Capsticks LLP is well-known for its vast expertise in social housing development and management. The team in Winchester has a wealth of experience handling transactions within the sector, including acquisitions, building leases, and joint ventures, with Michael Owen and Spencer Vella Sultana co-heading the practice. Owen regularly handles a variety of matters such as social housing fraud, disrepair claims, and cases relating to anti-social behaviour. With his in-depth knowledge of construction and planning requirements, Sultana routinely advises clients such as social housing providers and developers. Rita Saadeh is also noted for her experience in site development and regeneration projects.
Social housing in South East
Capsticks LLP
Practice head(s):
Michael Owen; Spencer Vella Sultana
Other key lawyers:
Rita Saadeh; Sarah Christy; Suzanne Smith; Charlotte Rawson; Catherine Craven
Testimonials
‘Mike Owen never fails to deliver. He is always there with great, honest, clear advice. He is extremely supportive to the team.’
‘This practice is excellent at communication, advice, attending meetings, and generally getting the best position for their client.’
‘Michael Owen is a pleasure to work with and his team members Catherine and Charlotte are brilliant. Nothing is too much trouble for him and his team.’
‘Mike Owen is a strong housing lawyer and expert in his field. He provides robust evidence and clear advice.’
‘Spencer Vella Sultana is an exceptional leader and has built a great team.’
‘They have excellent all-round knowledge. They have delivered some great training. They are very prompt with responses. Great customer service.’
‘The partners are very approachable. They don’t over complicate things with legal terms. They are very friendly. They are always happy to meet face to face when requested.’
‘Charlotte Rawson is a credit to Capsticks. She is friendly, clear, and skilled in her expertise. She is a go-to solicitor for housing management enquiries. She presents information in a clear and concise manner whilst ensuring the key details are not overlooked.’
Key clients
Oriel Housing Limited
Ocean Housing
Places for People
Vivid Housing Ltd
Aster Group
Westward Housing
The Guinness Partnership Limited
Raven Housing Trust
Paragon Asra Housing Limited
Teign Housing
Sovereign network Group
Work highlights
- Represented a housing association in the courts in order to determine how tenancies should be terminated on death where there is no succession.
- Acted for Places for People in obtaining an injunction who were causing anti- social behaviour in the client’s block of flats.
- Acted for Oriel Housing Limited in the acquisition and construction of 124 new affordable housing units in Reading.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors handles the full range of social housing matters, including disrepair claims, neighbourhood disputes, unlawful evictions, and homelessness. The team in Harrow is co-led by Manjinder Kaur Atwal, Dianne Cowie, and Bernadette Chikwe. Atwal regularly handles landlord and tenant disputes, nuisance claims, and injunctions. Cowie is recommended for matters relating to vulnerable individuals, including cases that relate to anti-social behaviour, while Chikwe is well-versed in handling possession proceedings. Daljit Singh and Karina Petkova are key members of the team; Singh routinely handles both small claims and multi-track cases within the courts, and Petkova is also noted for her in-depth knowledge of housing litigation and social welfare law.
Practice head(s):
Manjinder Kaur Atwal; Dianne Cowie; Bernadette Chikwe
Other key lawyers:
Karina Petkova; Daljit Singh; Daniel Bacon; Vincent Davis
Testimonials
‘The team at Duncan Lewis are exceptional at what they do. The firm demonstrates their investment in ongoing professional development and client care.’
‘Manjinder Kaur Atwal is dedicated to ensuring her team provide an excellent service daily; she does not fail at that. The team operates as a cohesive unit where individuals from different legal disciplines work together seamlessly. This collaborative approach ensures that clients benefit from a diverse range of perspectives and a comprehensive approach to problem-solving.’
‘The whole team is simply excellent. They are a pleasure to work with and they go the extra mile for their clients. Their housing team in particular is second to none are very knowledgeable, especially when it comes to housing cases that intersect with Equality Act and discrimination law.’
‘The team is led by Manjinder Atwal. She is a formidable solicitor. She is dedicated to each and every one of her clients.’
‘Manjinder Atwal is a quintessential example of tenacity and determination in the legal profession. Renowned for her fearless approach to litigation, she has made a name for herself by championing novel and intriguing arguments that many would hesitate to pursue.’
‘Duncan Lewis Solicitors is absolutely amazing! They provided an exceptional service. They went above and beyond to help me with my legal matters. The team was very professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my case.’
