the hotel space. Victoria Landsbert, praised as ‘extremely responsive with solid commercial experience’, is experienced in advising funders on term loan facilities. Jeremy Duffy and Lisa Seifman, ‘both brilliant lawyers with great knowledge of the market’, are also key members of the team.

The Addleshaw Goddard real estate finance team regularly collaborates with the firm’s strong construction, corporate, and banking and finance practices to advise a wide range of lenders and borrowers. Recent engagements for Zoe Maurer  – who heads the practice – have seen her working with a developer and operator on the financing of six senior living villages in the UK. Sarah Egbu, ‘an astute legal professional with a truly vast array of experience and expertise to draw on’, notably works on complex transactions regarding green facilities for the funding of large mixed-use developments. Other key figures include Zak Ikponmwosa, who is experienced with financing a diverse portfolio of properties, including those in the hospitality facilities, offices, and build-to-rent properties.

The real estate finance team at Baker McKenzie advises on financing work concerning a diverse range of logistics and hospitality assets. Practice head Sebastien Marcelin-Rice regularly handles lender-side mandates, advising on portfolio refinancings in the hotel sector with significant cross-border aspects. Oliver Jefferies frequently acts for real estate developers, investors, and asset managers concerning acquisitions in Europe and the Middle East. In August 2023, Luke Murphy joined the firm from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Murphy recently led the refinancing of an acquisition of a UK logistics portfolio.

The Dechert LLP global finance team offers a range of commercial real estate finance services, including securitisation, restructuring, and acquisition financing. Practice head Aparna Sehgal is well-versed in the purchase of European commercial real estate secured loans as well as purchasing and repurchasing facilities. John McGrath specialises in handling sophisticated structured financings, such as repo financings and the securitisation of European real estate loans. Richard Pugh acts for lenders and borrowers on various securitisation transactions.

Led by James Irvine and Simon Tweedle, the ‘responsive, pragmatic and experienced’ practice at Dentons regularly advises international clients on cross-border financing and refinancing deals concerning offices, hotels, and build-to-rent developments. Irvine often handles financings and restructurings, while Tweedle – described by clients as ‘a pleasure to deal with, responsive, pragmatic and experienced’ – recently advised a European residential real estate company on English sustainability-linked financing legislation. Simon Masri regularly advises banks, real estate developers, and investment managers on cross-border refinancing transactions. Other key figures include Jason Sheard, who advises on commercial terms for sales and purchases in leisure sector.

The Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP real estate finance team has a particularly strong lender practice, maintaining strong relationships with clearing banks, debt funds, and asset managers. Practice head Simon Mead regularly acts for lenders in cross-border property transactions. Robert Ludwig often acts for borrowers, with noteworthy recent engagements including a facility agreement for a data centre facility extension. Other key figures include Chris Brooks, a prime contact for real estate lenders on various transactions, including development and redevelopment financing.

‘An experienced team with technically strong lawyers’, Latham & Watkins' real estate team offers lender and borrower work to a wide range of investment banks, asset managers, and alternative asset managers. Jeremy Trinder heads the practice. Described as ‘an experienced, knowledgeable and very approachable lawyer with great communication skills’, Trinder is well-experienced in acting for investment firms in acquiring large hospitalities portfolios across Europe. Quentin Gwyer's recent engagements have seen him advising a large British supermarket chain as borrower for a long-term ground rent financing. James Beeson regularly works with clients on sale and leaseback transactions and development finance transactions.

The Macfarlanes LLP real estate finance team is a multifaceted team which draws on the firm’s capabilities in the areas of real estate, construction, corporate, and funds teams to provide lenders, alternative lenders, and borrowers with a large range of financing services. Practice head Colin Morgan is a seasoned real estate finance lawyer, praised for his ‘capacity to understand immediately the breadth, ramifications and importance of issues and the consequences of given directions’. Morgan recently acted for a club of lenders led on a high value loan facility to refinance a luxury hotel in London. Other key figures include the ‘commercially minded and solution-focused’ Laura Bretherton, who specialises in financing development projects, and restructuring and insolvency head Jat Bains, a specialist in debt finance work.

