Department profile
Freeths LLP

Real Estate

UK Guide 2026 : Yorkshire

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Freeths LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Freeths LLP

Our Yorkshire Real Estate team (based in Leeds and Sheffield) is experienced, dynamic and ambitious.

The roster of clients they work for, including in many cases being the sole legal provider, is testament to this. 

The team have won awards, including Insider’s 2024 Yorkshire Property Law Firm of the Year.  The judges stated that Freeths, “excelled beyond the scale of its resources, with the firm showing a breadth of advice across finance, renewables, energy, environmental and planning.”  They are also part of a national 150+ strong Real Estate team which was named Property Week’s Outstanding Law Firm of the Year 2025, led by their mantra to “do the right thing”.

The team focuses on the following areas:

  • Leisure and Retail: They act for several “household” retail and hotel operators, and as a firm are the sole property solicitors for a major supermarket chain.
  • Residential Development: the Yorkshire team acts for household names such as Barratt Redrow, Vistry Group, Taylor Wimpey and Keepmoat, as well as many other national and regional housebuilders. It is part of the firm’s national Housebuilding & Strategic Land team.
  • Real Estate Finance: Acting for lenders and borrowers.
  • Corporate occupiers: office and industrial.
  • Investor Landlords.
  • Commercial Development and Urban Regeneration.
  • Local Authority and Public Sector.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - Yorkshire

Band 4

What the Team is Known For
Freeths is particularly noted for its significant experience in logistics and retail sector property transactions. The firm frequently assists with commercial lease negotiations, as well as portfolio management, financing and acquisitions. Noteworthy clients include developers and national retailers.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Freeths supported Wickes Building Supplies on its strategic refurbishment programme, lease regears and the development of new stores.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Freeths have strong leadership, expert knowledge and strong negotiating and communication skills. They have a friendly and accommodating approach and are very commercial.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • The team are efficient, professional, supportive with advice and guidance, and always respond within a short time period. They have excellent knowledge and awareness.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • Freeths take a very customer-centric approach. They work in partnership with us and support us in overcoming obstacles with pace and tenacity. Their communication is second to none.

    Real Estate respondentUK

  • The Freeths team are extremely thorough in their approach. If they have to go the extra mile to help us, they are always willing to do so.

    Real Estate respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John Flathers
    John Flathers

    John Flathers

    John Flathers regularly assists clients with acquisitions and sales, as well as the real estate aspects of corporate transactions. He counts significant real estate investors and developers among his clients.

    • John has a huge amount of experience. He is very pragmatic and commercial and does not overcomplicate matters. He is also calm and resilient in challenging situations.

      Real Estate respondentUK

    • John is always available, willing to help and offers straightforward advice.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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  • Liz Banks
    Liz Banks

    Liz Banks

    Liz Banks is a partner in the firm's real estate group. Clients regularly call upon her for advice on a range of property-related matters including commercial development, leasing matters, acquisitions and disposals.

    • Liz is highly commercial and goal-oriented. She is highly knowledgeable and solutions-focused and always finds a way to the right outcome for all parties.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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  • Tomasin Reilly
    Tomasin Reilly

    Tomasin Reilly

    Tomasin Reilly is equipped to provide advice on both residential and commercial real estate matters. She counts local authorities, investment funds, house builders, landlords and developers among her clients.

    • Tomasin is very knowledgeable. She works collaboratively with us as clients, always keeps us well briefed and is a strong leader of her wider team.

      Real Estate respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Freeths LLP (3)

Yorkshire

Members

Provided by Freeths LLP

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