‘The social housing team at Duncan Lewis is well-rounded. They are able to cover the range of issues such as possession claims, homelessness appeals, and judicial reviews. They are hard-working and eager to pursue constructive solutions for their clients.’
‘Dianne Cowie is incredibly knowledgeable and versatile. She never misses a beat, and nothing throws her.’
Work highlights
- Represented multiple clients in possession proceedings, and successfully prevented them from being evicted.
- Acted for a tenant in relation to a disrepair claim.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a go-to firm for clients seeking advice on financing in the social housing sector, regularly representing housing associations and private developers. Heading the practice in Basingstoke, Linda Storey has extensive experience in matters relating to acquisitions, lease extensions, and planning agreements. Charlotte D’Avola is a standout member of the team who is skilled at handling large securitisation transactions. Laura McCann is a key name of note within the practice.
Practice head(s):
Linda Storey
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte D’Avola; Laura McCann; Graham Phillips; Rebecca Conway; Adam Crawford
Testimonials
‘Linda Storey is outstanding. Her knowledge and professionalism are second to none.’
‘They are an absolute pleasure to work with! They offer a very professional and motivated approach. The collective team are trusted advisors who are proactive and take the time to understand out client needs and goals.’
‘I would happily recommend Linda Storey, Laura McCann, and their team to partner with any new homes provider for site set-ups and sales progression in the housing sector.’
‘Linda and Laura bring a great attitude. They really listen and understand the client requirements.’
‘The team has excellent and clear communication.’
‘Adam Crawford and Graham Phillips provide a first-class service. They both have good attention to detail.’
‘Linda Storey is a known industry expert and has a sensible pragmatic approach. She is also excellent at picking up issues missed by other solicitors in the chain and has frequently headed off legal issues that would have become problematic down the line.’
‘The team have a great attitude and explain legal matters in plain language. They are very accessible and knowledgeable about their areas of expertise due to their active involvement in the housing sector.’
Key clients
Sovereign Housing Association Limited
Paragon Asra Housing
Peabody Trust
Hightown Housing Association
MTVH
Poplar HARCA
Watford Community Housing
London & Quadrant Housing Group
Broadland Housing Association
Saxon Weald
Work highlights
- Acted for Peabody in in a large New Build Sales programme in relation to 13 sites.
- Acted for Bromford Housing Group on the loan security aspects of a number of bank loans and private placements.
- Advised bpha on multiple sites regarding acquisition and sales.
Birketts LLP
Since its merger with Batchelors in April 2023, Birketts LLP has expanded its offering in the South East region, focusing on affordable housing development and management. In addition to this, the team is particularly skilled at handling disrepair claims. The practice is led by Thaine Wilson, who is active in the Sevenoaks and London offices. Hulley advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters, while Thaine frequently handles litigation relating to anti-social behaviour and tenancy fraud. Gavinder Ryait is a further standout member of the team who routinely advises on cases involving injunctions.
Practice head(s):
Thaine Wilson
Other key lawyers:
Gavinder Ryait; Andrew Harmer; Clive Adams; Lee Stone
Testimonials
‘Since the merger with Batchelors, Birketts has real depth and experience in its social housing team.’
‘Thaine Wilson stands out for his great client care, tremendous legal instinct, and real knowledge of the sector. Another standout individual is Gavinder Ryait who is loved by clients.’
‘Birketts has a high powered, well respected, and diverse team of excellent lawyers. They are extremely responsive to clients.’
‘Andrew Harmer is a standout individual. He is universally respected across the industry. His quiet authority is peerless in its effectiveness. He sits as a deputy judge in the County Court, which is a testament to his judgement, legal analysis, and first-rate abilities.’
Key clients
Places for People
Orbit Group Limited
Eastlight Community Homes
Chelmer Housing Partnership
Platform Housing Group
Honeycomb Group
London and Quadrant Housing
Hyde Housing
PA Housing
Work highlights
- Advised Chelmer Housing Partnership Limited in connection with the acquisition of 72 affordable homes, the total contract value equating to £12.1 milliion.
- Advised Eastlight Community Homes Limited in connection with the acquisition of 86 affordable homes from Bloor Homes Limited, in which the total contract value equated to £23.5 million.
