Social Housing

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Overview
Work
Accolades & Testimonials
Meet The Team

Acuity has been a thought leader within the Social Housing sector since the 2009 financial crisis, when we explored contractor finance and bond finance solutions to replace traditional funding streams.

With average house prices continuing to outstrip rises in real wages the demand for social housing is ever increasing, but there remains a shortage of stock.  There is now a very clear appetite for investment in the sector with arrangements seen as innovative when used by Acuity ten years ago now commonplace.

Today, we have an established reputation in the sector with a track record of acting both on routine acquisition, development and management and complex joint venture structures drawing upon our links with allied external financial advisers/modellers. With the growing trend for social housing providers to move into open market sales, often through a subsidiary entity, we can draw upon our experience of acting for the private sector too. We see real benefit in drawing clients from across the spectrum, which sets us apart from rival firms with a narrow sector focus. We are notable for our expertise in bringing the public and private sectors together, using our knowledge of both as a foundation for pragmatic and commercially sustainable transactions and relationships.

Within our ranks we have consultant expertise with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Housing Association scene and decades of experience in meeting housing management and litigation needs.

We are enthusiastic about our involvement in the Social Housing sector, which we see as a key economic driver to bring about positive societal change.

Here are just a few examples of work undertaken within the sector:

  • Advising Warrington Council’s wholly-owned housing subsidiary, Incrementum, on the purchase and development of two large former school sites for the provision of affordable housing
  • Acting for the Mears Group on two ground-breaking bond raises exceeding £100 million to be applied to the acquisition and refurbishment of housing for the homeless in London and the South East trapped in temporary accommodation
  • Advising the Principality as funder of a £100 million residential-led urban regeneration project with the affordable elements of the scheme managed by Cadwyn Housing Association (itself a long-standing client)
  • Advising the government on the acquisition of a site to create a transport hub which will unlock the development of affordable housing on the site and bring with it the regeneration of the surrounding area
  • Acting for Cadwyn Housing Association on the acquisition of a series of disused buildings, bringing them back into beneficial use for those on the common waiting list
  • Acting for Trivallis Limited in the acquisition of sites to develop affordable flats and homes
  • Advising Coastal Housing Group on two homelessness projects operated by the Wallich, including the involvement of Swansea Council
  • Advising our private sector clients on a series of “package deals” with housing associations, including Section 106 sites, for the development of housing
  • Advised on the highly innovative funding arrangements for the development of 200 housing units funded by a leading pension institution. We believe this to be the only affordable scheme delivered in Wales entirely without public subsidy
  • Acting for Coastal Housing Group Limited in relation to any property-related disputes across its residential, leasehold and commercial portfolio

Accolades

  • The Times’ Best Law Firms 2020 – Acuity Law
  • The Social Housing Team is ranked Tier 2 in The Legal 500

Testimonials

“They always provide tip-top advice in a timely manner. They’re always super quick in responding to both calls and emails.”

“Value for money is crucial for us. When we first met with the team, we discussed budgets and costs for legal fees. They were very receptive and understanding, and value for money has been delivered by the team.”

“They understand the social housing sector and the intricacies and differences with private commercial work.”

“Very commercial and pragmatic.”

Claire Knowles, Employment Partner at Acuity Law

Claire Knowles

Managing Partner
Damien Cann

Damien Cann

Partner
Jim Ryan, Partner at Acuity Law

Jim Ryan

Consultant Partner

Juliette Franklin

Legal Director

Liz Gibbons

Partner
Neil Morgan, Partner at Acuity Law

Neil Morgan

Consultant Partner

Philip Graham

Partner

Richard Voke

Consultant Partner
Steve Morris, Construction Partner at Acuity Law

Steve Morris

Partner
jordan martin

Jordan Martin

Associate
Katie Lane, Solicitor at Acuity Law

Katie Hardie

Associate
alun edmunds

Alun Edmunds

Solicitor
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