Social Housing
Our unique combination of expertise and in-depth experience means we can provide you with an innovative solution to drive efficiency and quality, while reducing cost. Our highly rated Social Housing team advises on all aspects of housing law.
Social Housing Development
Delivering social housing has never been more challenging and it’s been estimated by the National Housing Federation that the sector needs to deliver 145,000 dwellings per annum until 2031 to meet current demand. Freeths’ unique combination of expertise means we can provide the support and guidance needed to help you in delivering this key housing need. Our dedicated Social Housing team advises on all aspects of development, from the acquisition and construction of residential estates, Section 106 acquisitions, regeneration schemes, funding and grant agreements to planning and infrastructure agreements. This is complimented by our Newbuild and Social Housing Plot Sales team who can advise on shared ownership disposals, staircasing and right to buy.
With support from knowledgeable teams of lawyers covering environmental law, construction, planning, litigation and property tax we can provide a seamless combination of specialists to deliver the right solution for you.
Our social housing expertise
Our Real Estate team is highly ranked by clients’ guide to the legal profession, Chambers and Partners, with a number of lawyers who are ranked leaders in their field. So when you are looking for a service that offers you real solutions built on outstanding expertise, rather than just legal advice, talk to our team.
Some of our team have been on the board of, or worked in, social housing organisations. With over 100 years’ combined experience of acting for the social housing sector, we have a real understanding of the operational issues, aims, aspirations and challenges you may be facing.
Members of our team have presented to national housing bodies/organisations including the National Housing Federation and Building Research Housing Group and to a number of registered providers.
Key contact
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Our accreditations
We are celebrating another year of accreditations and rankings.
Why choose our social housing team?
- We have in depth transactional expertise in Social Housing having worked for many providers for many years
- We are commercially-minded and good value for money
- You can trust us to know where you’re coming from, given our experience
Notable work
- Advising on the acquisition of 122 affordable units across 3 sites via a golden brick development agreement with a combined value of £21,100,00.
- Acting for an RP acquiring a total of 142 S.106 Units from a developer. By agreeing a precedent contract at the outset, we reduced unnecessary time and cost for the 6 separate sites comprised in this deal.
- Advised a local authority on the purchase of an affordable block of flats for providing accommodation for residents on the authorities’ housing waiting list. Complicating factors included the block sharing a podium structure with 3 open market blocks and a CHP heating and water system.
- Acted in the formation of a joint venture between the development arm of a registered provider and a local developer in the acquisition of land on the banks of the River Trent. This was to facilitate the construction of private and social housing with the social housing element being sold to the registered provider on market terms. The profit generated by the development of private housing is being passed to the charitable registered provider.
- Acting on behalf of local authorities and registered social landlords in connection with a large number of housing disrepair claims.
- Acting for a large Registered Provider in the Oxford area for a regeneration under a phased JCT. Provided complex advice on securing acquisition of existing dwellings from third parties to manage cashflow and ensure timely possession, to avoid JCT penalties.
- Advising a housing association client in the variation of a building lease of 380 mixed-tenure dwellings in the East Midlands to enable delivery and the financial viability of the final phase.
- Acting for a local authority in a Joint Venture with a private house builder for redeveloping an old Council depot. Provided advice on plot disposals, with market units sold by the developer and affordable units transferred back to the Council.
- Acting in the first development project for a supported living charity in its sub-sale land and build package for 18 supported living units for vulnerable adults and the associated real estate finance due diligence.
- Advised on and negotiated a number of housing association social care leases as part of a strategic landlord contract with a local authority.
AH
"...Freeths provides proactive, focus and practical advice, striking a balance between the requirements of managers in the dynamic environment of s...
Ashfield Homes
NCHA
"Their services have been of the highest quality and value for money. I have no hesitation in recommending Freeths solicitors."
Nottingham Community Housing Association
“We know we can rely on Freeths to deliver an excellent service.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Freeths handle matters very diligently, and are commercially minded when providing advice.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
LG
"...a one stop shop solution giving us a value for money service."
Longhurst Group
Meet the team
Patrick Adie
National Head of Housebuilding & Strategic Land
James Hart
Regional Lead for Real Estate in the Midlands – Partner in the Housebuilding & Strategic Land Team
Stephanie Gozney
Managing Associate
Gillian Mackintosh
Senior Associate
Contact us today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
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