- Advised Places for People on the acquisition of 41 s106 units from Matthew Homes Limited, for a contract value of £17.5million.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Clarke Willmott LLP houses a strong team in Southampton that routinely advises on a breadth of matters, including disrepair claims, breaches of tenancy, and cases relating to anti-social behaviour. The team is also skilled at drafting policies, leases, and tenancy agreements. Chidem Aliss routinely assists clients within the social housing sector with preparing legal documents as well as advising them on data protection requirements. Lauren Hampton is noted for her experience in possession claims and injunction proceedings. Sarah Orchard left the firm in December 2023.
Other key lawyers:
Chidem Aliss; Lauren Hampton; Senga Howells; Amy Peacey
Testimonials
‘The solicitors are really prompt in their service. They are extremely helpful, and no task is too small or too big. They are very knowledgeable when seeking guidance on cases to get the best outcome.’
‘Lauren Hampton is brilliant to work with. She is very conscientious, and her housing law knowledge is second to none. She is an asset to their team.’
‘The team stands out for its in-depth knowledge of social housing law.’
‘They are responsive and reliable. They give structured advice where needed and advise on the risks of certain actions versus the benefits.’
Key clients
Clarion Housing Association Limited
Phoenix Community Housing Association
Peabody Trust
Poplar HARCA
Newlon Housing Trust
Saxon Weald
Southern Housing
Gateway Housing Association
Orbit Group Limited
West Kent Housing Association
Work highlights
- Advised NSAH on acquisition of 125 units following negotiations between three parties.
- Acted for L&Q in the negotiation and drafting of S.106 agreements, including affordable housing, education and recreation contributions, travel plans/travel plan monitoring, car club, and highway works.
Judge & Priestley LLP
Judge & Priestley LLP has in-depth expertise in the full scope of social housing litigation matters, such as nuisance cases, neighbour disputes, disrepair claims, and tenancy fraud. Leading the team in Bromley, Nitika Singh is particularly skilled at navigating sensitive matters that involve mental health concerns, and damages and possession claims. Mark Oakley is a seasoned member of the team who focuses on property litigation. The team was strengthened by the addition of Andrew Barron, who joined in August 2023, bringing his extensive in-house experience with housing provider.
Practice head(s):
Nitika Singh
Other key lawyers:
Mark Oakley; Andrew Barron; James De Vere Moss; Pamela Bachu
Testimonials
‘The housing team is well organised and personable. The fee earners have a good understanding of their cases and have good relationships with the local authority clients.’
‘The team consistently ensures that the barrister is familiar with the client and the case before attending court. They always prepare an excellent brief. It is a pleasure to work with them.’
‘Pamela Bachu is a senior member of the team and extremely knowledgeable about her cases and clear about the relevant legal arguments. Her leadership on a case is dynamic. She takes all aspects of a case into consideration and is extremely good to work with.’
‘The team are always easy to contact when we need urgent assistance or advice. In complex matters, the cases are allocated to the person with the relevant experience to deal with the matter appropriately.’
‘Nitika Singh, Pamela Bachu, and Andrew Barron are always on hand to give very experienced advice, knowledge, and support wherever needed.’
‘They are a very skilled team who give great legal advice.’
‘They are quick to reply to queries quickly. They are clear and concise.’
Key clients
Housing Association Legal Alliance
Eastlight Community Homes
Central Housing Investment Consortium Ltd
London Borough of Southwark
Barnet Homes
London Borough of Havering
London Borough of Southwark
London Borough of Lambeth
London Borough of Camden
Wandle Homes
Birmingham City Council
Open Door Homes
Devon Mansions TMO
Browning E.M.A. TMO
D’eynsford TMO
Phoenix Community Housing
Southern Housing Group
First Garden Cities Home
Tower Hamlets Community Housing
Work highlights
- Represented a local authority in possession and injunction actions against a tenant who refused to vacate temporary accommodation.
- Provided advice to a residential provider in relation to the Building Safety Act 2022.
- Represented a local authority in relation to a retrospective application for dispensation.
Perrin Myddelton
The social housing team at Perrin Myddelton is particularly skilled at advising local authorities and housing associations. Managing partner Fred Perrin has a particular expertise in matters relating to restrictive covenants. Jonathan Jennings is recommended for matters relating to the acquisition and development of affordable housing projects. Simon Braun stands out for his experience advising on issues involving anti-social behaviour and homelessness. Jeremy Newman often advises on contractual disputes relating to residential development schemes, while Riky Patel frequently handles complex transactions within the sector. The team is based in Harpenden.
