The ‘market-leading’ cross-departmental offering at Devonshires Solicitors LLP is well-equipped to advise the entire range of social housing providers, including registered, unregistered, and private registered, for profit and not-for-profit, and local authorities. The team is jointly led by Triya Maicha, who is highly sought after by registered providers and is especially skilled in large-scale regeneration projects, and Jonathan Corris, who is a key name for property joint ventures. Andrew Cowan is noted for his expertise in banking and governance-related social housing issues, and Donna McCarthy's practice encompasses both non-contentious and contentious mandates; she is particularly experienced in representing housing providers in Human Rights and Equality Act challenges. Matthew Waters frequently handles new registrations and regulatory compliance matters. Local authority housing law is a key area for Jonathan Jarvis, while Samantha Grix is skilled in rent regulation mandates. Lee Russell is a key figure within the team.

The social housing group at Trowers & Hamlins LLP provides new entrants to the market, as well as more established providers, with ‘commercially focused real estate advice’ surrounding developments, governance, and mergers, in addition to regulatory matters. Sustainability and environmental regulations are also growing areas of focus for the group. Practice head Tonia Secker boasts expertise in joint ventures and regeneration projects. Other key members of the group include Sara Bailey, who specialises in handling real estate projects for private providers, local authorities, and government developers, Scott Dorling, who has substantial experience in advising on the impact of Human Rights Act reform, and Amy Shaw, who is active in assisting both public and private organisations with development projects. Rob Beiley acts for housing associations in corporate governance issues, while Sharron Webster is skilled in advising registered housing providers on regulatory issues.

Bevan Brittan LLP is sought after by housing associations, local authorities, developers, and funders, and the group’s offering includes advice on the full gamut of property and development mandates, from land acquisition and plot sales, to complex joint ventures and property development schemes, as well as mergers and building safety matters. The department is jointly led by Andrew Shaw, who is skilled in housing development and regeneration work, Louise Leaver with expertise in secured and unsecured loans, and Wendy Wilks, who is experienced in property development and mergers. Fiona McDonald is another name of note in the development acquisition space, and Katie Dyer joined the team from Trowers & Hamlins LLP in January 2024.

Capsticks LLP acts for a large volume of registered providers, frequently assisting them with private developments and related planning and procurement matters. The firm also stands out due to its ability to handle mandates at the cross-over between the health sector and social housing, and well-versed in stock rationalisation mandates. Chimi Shakohoxha chairs the team with expertise in property development, regeneration, and mixed use developments. James Howard is another active team member handling social housing transactions for registered providers, while Susie Rogers sits at the helm of the firm’s treasury and portfolio team. Naomi Roper and Sarah Darvell joined the team from Trowers & Hamlins LLP at the end of 2023, as did Darren Hooker in January 2024.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP counts nation-wide housing associations among its client base, ranging from major well-known clients to smaller, local providers. The group’s offering encompasses support with legal and regulatory breaches, funding, housing management, and litigation, as well as stock rationalisation and procurement and construction matters. Key names in the team include Jonathan Cox, who boasts expertise in service charges, leasehold management, and supported housing, managing partner Peter Hubbard, who advises registered providers on issues of governance and regulation, and head of the firm's Birmingham housing litigation team Helen Tucker. November 2023 saw the arrival of Julia Robertson from Trowers & Hamlins LLP, while Natalie Singh left the firm in December 2023 and Andrew Millross transitioned to the role of consultant in April 2023.

Pinsent Masons LLP houses a go-to social housing team that regularly acts for local authorities in housing projects, and advises on the structure of joint ventures for housing delivery. Practice head Anne Bowden also chairs the firm’s national local government practice, and is often active in regeneration schemes. Other notable team members include Nick McDonald, who heads up the team for planning and CPO for council-led housing regeneration projects, and public sector specialist Rebecca Rowley, who frequently advises on housing-led development and infrastructure schemes

The social housing group at TLT advises clients on the entire remit of social housing maters, boasting ‘broad knowledge and experience‘ regarding new developments. Former practice head Linda Convery has moved into a consultancy role, and Bristol-based David Meecham and Shazia Bashir in London now jointly head up the practice; Meecham supports clients across a range of transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, and lettings, as well as property regeneration, with a focus on large-scale residential schemes. Real estate specialist Bashir is particularly skilled in real estate joint ventures and stock transfers.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP is noted for advising large for-profit and not-for-profit registered providers, as well as private residential developers, on a wide range of social housing-related mandates, and this offering encompasses stock rationalisation, joint ventures, governance, rent caps, building safety, planning, and housing management issues. Acting for both private and public-sector housing providers, Charlie Proddow is sought after for his expertise in property development and estate regeneration. Charlotte Cook is skilled in development work on greenfield and regeneration sites, while Will Rutter has expertise in disposals and acquisitions of properties.

Praised as ‘one of the strongest social housing teams in the country’, Clarke Willmott LLP acts for a large volume of London-based registered providers. The regeneration, property, and development group is led by Kate Silverman, regularly advising on the establishment of joint ventures and the acquisition of sites. Lindsay Felstead heads up the housing management team, while Kary Withers leads the property litigation department. Another key member of the team is Vicky Kells, who chairs the social housing finance practice.

Housing associations, investors, developers, and local authorities are all counted amongst the client base of Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP's social housing team. Its offering encompasses advice on a wide variety of mandates, from development, acquisitions, planning, and construction matters, to joint ventures, maintenance, and asset management mandates. London-based Andrew Casstles and Linda Storey in Basingstoke jointly head up the team, and are ably supported by Mark Sellers, who specialises in assisting registered providers with acquisitions, and Ben Robinson, who is active in the litigation space.

The social housing group at Birketts LLP is well equipped to advise clients on affordable housing development, housing management, disrepair mandates, and regulatory compliance. Establishing for-profit registered providers is also a key area of strength for the group. With expertise in building and fire safety regulations, Jonathan Hulley leads the group alongside deputy head Thaine Wilson. Clive Adams is another noble name leading the housing management practice, focusing on registered providers and local authorities.

The affordable housing practice at Forsters LLP supports registered providers, developers, and contractors with a range of mandates, from the acquisition of land and the development process, to joint ventures, financing, and related disputes. Practice head Sara Branch has notable expertise in the acquisition and development of large and complex mixed-use sites. Branch is ably supported by Jonathan Preece, whose strength lies in planning and construction issues, and Anne O’Neill, who is skilled in large portfolio acquisitions.