The Norton Rose Fulbright real estate finance team is well-versed in acquisitions, secured facility agreements, and sale and lease back transactions. Practice head Sarah Cullen, described as ‘technically astute and always very responsive’, regularly advises on financings for office buildings, hospitality facilities, and private rental properties. Dan Kennedy is often engaged for advice regarding financing logistics properties. Jennie Dorsaint, combining ‘a sensible, considered approach with responsiveness’, is experienced in complex restructurings with cross-border aspects. Jessy Makdessi - highly experienced acting for both lenders and borrowers - is also recommended.

‘Experienced and diligent’, the real estate finance team at Reed Smith LLP are proficient in large European facilities loans and restructurings for asset management and alternative asset management companies. Jason Richardson heads the team, often advising lenders and sponsors in commercial mortgage lending transactions. Angelina Soon is a key contact for facility agents and security trustees for UK and European development financing transactions. Former practice head Iain Balkwill departed the firm in October 2023.

Fielding a strong team with multiple experienced partners, Simmons & Simmons is equipped to handle a considerable volume of work for lenders and borrowers, both in the UK and Europe. Practice head Mark Waghorn is a banking specialist who regularly advises on real estate restructuring and insolvency matters. Helen Hagan, ‘a real stand-out practitioner’, advises on investment and development deals. Kamal Arulvel specialises in loan-on-loan and warehouse loan financings. James Taylor, ‘approachable, practical and commercial’, is an expert in restructuring real estate assets.

Lead by Heather Buttle and Jonathan Marks, the ‘forward-thinking’ Taylor Wessing LLP banking and finance team regularly collaborates closely with the firm’s real estate, construction, private client, and tax teams to provide lenders and borrowers with a cross-practice offering. Buttle is experienced in development transactions for residential, student accommodation, and build-to-rent assets, while Marks specialises in acquisition and refinancing transactions. Gareth Lawson, ‘a great asset to the firm’, is noted for his focus on preferred equity lending and mezzanine arrangements.

The ‘knowledgeable, responsive and solution-driven’ banking and finance team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is noted for its capabilities acting for clients on both domestic and international property finance transactions. Led by Daniel Sullivan, the cross-disciplinary practice regularly collaborates with the firm’s real estate, construction, corporate, and tax and funds teams. Sullivan – praised as, ‘always available and extremely knowledgeable on real estate finance‘ – regularly works with international property developers on residential, logistics, and student accommodation-based work. In January 2024, James Walton joined the firm; Walton is highly experienced in loans, spanning mezzanine loans, combined loan facilities, and loan restructuring.

The cross-disciplinary offering at Fieldfisher draws on the capabilities of the real estate, banking, and construction teams, which regularly collaborate on real estate finance deals. The team is led by Philip Abbott and Iain Thomas. Abbott is experienced in advising on refinancing of residential, retail, and logistics facilities. Thomas regularly acts in real estate and development finance in the UK and Europe. Jayne Backett and Rachel Carter, both described as ‘extremely responsive and dedicated’, often act for debt funds, banks, and alternative lenders.

The Fladgate LLP real estate finance team – made up of finance, construction, commercial, and real estate specialists – regularly advise clients on transactions regarding assets including hotels, residential property, and commercial properties. Jenny Sargeant and Gary Smith co-lead the department. Sargeant, a key port of call for developers, alternative funders, and private banks, is praised for delivering ‘a true personal service with a razor focus on her client’s commercial aims’. The ‘very hardworking’ Smith is experienced in both domestic and European cross-border financings.

