Maintaining an ‘outstanding’ standard of individuals within the practice, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles complicated transactions and joint ventures, supplementing its investment expertise with its wider real estate capabilities, including construction, planning and real estate finance. The firm is well-versed in alternative asset classes, handling purpose-built student accommodation, build-to-rent, logistics, and life sciences asset transactions. Nazir Dewji and Samant Narula, who advises private equity real estate funds and international institutional investors, oversee the practice. Within the team, Chris de Pury advises on structured investments and disposals. Adam Bogdanor is an expert in the hotels sector. Celia Berg focuses on residential and student accommodation. Claire Milton is another key member of the practice, well-versed in real estate finance and site acquisitions. Daniel Burnard and Janany Kathirgamanathan made partner in January 2024.

CMS advises clients on portfolio and single asset transactions across a broad spectrum of sectors, including the office, logistics, life sciences and residential sectors. The practice, led by Marie Scott, John Cumpson, Andrew Banton and Chris Rae, has recently seen major growth. In April 2023, Paul Paling and Melanie Hughes joined from Michelmores LLP; in July 2023, Michael Buchanan joined from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP; in October 2023, Barry Edgar joined from Dentons; and in January 2024, Rebecca Moore joined from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Caroline Maude advises on office and mixed-use investments. Alan Crawford is well-versed in assisting Middle Eastern investors in their UK investments. Amit Unadkat assists international clients in inward investments into Europe. Leilah Rawle has especial energy expertise. Amanda Howard is another key name in the practice. In April 2023, Scott Curtis and Irfaan Khaliq were promoted to partner. Ciaran Carvalho left the practice in April 2024.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is well-versed in supporting private capital investors, including private equity and sovereign wealth funds. The firm handles mergers, acquisitions, restructurings and investments involving development elements. It has seen particular activity in the data centre and student accommodation asset classes recently. Jeremy Walden advises on logistics and life sciences matters. Donald Rowlands is a key member of the team, advising on pre-lets and refinancings. Julian Pollock assists with proposed investments into development projects. Shona Grey is an expert in private equity investments. Will Turnbull is experienced in joint venture assistance. The ‘truly exceptional’ Paul Chases has seen recent activity in the residential and shopping centre sectors.

Addleshaw Goddard offers a comprehensive service to its real estate clients, able to advise on construction, planning, funds, finance, and disputes. The firm is particularly skilled in investment transactions connected to development projects. Key sector strengths for the firm include office and retail. The team is led by Iain Hindhaugh, Daniel Woolston and Nancy McGuire. Hindhaugh is adept at advising US clients as well as real estate private equity funds. Woolston advises on complex structures in the alternative assets space. Hemal Kotecha is a key member of the team who advises clients on development transactions. Liam Diggins is well-versed in real estate fund formation and structurings. In May 2023, Rachel Orton left the practice.

Noted for its ability ‘to provide consistent and seamless real estate coverage’ across all major European countries, Clifford Chance LLP maintains an international real estate investment expertise, advising global investors on their investment and joint venture matters. The firm has seen recent activity in the primary office and logistics sectors. Nigel Howorth oversees the practice, containing the likes of Adrian Levy, and Alis Pay, a specialist in cross-border property portfolio transactions. Ian Painter is experienced in pre-lets and joint ventures. Angela Kearns advises on alternative assets, including film studio, logistics, data centre and life sciences assets.

DLA Piper advises a wide range of clients, including institutional investors, private equity funds and hedge funds. The firm is well-versed in investments into development projects across a range of asset classes, seeing recent activity in the data centre sector. Lorraine Reader spearheads the team alongside her practice focusing on logistics and industrial acquisitions. William Naunton advises domestic and international investment transactions. James Knox assists sovereign wealth funds, developers and family offices. Andrew Yates focuses on residential investments. Omer Maroof advises clients on alternative asset class matters, including student accommodation and care homes. Kate Poole joined the practice in November 2023 from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP. In October 2023, Robert O’Hanrahan left the firm.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides a comprehensive service for real estate investment clients, offering wider structuring, financing, planning and litigation support from its broader expertise as needed. The firm is especially strong in supporting clients through their disposals of major investment assets in a range of sectors, including office, logistics, residential and data centres. Lee Jackson, who advises private equity funds and global investors, and Nicholas Bartlett, a specialist in alternative residential assets, head the team. Stewart Womersley is well-versed in cross-border investment transactions; whilst Richard Lampert is an expert in structured finance support. Clare Rudd advises on forward fundings and forward purchases. Michael Buchanan and Kate Poole left the practice in July and November 2023 respectively.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advises clients on a range of matters, including joint ventures, site acquisitions and disposals, and corporate transactions of property companies and portfolios. The firm is particularly experienced in advising sponsors and borrowers through real estate transactions. Alan Samson leads the practice and is well-versed in supporting clients acquiring real estate loan portfolios. Claibourne Harrison advises on private equity transactions. Jeremy Kenley assists with fund formation and leveraged buyouts, while Robert Carr focuses on financings. Isabel Berger is regularly instructed on minority and majority investments and leveraged buyouts. Sean Tierney transferred to the London office from Los Angeles in August 2023, adding his expertise in the hospitality sector.

