Together we can make good things happen.
Delivering housing that works for residents and landlords alike has never been more challenging. Nationally, there is a serious shortage of affordable and social homes and the situation is expected to worsen as demand continues to grow. Registered providers need advice and support to find delivery models that work in a rapidly-changing marketplace.
Backed by specialists and an in-depth knowledge of social housing, residential and commercial development, planning and construction as well as housing management, employment, finance and funding, corporate and commercial law, we build your team of advisers to help you realise your goals and plug the supply shortfall.
For many registered providers there is an immediate need to improve the operating efficiency of their business, maximise existing assets and ensure they are as flexible and agile as possible to both create, and capitalise on, opportunities to deliver.
A £2 million Government-backed scheme, launched in September 2018, represents an exciting opportunity for registered providers. Successful applicants to the scheme will be able to plan ahead with greater certainty, supported by funding through to 2028/29.
With the right team of advisers at your side, you can achieve your ambitions – providing high-quality homes for those who need them whilst creating a more sustainable future for your organisation. Together, we can make good things happen.
About our services
Our specialist legal and non-legal team advise delivery partners of affordable and social homes in all areas of activity – from securing development finance, to innovative structures and collaborative working, managing the sale or rental of properties and demonstrating good governance along the way. As well as having access to a full legal service, you also have access to other specialist teams in areas such as regulatory, energy, later living and telecommunications.
Working with you
We are more than just legal advisers, we are aligned to your ambitions and help to make good things happen. We understand the wider real estate picture and our social housing team is helping to influence and shape policy with your interests in mind.
While Brexit is dominating political life, our survey of businesses nationwide reveals a comparatively nonchalant attitude towards Brexit by the social housing sector, with scarce preparation and a sense that the low impact felt so far will prevail.
How Our Social Housing Experts Can Help
There is a consensus that the country urgently needs more affordable and social homes. Research by the National Housing Federation and Heriot-Watt University has identified a need for 340,000 new homes each year to 2031, of which 145,000 ‘must be affordable homes.’ To secure the finance needed to address this shortfall in supply, improving efficiency and cash-flow management must be the place to start.
Governance
At a time of industry change, it is increasingly important to demonstrate good governance. As well as being a sign of strong leadership, good governance sends a reassuring message to prospective lenders and delivery partners. Staying up to date with the latest standards and reporting requirements is an important part of running a successful and profitable business.
Collaboration
To compete for opportunities, drive efficiencies and deliver on plans working together is key. All delivery partners – from housing associations and social care providers to local authorities and private developers – need to become better collaborators. Experience of working collaboratively is an advantage, as is working with advisers who understand the expectations of each partner.
Our Social Housing Experts
Louise Drew
Partner & Head of Building Communities
Neil Gosling
Partner & Head of Residential Development
Joanna Lee-Mills
Partner & Head of Social Housing Development
Gary Ekpenyoung
Partner
Emma Joy Smith
Partner
Natalie Owen
Partner
Stewart Freeman
Legal Director
Laura Taylor
Legal Director
Anita Rasaratnam
Legal Director
Vicci Faulkner
Legal Director
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
How can we help?
Our expert lawyers are ready to help you with a wide range of legal services, use the search below or call us on: 0330 024 0333
Key Projects
Our Other Services
Residential Development
Committed to understanding your commercial objectives and providing you with solutions to enhance your business, we don’t just identify problems, we solve legal issues.
Later Living
Our experience in social housing and understanding of many different delivery models means we are an ideal legal partner for your later living concept.
Our latest Social Housing updates
The NPPF consultation affordable housing proposals and their potential impact
Is Ethical Disposal A Viable Option For Registered Providers?
Chancellor Unveils Ambitious Plans to Boost UK Economy
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Our Social Housing experts 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
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