Practice head(s):
Fred Perrin; Jonathan Jennings; Simon Braun; Riky Patel
Other key lawyers:
Kathryn Dale; Jeremy Newman
Testimonials
‘Perrin Myddleton is extremely professional. The team is very efficient. All matters are dealt with in a timely manner and thoroughly explained to ensure there is no confusion.’
‘The firm is knowledgeable about the social housing sector and will advise appropriately to achieve the best outcome.’
‘Jonathan Jennings is extremely helpful. He addresses matters thoroughly and keeps it simple for the client to understand processes that need to happen. He is efficient in dealing with matters, ensuring that they are chased up and dealt with as quickly as possible.’
Key clients
Grand Union Housing Group
Longhurst Homes
Abbey Developments
Uttlesford District Council
St Albans District Council
Watford Community Housing Trust
Accent Housing
Luton Community Housing Trust
Zero C Holdings
Thrive Homes
Work highlights
- Acted for Watford Community Housing Trust in the ongoing acquisition of residential apartments, which involved negotiations as to the terms of the agreement for the lease.
- Acted for a housing association and reviewed the shared ownership lease template currently adopted by the client in order to ensure that it was in line with the Capital Funding Guide.
- Represented a housing association regarding the acquisition of affordable housing units, which included carrying out due diligence as well as negotiating a golden brick agreement.
Foot Anstey
Foot Anstey specialises in the acquisition, development, and disposal of social housing projects. Leading the practice from Southampton, Lara Borrett-Lynch routinely advises clients on strategic development as well as golden brick and turnkey transactions. Marina Wickens is another residential development specialist in the team; she frequently handles planning deals, collaboration agreements, and joint ventures. Georgina Massey and Marianne Ironside are both key names within the team. Massey has ample experience assisting with complex transactions in the sector, while Ironside frequently advises on planning requirements.
Practice head(s):
Lara Borrett-Lynch
Other key lawyers:
Philip Brown; Marina Wickens; Georgina Massey; Marianne Ironside; Justine Parson
Testimonials
‘They offer a personal service. They are very attentive and understanding. The practice has a wide range of abilities.’
‘The Foot Anstey team are very professional and very experienced. They work efficiently and effectively. They’re approachable and always easy to get hold of to discuss any issues or problems.’
‘Justine Parsons is a pleasure to work with. She always endeavors to provide an excellent level of service.’
‘This practice has genuine specialists in different departments who collaborate with each other seamlessly behind the scenes with a multi-discipline approach to any advice given.’
‘The team gives broad and strategic advice. They always go beyond their expected level of service levels. I would always want them to be my representatives.’
Key clients
LiveWest Homes Limited
Westco Properties Limited
Abri Group Limited
Aster Group Limited
Vivid Housing Limited
Ocean Housing Limited
Coastline Housing Limited
Westward Housing
Work highlights
- Acted for LiveWest on the acquisition of 80 units from Vistry Partnerships Limited on a large consortium led scheme in Devon for additional affordable housing.
- Acted for LiveWest on the acquisition of a 195 unit site in Cornwall from Vistry Homes Limited for an affordable housing scheme.
Turpin & Miller LLP
The housing team at Turpin & Miller LLP routinely assists tenants who qualify for legal aid with an array of matters such as disrepair claims, homelessness reviews, and unlawful evictions. Spearheading the team in Oxford, Laura Coyle is particularly skilled at handling cases for vulnerable clients, which includes possession claims and injunction proceedings. Vneeta Ratti is another prominent member of the team who advises clients on a wide range of housing issues. Ratti divides her time between Reading and Oxford.
Practice head(s):
Laura Coyle
Other key lawyers:
Vneeta Ratti
Testimonials
‘They work with a diverse range of clients and are always professional. All communications are responded to quickly and in detail. Laura Coyle is very knowledgeable and helpful.’
‘Laura Coyle is incredibly knowledgeable in her field. She’s very easy to talk to and explains everything in detail. She is a genuinely lovely person who will always go above and beyond to help clients and other professionals.’
‘They are always willing to help. They offer clear and practical advice. They are friendly and make you feel at ease.’
Work highlights
- Acted for a vulnerable client with mental health problems in the challenging of a possession order on Equality Act grounds at the Court of Appeal.
- Acted for a client suffering from serious mental health difficulties and learning disabilities in possession proceedings and negotiated a further offer of alternative accommodation.
- Acted for an exceptionally vulnerable and challenging tenant in a longstanding possession case.