Gowling WLG supports institutional investors, REITs, developers, and regeneration authorities on asset acquisitions, disposals, management and letting. The firm’s global network enables it to advise on inward investment into the UK from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Chris Hunt spearheads the team. Dan Gwilliam is central to the practice, experienced in transactions across traditional and alternative asset classes. Felicity Lindsay is well-versed in forward fundings and portfolio management. Nick Mumby focuses on mixed-use development matters. Khalil Ahmad handles pension funds and private investors on their transactions. In May 2023, Anjali Bancroft and Tom Baines were made partners.

Hogan Lovells International LLP advises clients on direct and indirect investments across asset classes, from leisure facilities and offices to student accommodation and data centres. The firm is well-versed in advising on the full lifecycle of investment transactions and is experienced in forward funding deals. The practice is led by Mathew Ditchburn and Daniel Norris, who is an expert in shopping centre transactions and asset management. Sian Owles advises on the structuring of joint ventures. Oliver Chamberlain is noted for his experience in the real estate elements of distressed debt. Graham Cutts regularly acts in the office, life sciences and logistics space.

Jones Day supports clients on investment transactions of sites and property portfolios in a variety of sectors, such as hospitality, residential, logistics and offices. The firm is also advising on forward purchases and financings of development projects. Private equity expert Anna Cartwright and David Smith jointly helm the practice. Alistair Grant is a regular advisor to investment funds. Laura Pembridge is well-versed in cross border transactions, especially for private equity clients. Simon Kiff is adept in matters relating to offices. Matthew Peel is experienced in advising alternative lenders and investment managers. Ryan Hill assists clients in alternative assets, such as student accommodation, build-to-rent and logistics. Katie Brown acts for institutional investors, fund vehicles and private companies.

Carrying ‘a high quality brand and service in the investment world’, Linklaters LLP advises clients on pure real estate investment transactions as well as investment-related matters, including real estate finance and tax, disputes, structured finance, environment and planning. The firm regularly advises international investors, developers and occupiers. At the head of the practice, Andy Bruce advises on acquisitions, financings and disposals across Europe. Siobhan Burton advises funds, corporates, and insolvency practitioners. Matthew Plaskow is an expert on real estate M&A transactions, whilst Tom Watkins specialises in private equity real estate. Kathryn Griffiths covers matters in the logistics, hotels, retail and student accommodation spaces. In 2023, Martin Elliott retired from practice.

The ‘exceptional’ team at Mayer Brown International LLP is adept at handling sizable purchases and sales of UK assets across sectors, be they traditional or alternative assets. The firm regularly advises on office, logistics and retail transactions, particularly when connected to development projects. Its clients include major property companies and private equity funds. Chris Harvey, who supports Asian, US, and European investors looking to enter the UK market, leads the team alongside Andrew Hepner. Jeremy Clay is experienced in structured development and finance matters. Caroline Humble is noted for her expertise on direct and indirect investments into office assets. Iain Roberts frequently assists leading property companies and private equity funds.

Mishcon de Reya LLP are well versed in both traditional and alternative residential asset transactions. The department is bolstered by the litigation, planning, construction, tax, and finance expertise offered by the wider firm. Practice head Stephen Hughes is a specialist in regeneration projects. Nick Doffman is a key name, as is Simon Hart, a veteran real estate transaction adviser. Edward Hughes-Power is an alternative residential sector expert. Nicholas Kirby focuses on the life sciences sector. Louise Tainton departed from the firm in October 2023.

Taylor Wessing LLP advises ultra-high net worth individuals and families on their investment transactions, especially in connection with development projects. The firm is also well-versed in financings, including financings under Islamic law. Paul Lawrence, who is a specialist in private wealth real estate investment, oversees the practice. Leona Ahmed is a key name in the firm for Islamic law financing. Mark Rajbenbach is experienced in development-related matters. Matthew Swainston is noted as a ‘very experienced dealmaker’. Georgina Watt, who made partner in May 2023, focuses on investments in the logistics space, whilst Lauren Fendick specialises in the life sciences sector. A regular advisor on forward funded transactions, Chris Turley is another key name.

