Representing a number of large registered providers, housing associations, local authorities and London boroughs, the social housing team at Ashfords LLP has a wide scope of experience that covers property litigation, tenancy management issues, developments and planning mandates, transactions, and public procurement work. On the contentious side, Sian Gibbon, located in Exeter, leads the housing and litigation team, advising on a range of matters including repairs and tenant management issues. On public sector matters and public procurement issues, Lucy Woods is a key name. Bristol’s Derek Moore supports on land acquisitions and development agreements, while Exeter’s Laura Reeve focuses on non-contentious construction work. Senior associate Isabelle Clement is also highly active in assisting registered providers, especially with the purchase and sale of land for development, acquisitions of affordable housing, and regeneration schemes. Paul Butterworth departed in July 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Punches well above its weight in the sector. Great preparation work, excellent collegiate approach.’

  • 'Ashfords are very client focused, and provide sensible and practical advice to ensure the client receives the most satisfactory and cost effective outcome.'

  • 'Zoe McGovern - very detail focused lawyer who provides sensible advice.'

Key clients

  • Sovereign Housing Association
  • Aster Group
  • LiveWest Homes Limited
  • The Guinness Partnership Limited
  • Evolve Housing & Support
  • Cornerstone Housing
  • London Borough of Wandsworth
  • St. Mungo Community Housing Association
  • HFL Group Limited
  • CURO
  • Brick by Brick Croydon Limited
  • Stonewater Limited
  • VIVID
  • London Borough of Southwark
  • Silva Homes
  • Saxon Weald Homes Limited
  • Housing Association Legal Alliance (HALA)
  • Advantage South West Legal Panel
  • Bromford

Work highlights

  • Assisted The Guinness Partnership with hundreds of disrepair claims – both County Court injunction/damages claims and EPA claims before the Magistrates’ Court.
  • Acting on the acquisition of affordable housing for Aster for the delivery of nearly 300 affordable homes as part of a new 800+ home development in Gloucestershire.
  • Acted for the London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond in non-routine litigation matters including residential and commercial possession actions, leasehold matters, disrepair claims, and contentious property issues.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sian Gibbon

Other key lawyers

Tim Heal, Lucy Woods, Patrick Blake, Derek Moore, Michael Gay, Laura Reeve, Isabelle Clement, Zoe McGovern