Affordable Housing Solutions for Developers, Landlords and Communities
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Legal support for housing delivery
Delivering affordable housing that meets the needs of residents, landlords and communities has never been more complex. In the social housing sector, developers and registered providers face increasing pressure to deliver – all while dealing with regulatory change, rising costs, and the push for greater sustainability.
At Shakespeare Martineau, we bring together sector-leading specialists across residential and commercial development, planning, construction, housing management, governance, finance and funding, employment, and corporate law – all under one roof. Our social housing expertise means we work with registered providers, developers, investors and local authorities to deliver homes at scale and at pace. We provide a focused and value-for-money service, combining pragmatic, business-oriented advice with an understanding of our clients’ strategic objectives and drivers, together with a strong sense of social responsibility. We are passionate about making long-lasting change, going above and beyond to exceed our clients’ expectations.
We are always driven by our core ethos: belonging begins with a home. Our blend of legal expertise and sector focus ensures efficiency at every stage, helping clients maximise returns while delivering housing that creates lasting community impact.
Supporting your ambitions in a changing landscape
Many registered providers are balancing the immediate need to deliver new social housing with long-term operational resilience. Whether you’re unlocking value in your existing portfolio, adopting more agile governance models, or exploring new delivery vehicles and joint ventures, we’re here to help you move confidently and compliantly.
Housing delivery requires more than legal know-how – it calls for advisers who understand the wider real estate landscape, the realities of the social housing sector, and the partnerships that drive successful projects. Our team works with you at every stage: from structuring and funding to planning, delivery, and disposal.
Whatever your delivery model or strategic priorities, we help you stay ahead of change and maximise opportunities.
Specialising in affordable housing law
Development structuring and planning
We assist with land acquisition via options, subject to planning agreements, golden brick acquisitions, turnkey acquisitions, and sectional agreements, ensuring projects are structured for compliance, viability, and timely delivery.
Innovative funding models
We advise on funding structures for affordable housing, including grant funding, institutional investment, and private finance arrangements – tailored to your organisation’s priorities and delivery timescales.
Governance, compliance and regulatory advice
We provide comprehensive legal support to boards and executive teams, guiding them through complex regulatory frameworks. Our advice covers governance, compliance, and regulatory matters, ensuring alignment with the Regulator of Social Housing, Homes England, and Ofsted, while meeting statutory and funding obligations, and supporting operational resilience
Asset management and portfolio optimisation
We support registered providers with disrepair claims, service charge and leasehold disputes, and wider compliance or governance matters, while advising on portfolio optimisation strategies that balance regulatory risk with long-term financial and social objectives.
Energy
We support clients in integrating sustainable energy solutions into affordable housing and mixed-use schemes, advising on efficiency measures, renewable technologies, land rights, grid connections, carbon credits and offsets, consents, and regulatory frameworks. We also advise on community energy projects, including heating and water/sewerage infrastructure, as well as power purchase or sale from onshore wind, solar, and hydro schemes.
Telecommunications
We advise on telecoms agreements, wayleaves, rent reviews, renewals, termination under the Telecoms Code and Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, recovery of arrears, and removal of apparatus – supporting registered providers with portfolio management, redevelopment plans, and connectivity for tenants.
Sales and lettings
We advise on shared ownership, Right to Buy, staircasing, and lease extensions, providing efficient legal support from initial agreement through to completion and ongoing management.
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
- Our team offer prompt and professional service, whether through in-person meetings or virtual consultations, you can trust that our advice will be timely and professional, helping you feel confident in your legal matters, every step of the way
- We provide advice that is not only pragmatic and quick but also easy to understand. Every lawyer in our firm is approachable, helpful, and committed to offering reliable legal solutions, making the process straightforward for clients
- Our clear and easily understandable approach has kept clients coming back for years, knowing they can depend on us for comprehensive legal support time and time again
- Our clients regularly highlight the exceptional expertise and professionalism of our lawyers. Our team cares deeply about every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive a thorough and attentive service
What makes our affordable housing services unique
More than legal advisers
We act as true sector partners. We’re more than legal advisers – we’re sector partners. We act as true sector partners. Embedded in the real estate and development landscape, our affordable housing team offers practical insight and joined-up expertise that go beyond legal advice.
Policy and funding insight
We understand the drivers behind policy shifts, funding decisions, and local delivery targets, helping clients shape successful outcomes in a complex housing environment.
Collaborative approach
By working closely with clients and stakeholders, we help deliver quality homes, strengthen communities, and secure long-term organisational resilience and sustainability.
Recognised expertise
Ranked as a leading firm for social housing and real estate in Legal 500, we combine recognised legal excellence with deep sector understanding.
Meet our affordable housing team
Neil Gosling
Partner & Head of Living
Emma Joy Smith
Partner
Gary Ekpenyoung
Partner
Stewart Freeman
Partner
Anita Rasaratnam
Legal Director
Laura Taylor
Legal Director
Vicci Faulkner
Legal Director
Michael Lang
Associate
Sonal Panesar
Associate
Sophie Hunter
Associate
Francesca Saunders
Solicitor
Yasmine Lansiquot
Solicitor
Frazer Magunda
Chartered Legal Executive
Sab Dhillon
Senior Paralegal
Liz Shirley
Legal Assistant
Building a responsible business
Our commitment to sustainability and social impact
We are an accredited B Corporation that is committed to driving positive change in our communities, minimising our impact on the environment, and ensuring an all inclusive diverse and supportive culture for our people.
Wherever you are on your journey, our affordable housing specialists are here to answer any questions you might have
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