Baker McKenzie advises clients across the spectrum of investment work, including assisting with sales, leasebacks, and joint ventures. The firm has seen recent activity in the hotel, office, and logistics sectors, advising on portfolio and individual site transactions. Justin Salkeld leads the practice, advising on transactional and development aspects of investments. Ben Farnell supports a range of clients, such as individuals, multinational corporations, and foreign governments. Stefanie Price is a retail specialist within the team. Jack Rubin focuses on real estate finance and construction.

Dentons regularly advises clients on investment matters connected to large development projects, including site acquisitions, refinancings and disposals. The firm is experienced in traditional and alternative assets classes, such as logistics, hotels, build-to-rent and self-storage. Rob Thompson, with expertise in both corporate real estate and real estate finance transactions, leads the practice. Simon Masri is a veteran in the hotels and hospitality sector, whilst Alex Coulter adds logistics expertise. Laura Gowing is another key name in the practice who frequently advises international clients on their property investments into the UK.

Goodwin advises along the life-cycle of investment transactions, supporting clients on all issues connected to a project, such as finance, funds, tax and regulatory matters. The team regularly supports clients in the office, telecoms and logistics spaces, including the last-mile logistics space. James Spence, who is well-versed in transactions across Europe, and Martin Smith, who advises on asset and corporate SPV transactions, lead the team. David Evans is a fund structuring specialist, whilst Simon Woodcock adds to the firm’s international investment expertise. Justin Cornelius acts on all aspects of unlisted closed- and open-ended real estate funds.

With strength in residential investment matters, including BTR and SFR transactions, K&L Gates LLP advises clients on all aspects of real estate matters, including tax, funds, finance, regulatory and investment management matters. The firm is also well-versed in logistics and light industrial investment matters. Christian Major is the practice head. Wayne Smith advises on real estate portfolio transactions and management. Christopher Swallow has expertise in alternative asset sectors, including data centres and student accommodation. Joanna Williams regularly assists on office letting and disposal transactions.

Macfarlanes LLP advises major corporates and private individuals alike, ‘displaying considerable knowledge and commerciality’ throughout each matter. The firm specialises in corporate and private equity real estate matters. It has also seen recent activity in the purpose-built student accommodation space. Clare Breeze is the head of the practice, with experience on financing matters. Dan Marriott regularly advises the full range of investment clients, including borrowers and lenders. Nick Barnes specialises in life sciences assets. Dominic Cunliffe and Tom Pedder retired in April 2023. Steven Pitchford left the firm in August 2023. Tania Barnes made partner in May 2023.

A boutique real estate practice, Maples Teesdale LLP is well-accustomed to asset classes across the property sphere, including offices, residential, retail, and mixed-use. The firm is particularly skilled in supporting international clients in their UK endeavours. At the helm, Declan Power is well-versed in forward funding, forward purchases and joint ventures. Roger Thornton regularly advises on sales and disposals of single assets and portfolios. Neil Sagoo is an expert in transactions of office assets. In October 2023, Chris Wilkinson retired from the practice.

Norton Rose Fulbright is well-versed in portfolio and site acquisition support, particularly in connection with wider development project advice. The firm is particularly specialised in renewable energy asset transactions, with strength in the residential sector also. Practice head David Hawkins is an advisor to international investors on their mixed-use investments. Dan Wagerfield specialises in inward investment from Asia. Wasim Khan is an expert in Islamic finance. Charlie Pinkerton advises on healthcare and residential asset transactions. Helen Finnis and Juliette Kelly are key names.

With experienced practitioners in a range of jurisdictions, Paul Hastings LLP supports clients based and operating across Europe. Michael James is the head of the practice and is experienced in structured acquisitions and disposals across Europe. Stephen Nicolas is well-versed in residential and hotels asset classes. Edward Meadowcroft and Matthew Peters are also of note within the team, experienced in acquisitions and disposals, corporate restructurings, joint ventures and corporate real estate.

Well-versed in big ticket investment transactions, Ropes & Gray LLP specialises in supporting clients in their real estate joint ventures, especially through the creation of investment platforms. The firm is also experienced in distressed assets and handles a range of alternative asset classes, including data centres, PBSA, logistics, and light industrial sites. David Seymour, a joint venture veteran, and Will Bryant, an expert in the logistics and light industrial spaces, lead the team. Harriet Moseley is well-versed on PBSA, co-living and data centre projects. Joseph Patchitt specialises in private equity real estate.

