Addleshaw Goddard is reputed for the depth of its expertise in the social housing finance sector, acting for major lenders and investors in the full range of finance matters. The team is well-equipped to handle debt financing, refinancing, and restructuring issues, as well as mergers and property security due diligence transactions. The Leeds-based Lee Shankland-Gort is at the helm of the practice and advises on all aspects of social finance, green finance and sustainability-linked lending. Nick Barlow has vast experience in refinancing and sustainability-linked loans, while Jennie Chilton leads the social housing finance property security practice and advises on securing large social housing portfolios for bank lending. Other core members of the team include debt capital markets head Beth Collett; Helen Hunter, who advises lenders on restructuring debt; and Steve Mackie, who has experience in large debt transactions.

Devonshires Solicitors LLP remains a leading firm in the social housing finance arena, representing several registered providers and housing associations in a wide range of matters. The team has strong experience in advising borrowers on refinancing, borrowing from local authorities, mergers, restructuring and joint venture funding arrangements. Four experienced partners lead the practice: banking and capital markets head Julian Barker, who specialises in all aspects of finance, including bond issues, bilateral loans and private placements; Sharon Kirkham, who leads the securitisation practice and focuses on refinancing transactions; the Leeds-based Gary Grigor, whose expertise lies in mergers and intra-group funding; and property specialist  Chris Drabble. Natalie Swales, also in Leeds, advises clients on a range of financial arrangements, Rachel Orgill-Harris supports clients in public bond issues, and Alice Overton assists clients with loan and security arrangements.

With deep sector expertise, the practice at Pinsent Masons LLP stands out in the social housing finance landscape, representing a broad spectrum of funders, including banks, on a wide variety of issues. The department advises on financing and property security, mergers, bond issues, and private placements. Sarah Whitty spearheads the team and has a broad practice advising lenders in bilateral and syndicated lending, joint ventures, and development financing. Alexis Hayworth has extensive experience in supporting clients with debt capital markets financing, EMTN programmes and standalone bonds, while Tom McHugh advises on mergers and sustainability-linked lending. Other key members of the team include Sean Houlihan, who leads the social housing finance property team, Sophie Al-Mahdawie, and Ruth Stead.

Drawing on significant sector expertise, the social housing finance team at Bevan Brittan LLP advises funders in a wide array of financial transactions, including new loans, refinancing, structuring joint venture arrangements, bond issuances and advising on the Affordable Homes Guarantee scheme. The practice is led by Louise Leaver, who specialises in supporting clients on secured and unsecured loans, as well as capital markets transactions. Katie Dyer has vast experience in large-scale residential property funding projects and various funding arrangements, while David Moore draws from his expertise as a banking lawyer and advises clients on refinancing and private placements. Wendy Wilks is another key name in the team and specialises in property finance, and Louise Mookerjee has expertise in advising borrowers on syndicated and bilateral loans.

With a particular focus on advising funders, the social housing team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s expertise covers financing, property security, bond issuances, mergers and private placements. The team is jointly led by five partners: Adrian Carter, who also leads the banking and finance team and focuses on capital markets issues and EMTN programmes; the Manchester-based Eleanor James, who advises on mergers and refinancings; Melanie Comer and Hannah Jackson, who specialise in property matters in secure housing finance transactions; and Natalie Singh, who leads the Birmingham-based finance practice. Nicola Almond is also a key member of the team.

The social housing team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP has a notable focus on advising borrowers and housing associations on bank loans, joint venture funding, green loans, debt restructuring and refinancings. The Birmingham-based Jon Coane leads the team and has experience advising housing associations on funding from bonds, private placements and aggregators. Julia Robertson leads the social housing charging team and supports clients with debt restructuring and complex secured finance transactions. Michael Nutman advises social impact investors, housing associations, and local authorities in regard to funding social and affordable housing, while Adriana Klincova specialises in sustainability-linked loans.

Clarke Willmott LLP’s social housing team is adept at advising on a variety of funding types, such as bilateral and syndicated facilities, private placements and aggregated bonds. The practice is co-led by the Cardiff-based Vicky Kells, who is a commercial property lawyer specialising in social housing finance and stock rationalisation, and the Manchester-based Lindsay Felstead. Fraser MacRae has extensive experience in bilateral and syndicated funding, and Bethan Evans advises on all aspects of lending in the sector. Other key members of the team include Charlotte Lord and Harvinder Kandola.

The social housing team at Clifford Chance LLP advises funders and investors in capital markets transactions, restructuring and securitisation matters. The practice is jointly led by Angela Shepherd and Paul Deakins; Shepherd advises funders on the security aspects of bond and loan transactions, while Deakins specialises in bond financing and is recognised for his expertise in capital markets.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP houses an experienced social housing finance team that advises registered providers and housing associations on private placements, bank lending, bond issuances, mergers, and joint ventures. Rebecca Jason leads the practice and has extensive experience in debt restructuring, lending arrangements, and joint ventures. Ruby Giblin acts for funders and borrowers, and her work includes securing high-value loans, bonds, and hedging arrangements, while Rosanagh Herries supports clients on a range of funding issues such as debt capital markets and sustainability-linked bank facilities.

The investments funding team at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP represents managers and investors in the social housing sector on structuring, establishment, marketing, and affordable housing solutions. The department is led by Michael Newell, who advises on real asset and credit funding as well as reorganising investment vehicles. Jack Andrew Kelly is also a key member of the team and specialises in the structuring, formation, and promotion of investment funds.

Gowling WLG‘s social housing practice exclusively focuses on advising funders on mergers, bond issuances, and private placements. Chris Brierley heads the team and specialises in mergers, revolving loans, and bond issuances. Other key members of the team include Navin Prabhakar and Angela Rawlins, who have experience acting for housing associations on corporate banking facilities and bond issues.