The Greenberg Traurig, LLP team frequently works for a variety of banks, capital fund managers, and real estate investment managers on real estate finance transactions. The team is jointly led by Partha S. Pal, Daniyal Ansari, and Sierra Taylor, the latter of whom joined the firm from Paul Hastings LLP in April 2023. Pal, a seasoned practitioner who is well-known in the market, is experienced in mezzanine loans, particularly within the luxury hotel space. Ansari is well-versed in financing deals for student accommodation and build-to-rent assets, both in the UK and Europe.

The Hill Dickinson LLP London office regularly collaborates with the Liverpool team to advise banks and real estate investors on a variety of transactions, including development finance, development loans, and transfer of property portfolios. James Garton, praised as ‘very approachable and understanding of client’s needs’, regularly advises clients on development finance matters, while Louise McMahon is well regarded by clients for her capabilities in secured lending transactions. Alastair Moss joined the firm from Hill Dickinson in January 2023, while Ela Paza left the firm in September 2023.

‘Extremely competent, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with', Mishcon de Reya LLP's finance team regularly advises both borrowers and lenders on a large variety of real estate assets, including infrastructure, logistics, and residential properties. Practice head Nick Strutt is noted for his strong experience regarding the development of residential properties and leisure facilities. Sarah Spurling notably recently advised a property investment firm on a matter regarding real estate backed bridge facilities to twelve different borrowers.

‘Highly responsive, tough but fair, commercial, partner-led’, the team at Paul Hastings LLP draws praise from both borrowers and lenders, who turn to the group for assistance regarding the acquisition, development, and redevelopment of residential, build-to-rent, and hospitality real estate assets in the UK. Described by one client as someone who ‘uniquely understands the needs of investors and lenders’, practice head Miles Flynn is experienced in loan origination and loan-on-loan financing transactions. Rehan Hanif - who joined the firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP in August 2023 - is experienced in both European financing and Islamic financing work.

Pinsent Masons LLP, a team with ‘strong expertise and commercial acumen evident across all team members at all levels’, has strong experience advising on various acquisitions, financings, and refinancings in the UK. ‘Commercial, efficient and reliable’, practice head William Oliver maintains key relationships with clearing banks and real estate lenders, while Frances Mallender is experienced in restructuring, investment, and development finance, often involving hospitality facilities, student accommodations, and healthcare facilities.

Slaughter and May’s finance team regularly collaborates with the firm’s real estate and construction practices to provide well-rounded advice regarding real estate and development financing. Matthew Tobin - who heads the practice - is well-regarded by clients concerning loan facilities, and financing retail facilities. Ed Fife often acts on leveraged finance, and infrastructure financing transactions.

A 'professional team offering good and clear advice’, the real estate finance department at Stephenson Harwood is particularly experienced in advising on large development financing deals, notably within the logistics space. Practice head James Linforth regularly advises on financings for logistics, hospitality, and student accommodation assets in the UK. Archie Campbell and Will Rowling, both ‘extremely approachable' with 'a great level of availability and engagement’, are further key individuals in the team.

‘Knowledgeable, approachable at all times and easy to work with‘, Andrew Petersen leads the structured and warehouse finance team at the Alston & Bird LLP London office. With over twenty years of structured finance experience, Petersen specialises in private equity and private debt-driven finance transactions. In May 2023, both James Kousoulas and James Litwinovich joined the firm from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner.

Brecher LLP advises both lenders and borrowers regarding mid-market financing. Practice head Richard Gilchrist is praised for his ability to, ‘set out the issues succinctly and then (provide) his thoughts in setting out the pros and cons as appropriate’. Redmond Byrne is well-regarded for his work concerning development finance for both residential and commercial assets. Charles Bezzant is also recommended for his lender-side practice.

