Showcasing extensive expertise in complex construction disputes and allegations of defective design claims, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is routinely called upon to advise major housing associations and multinational corporations. The Birmingham-based department is well versed in private placements and regulatory compliance measures, with head of housing management Emma Hardman being an expert in service charges and rent reviews. Managing partner Peter Hubbard focuses on governance restructuring, Andrew Dudley is experienced in acquisitions and disposals, while Victoria Jardine is a charity law specialist. Helen Tucker is highly knowledgeable in housing litigation and disrepair claims, and Sarah Patrice predominantly focuses on contractual advice.

With a strong track record in handling strategic governance and acquisitions on behalf of major trusts and housing associations, the ‘practical, flexible’ team at Bevan Brittan LLP is highly regarded for its knowledge in housing finance and management issues. With an offering spanning from regeneration scheme expertise to assistance with compulsory purchase orders, the Birmingham-based head of property Rebecca Pendlebury is well versed in joint venture arrangements and procurement projects. Also in Birmingham, Rose Klemperer and Sarah Greenhalgh co-lead the housing division, each specialising in corporate governance and regulatory matters, while Julia Jones is also cited as key.

Representing a client list of registered providers of social housing, local authorities, and investors, Gowling WLG’s Birmingham-based team displays ‘strong sector knowledge’ when handling disposals of property portfolios and residential investment transactions. The advice extends to assisting with complex shared ownership framework agreements, while the head of affordable housing Jacqueline Knox is an expert in public funding arrangements. Richard Beckingsale is knowledgeable in residential investment matters, and Sally Farrall is a social housing development specialist. Gemma Courtenay is also recommended.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP is noted for its focus on disposals and acquisitions of affordable housing, in addition to work related to housing development schemes and Building Safety Act measures. The firm covers all governance, regulatory, and development aspects associated with social housing, steered by Suzanne Benson. In Birmingham, Yetunde Dania is knowledgeable on housing law issues and tenant litigation, Dorota Pawlowski focuses on housing management issues, and Natalie Singh is noted for her finance expertise. Rachael Hobbis acts for commercial developers, and Rachel Ford is also recommended.

Regularly handling mergers for registered providers of social housing, the Devonshires Solicitors LLP practice is highly regarded for its general corporate, governance, and regulatory advice. The firm is experienced in securing anti-social behaviour injunctions, with the head of the Birmingham office Gemma Bell being a specialist in joint ventures and de-mergers. Baljit Basra acts for housing associations and local authorities, while Sharon Thandi regularly supports charities with reorganising group structures.

Overseeing a wide range of transactions for the development and regeneration of land, the ‘exceptionally competent and patient’ Shakespeare Martineau LLP‘s practice is knowledgeable on all aspects of building contracts and planning agreements. In Stratford, Louise Drew leads the social housing division, specialising in mixed-tenure schemes, and Emma Joy Smith focuses on disposal programmes. Rachel Gwynne left the practice in November 2024.

Primarily focusing on housing disputes, ranging from breach of tenancy terms and anti-social behaviour injunctions, Weightmans LLP provides a ‘very proactive and effective’ service to social housing providers. Based out of Liverpool, Sian Evans spearheads the outfit, while Birmingham-based Andrew Brammer is a specialist regulatory lawyer. Joining him in Birmingham, Matthew Lake is an expert property litigator, and Jill Weston is knowledgeable in the healthcare sector.