Social Housing | UK

Harper Macleod has a top-drawer social housing practice with significant experience acting for public sector entities, registered social landlords (RSLs) and private developers. The firm has noted expertise in mergers and transactions throughout the sector and particular knowledge of the Scottish Help to Buy scheme and stock transfers. It also regularly advises on regulatory and governance matters, and offers expertise in private placement finance deals.

BTO Solicitors has a well-regarded affordable housing practice that also represents registered social landlords (RSLs). The team specialises in acting on employment matters and large-scale voluntary transfers in the social housing sphere. It also offers advice on regulatory and governance issues. The group has additional experience advising landlords on IT and contractual disputes. The practitioners also have notable experience in development site acquisitions.

Burness Paull acts for prominent social housing providers and charities on matters including construction projects, bond placements and development of new legal structures. The group is also adept at advising on residential developments and social housing acquisitions. The team is experienced with clientele in both the public and private sectors. It is also skilled in advising on finance matters.

Shoosmiths has a respected practice with a broad social housing offering including sector-specific advice on real estate and development matters. The team is reputed for its capabilities in handling social housing issues that involve elements of employment law. It also exhibits strength in group structures and regulatory compliance. It offers experience in handling property management work.

Addleshaw Goddard has a wide-ranging social housing practice with particular experience advising on matters related to employment, energy and funding structure aspects of this sector. It acts for registered social landlords, community groups and funding institutions. The team is also noted for its strength in housing management work.

Brodies is a recognised firm with a strong social housing practice noted for its expertise in development finance and complex litigation matters. It advises a broad range of clients including housing associations, banks and local councils among others.

In November 2023 Morton Fraser and MacRoberts merged, the combined firm is called Morton Fraser MacRoberts. Morton Fraser MacRoberts has an active social housing practice group with particular strength in sector-related financing. The team is often instructed by an enviable client list of prominent banks, as well as registered social landlords and the Scottish Government. It offers further expertise in property procurement.