Simmons & Simmons specialises in real estate funds work, advising clients on corporate wrapper deals and joint ventures. The firm’s asset class experience is broad, with experience in office, warehouse, logistics, life science, residential, and mixed-use related matters. John Kelsey leads the practice, and is knowledgeable in structured acquisitions and disposals of investment properties. Ali Crosthwaite contributes to the team’s strength in central London investment work. Matthew Hooton and Jonathon Wilkes focus on corporate wrapper deals. In February 2024, Barry Gross and Oliver s’Jacob joined from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and Morrison Foerster respectively.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP supports private and public sector clients on a range of investment transactions, with experience in mixed use projects as well as residential assets. The firm is particularly experienced in build-to-rent and senior living projects. Kyle Holling leads the team in London. Key team member Julien Allen is well-versed in portfolio financing. Tom Calnan specialises in private equity-related matters. Dwynwen Lewis focuses on the industrial and logistics sector. Katie Todd left the practice in February 2024.

Containing a ‘multi-faceted team of experts’, Wedlake Bell LLP employs specialist practitioners in the commercial, planning, construction and tax sectors to enhance its investment matters. The firm is knowledgeable on transactions within the residential, logistics, office and life sciences. Advising on transactions in the entertainment, hospitality and retail sector, David de Maupeou leads the team. Claire Nelson is adept at supporting clients with their property portfolio managements. Suzanne Gill is an expert on office, retail and telecoms assets.

Burges Salmon LLP provides support to a range of investors, with strength in assisting private pension funds in their transactions and portfolio management. The firm is also strong in the industrial and logistics space. Robert Forman, who is experienced in hotel investments, and Matthew Sims, an office expert, lead the team. Richard Read is a key name within the team.

With multiple offices across the UK and globally, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP handles investment matters for national and international clients. The firm is well versed in a wide array of asset classes, especially leisure, logistics, offices, landed estates and hotels. Lee Medlock heads the team and is highly experienced in leisure sector investment work for private equity-owned businesses. Louise Ward adds insight into ESG aspects of real estate matters. Cara Imbrailo covers retail, offices, medical and residential assets.

The rapidly growing team at Davitt Jones Bould advises public and private clients on the full spectrum of real estate investment matters. Peter Allinson, Madeleine Davitt and John Condliffe lead the team. Davitt is experienced in supporting public bodies, whilst Condliffe is particularly active for major retailers. Teresa Kamppari Baker adds to the firm’s retail expertise alongside her hotel experience. Katy Bearn joined the practice in September 2023 from Gowling WLG.

Farrer & Co focuses on a mid-market investment work for a range of clients, including charities. The practice is headed by Kate Corke, a finance specialist. Mark Gauguier is a key name, with experience on film studio development projects. Sarah Aggarwal specialises in advising charities and high net worth individuals. Barbara Beasley is experienced in forward funding and purchases.In September 2023, Clare Reddy joined the firm from Lewis Silkin LLP.

Fladgate LLP advises clients on joint ventures, lettings, transactions and receiverships. Where necessary, the firm can also draw on construction and planning specialists. Stephen Lewis heads the team, a retail and leisure expert. Kirsty Corkum is experienced in pre-lettings, and Gideon Dabby-Joory is well-versed on finance and asset management matters. Simon Kanter is experienced in project negotiations.

Forsters LLP is experienced in advising overseas investors on their entry into the UK market, acting on matters relating to logistics, senior living and purpose-built student accommodation assets. Magnus Hassett and Victoria Towers, both experts on industrial and logistics matters, spearhead the practice. Andrew Denye is very adept at advising clients on retail assets. Katherine Ekers supports clients with office transactions.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP regularly advises clients on investment transactions originating from within the UK and abroad, especially from North America. The firm is well-versed in joint venture support, including advising on joint venture formation and restructuring. The practice is led by Fiona Kelly from London. Patrick Williams is frequently approached by institutional and private equity investors, as well as fund managers, on their investment matters. Former practice co-chair Darren Rogers and Devina Rana have left the firm to join McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP.

Mills & Reeve LLP is highly adept in providing asset and portfolio transactional and management support to its varied clientele. Laura Holdaway leads the practice and is an adept advisor in finance matters. Carina Davis is a specialist in mixed-use sites. Orla O’Sullivan is noted for her work on forward fundings and pre-lets. Sarah Cooke, Tom Nash and Victoria Davies made partner in June 2023.

Osborne Clarke LLP advises on site acquisitions in a range of asset classes, including residential and logistics, with further strength in portfolio management. Louise Cartwright manages the team, and focuses on the logistics and retail sectors. Richard Wilkinson assists joint ventures, whilst Emma McPeake, who made partner in May 2023, specialises in private equity investments.