Brown Rudnick LLP regularly acts for investment funds, real estate investment firms, and developers in asset sales and refinancings, among other real estate transactions. Tuvi Keinan – who leads the firm – boasts strong pan-European property finance experience. Tristan Dollie, described as having ‘amazing attention to detail, and excellent ability to negotiate’, is particularly experienced in restructuring senior and mezzanine land loans, while Eleni Zodiates‘ recent engagements have seen them working with a private investment firm in the global refinancing of a hospitality chain across the UK, Europe, and North America.

Headquartered in Bristol, Burges Salmon LLP routinely works across the residential, retail, and office space sectors. Joining the firm from Maples Teesdale LLP in April 2023, Rohan Campbell, ‘an excellent facilitator, finance partner, and very experienced’, serves as practice head. Paul Browne specialises in lender-side mandates, working on facility agreements across various assets. Other key figures include Richard Leeming , who has strong experience in build-to-rent, hospitality, and retail assets.

The Clyde & Co real estate finance team are capable of advising on high-value, cross-border transactions, including development finance and Islamic finance transactions. Practice head Chris Lenton is particularly experienced in large mixed-use developments. ‘Always willing to go the extra mile’, Annabelle Redman regularly works with borrower clients on property loan matters. Dan Keys is a key contact for banks regarding development and investment loans.

The team at Collyer Bristow LLP, led by Michael Grace, regularly handles mixed-use and residential development work across in Greater London. Rory Macpherson is often engaged in the funding, acquisition, development, and sale of properties in the capital, while Alex O’Connor regularly advises on joint ventures in connection with the funding and development of sites.

The cross-disciplinary practice at DWF draws on the capabilities of the firm’s banking and real estate teams, and regularly collaborate with the construction and planning teams to provide banks with advice regarding a variety of real estate assets, including student accommodation, hotel, and logistics facilities. The team is jointly led by Simon Elphick and the 'exceptional' Simon Sharp.

Well regarded for their 'exceptional' work and communication, the real estate finance team at Farrer & Co has a strong reputation for borrower-side work, frequently acting for property developers and major institutional investors. Practice head Marc Glancy draws praise from clients, who rate him for his willingness to be 'very hands-on in transactions.' Martin Blake is particularly experienced regarding the financing of large mixed-use assets, while Simon Graham often acts for clients regarding real estate-secured loans.

Goodwin’s real estate finance team often advises on acquisitions, sales, and investments concerning real estate assets. Richard Semple - a seasoned transactional lawyer - leads the practice with a ‘very commercial and pragmatic approach towards driving forward a transaction’. Semple is particularly active on cross-border financing matters, spanning the UK, Europe, and US. Toby Young has strong experience in leading financing, refinancing, and development financing of property. Real estate debt finance specialist Paul Lyons is also recommended.

Gowling WLG, led by Nick Turner, specialises in advising on development projects in the build-to-rent, student accommodation, and private renting sectors. A seasoned practitioner in real estate finance, Turner maintains longstanding relationships with various banks and alternative asset managers.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP is turned to by private equity firms, real estate investment companies, and UHNWIs for its capabilities, both domestic and cross-border. Usman Khan – experienced in both borrower and lender work – is the key name to note. Darren Rogers, noted for his capabilities in real estate capital markets transactions, and Devina Rana, who has experience of advising both lenders and borrowers in real estate finance deals, both joined the firm from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson in late 2024.

Rated for its ‘great commercial knowledge’, Ropes & Gray's real estate finance team regularly collaborates with the firm’s restructuring and tax teams to advise a number of high-profile clients on an array of transactional matters. Noted for his capabilities in the financing aspects of joint ventures, practice head David Seymour is also highly experienced in the acquisition and financing of student housing assets.

Led by social housing finance specialist Adrian Carter, the team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is lauded by one client as ‘a highly professional and friendly team who provide a responsive and focused service when dealing with complex matters’. Eddie O’Hanrahan is particularly experienced in development finance and logistics, while Katharine Lewis often advises on facility agreements and loan amendments. Other key figures include Helen Fysh, who regularly advises banks and private equity investors on inbound real estate investments into the UK.

