Real Estate Finance | UK

A&O Shearman continues to stand out as one of the top real estate finance teams in the country. The firm demonstrates impressive capabilities acting for both lenders and sponsors on complex matters, including investments and restructurings. The team acts for an impressive array of clients ranging from major banks and debt funds to insurance companies. It handles a broad caseload of property financings, domestically and internationally.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has an esteemed property finance team with an impressive number of prominent lender clients and additional capability in borrower-side work. The team acts for an enviable client base which includes major banks, investment funds and insurance companies. The firm regularly handles mezzanine and senior debt facilities and development finance transactions.

Jones Day acts for a long list of leading investor and borrower clients. It is adept at handling a wide range of property finance matters, including investment loans, portfolio transactions and development financings. The firm is accomplished at office, student accommodation and logistics financing. It regularly handles financing work across multiple European jurisdictions, in addition to fielding a strong domestic practice.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acts on the full range of property finance matters, frequently representing investors and funds based in the USA, the Middle East and Europe. The firm's particular areas of expertise include debt products, loan-on-loan transactions, restructurings and acquisition finance. It is well-regarded for its work with borrowers and sponsors. The team advises on the financing of properties across a range of asset classes including residential and commercial properties.

Hogan Lovells provides a comprehensive property finance service to both domestic and international clients, drawing on its strengths in complementary areas such as investment funds and tax. The firm acts for a variety of major banks and other large lenders in addition to borrowers. It is experienced in handling the financing for a range of real estate projects, including residential, commercial and hotel developments.

Kirkland & Ellis has a strong practice experienced in acting on high-value transactions across a range of asset classes spanning data centres, hospitality and retail. It fields a team with expertise in all aspects of real estate finance such as mezzanine financing, acquisitions and debt facilities. The firm has an impressive roster of private equity clients. It is well-positioned to advise on cross-border matters.

Freshfields houses an accomplished team that frequently takes on high-profile cross-border and domestic deals involving a variety of asset classes. The team advises a diverse client base of lenders and borrowers, including investment firms, leading banks and real estate companies. The firm's areas of expertise include new lending, restructuring, mezzanine loans and development finance. It is also known for its substantial real estate debt investment practice.

Pinsent Masons maintains close relationships with a number of prominent UK clearing banks and advises on numerous company financings and loan portfolio purchases. It is experienced in financing transactions pertaining to various property developments and acquisitions, including hotels, student accommodation and residential properties. Its client base also includes borrowers.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has a particularly strong reputation for its work advising private equity real estate funds, amongst its broader client base. The firm has vast experience on pan-European transactions, as well as UK-focused matters. The team regularly handles the financings for a variety of real estate portfolios, including residential and hotel developments.

Burges Salmon is recognised for its diverse real estate finance practice. The firm has particular expertise in housing, hotels and student accommodation related matters. The team capably advises banks, borrowers and lenders on UK and cross-border matters.

Greenberg Traurig is an experienced real estate finance shop and acts on matters across the UK and Europe. The firm is particularly adept as counsel for lenders and borrowers and covers a wide-range of real estate asset types. The team possesses notable proficiency acting on securitisations and structured financings.

Reed Smith LLP offers broad property finance expertise, including the management of loan portfolios and CMBS transactions. The team advises on all manner of real estate financings, from secured loans to sale-and-leaseback structures. The firm is noted for its representation of borrowers and is increasingly active on behalf of lenders. It has notable international capabilities, with extensive experience handling pan-European transactions.