With significant experience in cross-border transactions, Sidley Austin LLP is well-versed in direct and indirect investments and joint venture support. Emilie Stewart and Jack Mayall are further names of noted within the team.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is frequently instructed by major investment firms on their multi-jurisdictional transactions and joint ventures. Wheatly MacNamara heads the team, and concentrates on acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures. Samuel Charlton is noted for supporting international fund sponsors on their real estate matters. Angus Lennox joined the practice in November 2023 from an in-house position.

Slaughter and May advises clients on direct and indirect investments across asset classes, including offices, retail, and industrial. The firm is especially experienced in assisting clients with leasehold investment transactions and financings. Jane Edwarde leads the team, advising on retail and office transactions. John Nevin is another key name, and is well-versed in pre-lettings. Mark Gulliford assists clients with financing structures and joint ventures. Simon Bartle is also of note.

Stephenson Harwood is regularly active on behalf of international asset managers, high net worth individuals, and REITs. Simon Brading, an expert on data centre matters, oversees the practice. Catriona Berman is well-versed in hotels and office asset transactions, whilst David Sinclair supports clients active in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. Stephen Laud advises on portfolio disposals. In May 2023, Alexander Chadwick was made partner.

Led by Michael Grace, Collyer Bristow LLP’s ‘commercially astute, highly efficient’ real estate team excels in mixed-use and residential development work. Alex O’Connor boasts a varied client base, ranging from property funds and investors, housing associations and developers to banks, accountants and administrators of distressed properties. With a balanced borrower and lender practice, Rory Macpherson is regularly called upon to handle secured lending transactions. Stephen Gawne is another name to note.

As a ‘full-service real estate firm’, Cripps advises property investment companies, real estate lenders, and retail park and warehouse owners, among other clients. Stephen Hedley, head of the firm’s broader real estate division, co-leads the department alongside Oliver Morris, who advises an impressive roster of clients, including landed estates, property companies, private high net worth investors and offshore investors. John McGeough‘s clients include educational foundations and charities and Alex Gallyer, promoted to partner in May 2024, boasts particular experience advising landed estates.

Fieldfisher‘s real estate team has a particular focus on alternative asset classes, and caters to a diverse client base which spans the industrial, healthcare, and student accommodation sectors. ‘Extremely proactive, personable, and commercial’ Paul Houston heads the firm’s hotel and leisure sector team, as well as the real estate transactional group. Jayne Elkins handles investment sales and purchases and indirect investment structures, while Rhodri Pazzi-Axworthy advises investors and developers on acquisitions, developments, and disposals. Gary Pickard advises public and private clients, with particular expertise in the telecoms sector.

Working in tandem with construction and financing specialists, Hamlins LLP offers a full-service real estate offering. The team advises on structuring and lending matters, and boasts particular expertise in the retail and leisure sectors. Mark Hurst leads the team, handling acquisitions, sales, and refinancings of large portfolios. Joseph Holder boasts an established residential investment practice, while John Leasure advises an impressive list of commercial property investors and developers.

Boasting expertise across the commercial, residential, and mixed-use sectors, Memery Crystal handles the gamut of real estate matters, including sales, acquisitions, developments, and financings. As group head of real estate, John Aynsley handles transactions and developments involving high-value assets. Nicola Kravitz leads the real estate private client and private property teams. Sam Silverman, who acts for both domestic and international clients, was raised to the partnership in early 2024. Industrial property expert Nickhil Mandora made legal director in January 2024.

Specialising in commercial ground rents and long income assistance, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP supports clients across a range of industry sectors, including hotels, housing and industrials. James Nadin spearheads the team, acting on single asset and portfolio transactions. James McNeilly focuses on long income real estate. Ben Law supports family offices and ultra-high net worth individuals. In July 2023, Andrew Mellor and James Gooch joined from Shakespeare Martineau LLP.

Shoosmiths LLP is adept at site transactions across the gamut of asset classes, including data centres, logistics, self-storage and co-living assets. Joseph Mazzucca became head of practice in May 2024 and is accustomed to assisting US clients on the UK aspects of their real estate work. Liam Phillips is an expert on data centres. Isaac Bordon joined the team in November 2023 from DLA Piper.

The ‘pragmatic, responsive and knowledgeable’ team at Travers Smith LLP advises clients on a broad range of asset transactions, with experience in the healthcare, senior living, logistics and mixed-use sectors. The team is led by Emma Pereira, who focuses on real estate fund support. Alex Millar specialises in development and regeneration projects. In May 2023, Simon Rutman retired.