Social Housing: Finance
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7628 7576About
Provided by Devonshires LLP
Banking, Capital Markets & Property Charging - Our teams set the gold standard
A notable feature of the legal market for bonds and private placements for Registered Providers is the degree to which our Banking, Capital Markets and Property Charging teams continue to dominate. We have one of the largest specialist banking, capital markets and securitisation teams working in the UK dedicated to social housing.
We have expertise in general banking, social housing finance and project finance for commercial and private clients in the UK and internationally, and have raised over £30 billion in private finance over the last 20 years for the social housing sector alone. Our teams have the capability to advise on complex transactions to tight timescales whilst providing support in a hands-on and responsive manner. We have one of the largest banking teams and the largest property charging teams working on social housing finance matters in the UK. Our reputation in this area of work means that we are at the forefront of developing and structuring all manner of finance related transactions.
Find out more on our expertise in this area on our website.
Chambers Review
Devonshires is one of the leading firms for borrowers, regularly handling capital markets issues and loan documentation. The team acts for registered providers and registered social landlords on securitisation issues and property charging exercises, and is also equipped to advise them on lending arrangements and on the finance aspects of their mergers.
Work Highlights
- Devonshires advised Southern Housing and Optivo Finance on bond transactions including a repurchase and forward purchase agreement totalling £250 million.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Devonshires team look for creative solutions and provide pragmatic options for consideration. They are well resourced and provide a prompt and efficient service."
"The team at Devonshires is amazing, and the service level is second to none. They can always be relied upon to deliver a project within budget."
"Devonshires completes work for us very efficiently and competently to tight deadlines. The team there is able to provide support in all areas we require."
"The depth and breadth of the Devonshires team is excellent. No question has been left unanswered, with people brought in on topics which the main contact does not specialise in."
"The Devonshires team look for creative solutions and provide pragmatic options for consideration. They are well resourced and provide a prompt and efficient service."
"The team at Devonshires is amazing, and the service level is second to none. They can always be relied upon to deliver a project within budget."
"Devonshires completes work for us very efficiently and competently to tight deadlines. The team there is able to provide support in all areas we require."
"The depth and breadth of the Devonshires team is excellent. No question has been left unanswered, with people brought in on topics which the main contact does not specialise in."
Notable Practitioners
Julian Barker has extensive experience advising registered providers on funding opportunities, including bond issues, private placements and syndicated and bilateral loans. He has further strength advising on restructures of corporate financing.
"Julian Barker is incredibly well connected, knowledgeable and experienced. He brings a confident pragmatism and makes speedy and wise decisions that amount to valuable, actionable advice."
"Julian provides a responsive and diligently delivered service that meets our needs."
"Julian ensures that his team always delivers a high level of service. He often turns around work to tight deadlines in order to meet our requirements."
Sharon Kirkham routinely advises registered providers and lenders on security and property charging transactions.
"We would be lost without Sharon's knowledge and expertise."
"Sharon Kirkham is an extremely established individual who has a fantastic depth of knowledge."
"Sharon is one of the hardest-working lawyers you will ever meet. Her work rate is incredible."
"Sharon is extremely knowledgeable within the sector and is a very friendly and approachable person."
Chris Drabble is particularly skilled at advising borrowers and lenders on social housing sector security transactions, including bilateral loan financings, bond issues and group restructurings.
"Chris is clear, communicative and able to distil complex legal matters to the key inputs and outputs."
Gary Grigor focuses his practice on advising banks on private placement bonds, debt facilities and derivatives contracts. He is also skilled in advising borrowers on their financing arrangements.
"Gary is very efficient, knowledgeable and always helpful."
Alice Overton advises registered providers on a range of social housing finance matters, offering particular strength in bond issues and private placements.
"Alice is a consummate professional who provides a high level of service. She is a great sounding board and can offer sound advice as to current market trends."
"Alice Overton is a very efficient and sensible lawyer."
Natalie Swales is developing a strong practice advising borrowers, lenders and private bond arrangers on a variety of social housing transactions.
"Natalie shows a depth of Knowledge and willingness to assist regardless of the complexity of the issue."
Ranked Lawyers at
Devonshires LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Devonshires LLP
Richard Sharpe
Saghar Roya