Harper Macleod LLP is well reputed for its depth of expertise in the social housing sector, representing government authorities, registered social landlords (RSL) and private corporations. The practice is jointly led by Derek Hogg and James McMorrow, who regularly advise clients on site acquisitions, procurement issues, construction matters, and project development work. Hogg has regulatory, policy and governance expertise, while McMorrow excels at public procurement and subsidy control matters. Collette Miller often assists clients with Financial Conduct Authority compliance, while Euan Pirie leverages strong construction expertise. David McIndoe strengthens the team with his knowledge of land law and shared equity schemes.

T C Young fields an enviably broad practice with ‘excellent knowledge of the housing sector’, governance expertise and technical knowledge. Under the supervision of Andrew Cowan and Alison Brynes, the team plays a leading role in the commencement and development of several domestically significant affordable housing projects. Brynes is a key contact for public authorities, advising on site acquisitions, while Cowan assists registered social landlords with the entire lifecycle of a project. Lauren Little is a project finance and procurement specialist, while Alastair McKendrick is a renowned property litigator. The practice is bolstered by Len Freedman, who predominantly works with local housing associations, and Eileen Barr, who is noted for her data protection and freedom of information expertise.

Under the stewardship of Chris Dun and Fiona McLeod, the ‘competent and knowledgeable’ social housing team at Brodies LLP advises major banks, local councils and various housing associations. The practice has seen growth in regulatory compliance and housing management matters, and is also well-regarded for its role in advising clients on the provision of loan facilities. Dun leverages extensive transactional expertise to assist with project financing on major affordable housing projects, and McLeod advises on the establishment of exclusion zones, property access matters and the provision of appropriate land for development. Jenna Monteith is a key member of the practice, predominantly working with housing authorities.

Burness Paull LLP provides registered social landlords, property investors and real estate corporations with ‘a strong partner-led service’, assisting with land acquisitions, sales and developments. The practice is jointly led by Peter Chambers, a key name in domestic affordable housebuilding, alongside Louise Chambers, who frequently assists clients with urban regeneration projects. The ‘highly rated’ David Antonelli often works with private developers and housing associations, while Ruth McNaught uses her public law and regulatory experience to advise on the full gamut of mandates in the social housing sector.

The ‘very experienced’ social housing practice at Anderson Strathern represents local councils and housing associations, assisting with tenancy disputes, project development matters and land acquisitions. Department head and advocate Shirley Evans works on tenancy conversions, succession claims and eviction proceedings. The bench is strengthened further by the broad skillsets of Euan Mellor and Neil Fraser.

BTO Solicitors LLP adopts a multidisciplinary approach while providing housing associations with an ‘excellent and professional level of service’. Jeremy Glen leads a team, which frequently provides regulatory advice, governance assistance and land acquisition support. Marieclaire Reid has ‘extensive knowledge of social housing law’ and works with various registered social landlords on contractual negotiations and development work. Aaron Kane is a noted litigator and also contributes to the practice.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts frequently acts for both private and public sector entities and is well equipped to handle the full gamut of mandates in the social housing legal landscape. The practice’s strengths include advising on housing policy, construction disputes and best environmental practices. Department head Suzanne Hardie is well reputed for her work in affordable housing project development, while Andrew Meakin brings valuable banking and financial expertise to the team.

Thorntons Law LLP‘s practice advises housing associations, property developers and financial institutions, and is led by David Milne, who leverages extensive transactional and project development expertise. The team frequently assists with property recoveries, site acquisitions and data protection requests. Milne is a skilled real estate financier and has recently offered assistance in the completion of complex collateral agreements. Sarah Cooper is building a strong track record in affordable housing litigation.