The international real estate finance team at Bird & Bird LLP is reputed for its hotel financing work, often advising clients on acquisitions and refinancings, among other transactions. Practice head James Salford's recent workload includes lender-side advice regarding a revolving credit facility for refinancing a London hotel. Jonathan Baker works with clients regarding both residential and commercial properties, particularly in the retail sector.

The Druces LLP real estate team draws praise from clients, who rate it for its ‘broad range of experience from different lawyers’. The team is jointly chaired by Antony Cotton and Suzanne Middleton-Lindsley. Both Cotton and Lindsley are experienced in dealing with Sharia’a compliant transactions, and regularly advise both domestic and Middle Eastern banks - both public and private sector - in property finance matters.

‘Commercial in their approach and friendly to deal with’, Edwin Coe LLP is praised for its work in the financing and refinancing of assets across the UK. Stephen Brower and Rosie McCormick Paice lead the practice. Charles Wilson is also recommended. James Walton left the firm in January 2024.

Shoosmiths LLP frequently acts for banks and institutional lenders on a host of UK-wide mandates. Practice head Liz Sweeney divides her time between Manchester and London. 'Proactive, and always willing to provide additional advice and support beyond the scope of the engagement', James Spencer - who joined from Alston & Bird LLP in August 2023 - focuses on non-bank loan agency and servicing. Chris Mills is a key contact for major institutional lenders, including leading investment banks.

‘A very strong partner-led team, extremely responsive and a real pleasure to work with’, Forsters LLP regularly advises clients regarding development financing for the office, retail, and commercial sectors. Highly experienced in development finance, Victoria Edwards is currently advising a developer on a mixed-use regeneration project to provide residential, retail, and commercial space in London. Simon Collins has considerable expertise in loan-on-loan transactions.

GSC Solicitors LLP, ‘a well-respected firm in property finance’, advises clients on a range of property finance matters, including sale and lease back, acquisitions, and refinances. ‘Extremely well respected by banks‘, practice head Peter Belcher often advises clients which are active in the leisure, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.

gunnercooke LLP regularly acts for both lenders and borrowers on mandates regarding student accommodations, hotels, and offices. With over twenty years of experience in commercial property, Sarah Hung frequently advises on acquisition and development finance. Matthew East specialises in advising clients active in the hotel sector, both in London and across the UK.

‘An exceptional team which never disappoints‘, Hamlins LLP advises a wide range of clients, including banks and developers, as well as high-net-worth family offices. Practice head Aselle Djumabaeva-Wood draws praise from clients ‘very approachable, professional, quick to respond and suggests alternatives’, leads the practice. Djumabaeva-Wood has strong experience in secured lending for real estate and corporate transactions. Joseph Holder regularly acts on investment and development loans.

'Extremely professional' and 'knowledgeable', the team at Howard Kennedy LLP provides clients with various funding and refinancing for properties in the UK and Europe. In May 2023, Patrick Keown joined from Bates Wells to lead the team; Keown is particularly experienced in cross-border funding deals concerning logistics facilities across Europe. Former practice head Steve Clinning retired in July 2023.

K&L Gates LLP works with range of funds and trusts on loan facilities and refinancing transactions, both domestically and internationally. Practice head Richard Hardwick, ‘an absolute joy to work with’, regularly handles complex loan matters, advising on amendments and extensions for syndicated loan facilities on a range of real estate assets. Regularly working with both borrowers and lenders, Michael Anderson notably focuses on real estate debt financing.

Maples Teesdale LLP's real estate finance team offers ‘clear and commercial advice’ on financing and refinancing work across a number of property asset classes. Practice head Zoe Miller regularly advises on secured loans, loan financing, and term loan facilities. Rohan Campbell left the practice in March 2023.

