HOUSING
We understand the challenges the social housing sector is facing. From navigating numerous regulatory changes to managing increasing financial pressures, the landscape can be daunting. That's where we come in – to offer comprehensive legal support and solutions tailored to your needs and objectives. The experience of our lawyers mean they go beyond the legal work, advising you on the commercial effects of any legal decision that you make.
Building new homes
The rising cost of borrowing and construction, securing suitable and affordable land for development, labour shortages and complex planning processes, alongside the cost-of-living crisis means that building new homes is harder than ever before. At Davitt Jones Bould, we understand these challenges. Our team of specialists in real estate finance, construction, development and planning will help you to achieve your aims in the most cost-effective way.
Changing regulations and policies
Housing associations have been significantly impacted by shifting regulations and policies which have introduced both challenges and opportunities. More recently, new legislation such as the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 has put the safety of tenants and their homes at the forefront. With housing ministers constantly changing, we also understand that policies can cause complications particularly when it comes to decarbonisation, brownfield sites, greenbelts and biodiversity. At Davitt Jones Bould, we have specialist solicitors who will give you the most up to date advice.
OUR SERVICES
What we can advise on
Our team can deal with the full spectrum of real estate issues including:
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Acquisitions and disposals of land for housing development.
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Section 106 affordable housing acquisitions.
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Charging and securitisation projects.
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Obtaining planning permission and variations for developments.
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Drafting and negotiating planning agreements, including Section 106 agreements and nominations agreement.
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Environmental issues including rights to light, contamination and nuisance.
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Securing vacant possession of sites via CPO for large-scale regeneration projects including housing.
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Leases and tenancy agreements.
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Negotiation of development agreements and construction contracts
Financial challenges
Providers of social housing are experiencing significant financial challenges. The cost of debt is increasing, while inflation is driving up operating costs. Davitt Jones Bould have the expertise and the resources to assist you with raising new money, through undertaking charging and securitisation work for you promptly and efficiently, enabling you to continue responding appropriately to the changing conditions to maintain financial resilience. We also have specialists in ESG, who can provide advice in relation to the increasingly prevalent sustainability-linked loans.
Our housing sector team is led by Namita Matkar. She has spent the last 4 and a half years immersed in the social housing sector as an in-house lawyer at Flagship Group, a mid-sized housing association based in the East of England. As Head of Legal, Namita managed all areas of property including development and section 106 acquisitions, site set ups, plot and shared ownership sales, asset management and charging and securitisation.
KEY CONTACTS
HOW WE ADD VALUE
Experienced solicitors
We have the most experienced real estate legal team in the country . All our solicitors have a minimum of 10 years’ post qualification experience, and all have joined from a City background or senior in-house roles.
Specialists
We have specialist lawyers covering the full spectrum of real estate issues, including development work, commercial leases, sales and purchases of land and property, real estate finance, planning, construction, environment, agriculture, sustainability, carbon net-zero, real estate litigation and other related areas.
Accurate first-time results
With our experienced team, we do not need to compromise on accuracy to get the job done quickly. We complete work rapidly to a high standard every time.
Excellent value
All work is undertaken by senior solicitors. There is no delegation to junior lawyers or paralegals because we simply do not have any. We offer fixed fee arrangements for added security, and you are never charged for any administrative work.
RESULTS FOR CLIENTS
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Drafted and negotiated Section 106 agreements relating to numerous multi-million pound housing developments.
Acted for publicly funded Housing Associations in respect of their housing development and ESP purchases.
Acquisition of multiple housing developments on behalf of a national investor.
Secured planning and environmental consents for housing development projects including contesting a highly contentious water infrastructure obligation imposed on a national developer.
Set up a streamlined process for a housing association for all of their section 106 acquisitions of affordable housing from a large national developer.
Advised on and developed several CPOs for major housing developments.
TESTIMONIALS
"It is a comfort to deal with a team of laser focus property lawyers who cover all aspects of property transactions and have the resources to deal with peculiar issues should they arise."
LEGAL 500 2024