Legal services for urban and rural landed estates

Our residential asset management expertise covers every aspect of real estate faced day to day by our clients. This includes advice on:

• residential licensing
• the Building Safety Act 2022
• individual plot sales
• tenancy issues and property dispute resolution, including court and tribunal proceedings.

Clients value our commercial, pragmatic approach and our in-depth understanding of landed estates from both a landlord and tenant perspective.

We are renowned leaders in the field of leasehold enfranchisement, having won Firm of the Year and Solicitor of the Year at the Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards seven times in a ten year period, an achievement which recognises our expertise, dedication and commitment to providing excellent service in this area.  We act on:

• statutory and voluntary lease extensions
• collective enfranchisement
• freehold house claims
• tenants’ rights of first refusal, and
• tenants’ right to manage.

We have had unrivalled success in the courts, having won leading cases in the Court of Appeal, the House of Lords and the Supreme Court.  Our team is able to navigate the most complex of disputes over technical nuanced interpretations of the relevant legislation and have directly led to the development of enfranchisement law.

We advise on every stage of our clients’ development and regeneration projects ranging from landmark office developments to mixed-use and residential schemes. We advise on every aspect from the planning stage through to construction and disposal including:

• site assembly
• service charge set up
• securing vacant possession
• funding
• holding and development structures
• disposal arrangements, and
• public sector issues.

Find out more about our property development services.

With one of the largest property litigation teams in the country, we are able to provide our estate clients with the highest level of expertise in all manner of property related disputes ranging from landlord and tenant issues to easements/covenant and construction disputes that might jeopardise a development project if not dealt with effectively. Our understanding of estate priorities enables us to keep the bigger picture in sight at all times while ensuring that we protect the long term value of the asset and estate generally.

Beyond real estate legal advice, we can help you with all other aspects of operating and structuring a growing business. Our award-winning corporate team can help with:

• acquisitions or joint ventures
• banking and finance
• negotiating commercial contracts
• employment matters, and
• resolving commercial disputes

Many landed estates are family-owned. This presents unique considerations, where business and personal motivations are closely linked and emotional factors play an important role. Our long experience in acting for landed estates means we live and breathe these challenges, providing tailored advice on governance, succession planning, philanthropy and how best to protect, grow and share your legacy.

Find out more about our private client services.