‘Approachable, knowledgeable and patient’, the Memery Crystal banking and finance team advises widely on debt-based transactions. Practice head Matthew Lindsay regularly advises on development finance matters for various hotels and residential properties. Laura Brown - who joined the team from Howard Kennedy LLP in February 2023 - frequently acts for bridge lenders, alternative lenders, and clearers.

Fielding a cross-practice offering, the Sidley Austin LLP global finance team, led by Rupert Wall, works closely with the firm’s real estate team, advising a range of private equity firms, alternative investment managers, and real estate investment trusts. Emilie Stewart regularly handles loan-on-loan and real estate backed non-performance loans across Europe.

‘Professional, responsive, efficient and personable’, Teacher Stern LLP acts for both lenders and borrowers in a variety of property transactions. Operating as part of the wider banking and finance group, the team is led by Claire Gibson, who was promoted to practice head in May 2023. Praised for her ‘wealth of commercial and technical knowledge‘, Gibson’s key workstreams include negotiating loan agreements and amending facilities agreements. Phil Berry, praised for his ‘unparalleled experience’, and Heledd Jones – ‘the ideal combination of responsiveness, efficiency, experience and decency’ – also come highly recommended.

Drawing on the firm's wider network of regional offices, the Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP banking and finance team often works with the firm’s planning and construction teams, advising banks and other investors on a range of real estate finance transactions. Practice head Nicola Giddens regularly advises on loan facilities for various residential and commercial properties. ‘Always engaged and available’, Will Fraser's experience spans the refinancing and sale of various accommodation and hospitality properties. Joe Dean is also recommended.

Bates Wells often acts for private and charity clients regarding various loans, revolving credit facility, and refinancing work. The practice is co-chaired by Mark Traynor and Malcolm Headley. Headley, ‘incredibly responsive and a true professional’, frequently advises developers, investors, and corporate occupiers. Louise Harman brings strong banking expertise to the practice.

BBS Law’s security lending team specialises in evaluating risks on loans for lenders. Practice head Avi Barr, ‘focused and commercial’, regularly engages in acting in refinancing and development financing transactions regarding residential properties. Leona Ho often works with Barr on secured lending, bridging finance, and refinancing matters.

‘Extremely professional, responsive, commercial and efficient’, Glovers Solicitors LLP's boutique property practice specialises in assets in London's West End. The team is led by Darran Smith, praised by clients as 'a pleasure to deal with' and 'extremely responsive'. John Mills often advises on loan facilities for development finance and property purchases, while Philip Mundy frequently works on revolving credit facilities for development financing and the sale of property.

Noted for its borrower-side focus, Kingsley Napley LLP regularly advises clients on residential property, developments and assets in the hospitality sector. Practice head Anthony Macpherson, ‘always extremely responsive, concise and excellent to work with’, frequently works with property developers in relation to development finance facilities. Victoria Lowe regularly advises on transactions across retail assets, commercial sites, and offices.

Led by Gregory Palos, head of real estate finance, and Ajoy Bose-Mallick, head of banking, the fast-growing Lawrence Stephens Solicitors works with both borrowers and lenders, advising a wide range of banks, bridging companies, and property companies. Palos regularly advises lenders with respect to the refinancing of large property portfolios and loan facilities. Bose-Mallick, ‘very responsive and excellent to work with’, often advises on lending and secured development facilities.

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP, ‘always polite, available, approachable, knowledgeable and efficient,’ often advises development and bridging lenders on property finance instructions. John O’Callaghan leads the property team, while Paul Cain heads the specialist bridging lending department. Cain, ‘an excellent person’ praised for his exceptional work ethic, is regularly involved in high-value refinancings and deals involving bridging finance.

Led by Jon Lent, Squire Patton Boggs’ cross-disciplinary practice draws on the resources of the firm’s financial services, corporate, real estate, and construction teams. The practice regularly leverages the capabilities of its Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham offices to advise on UK-wide mandates. Lent frequently advises on large refinancings for hotels and build-to-rent schemes.