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Rachael Watts

Senior Associate


Why choose me

I specialise in social housing development, acting for housing associations, local authorities and developers in the provision of new affordable housing.

I have in-depth knowledge of the sector and take a commercial approach to finding practical and efficient solutions for my clients. Understanding our client’s business is essential to providing pragmatic advice, so I take the time to understand their priorities and preferences.

I’m friendly, responsive and proactive in my approach; maintaining clear and open communication to become an extension of our client’s teams.

I advise on land and property acquisitions through a range of contract types including golden brick agreements, land agreements, development agreements and conditional contracts. I also advise on various development related matters including nominations agreements, Designated Protected Areas, S106 agreements (including mortgagee protection provisions), deeds of easement, infrastructure agreements and transfers of open space.

My experience also includes property disposals, auction sales, estate set-ups, deeds of variation, shared ownership sales, resales and staircasing.

Outside work, I enjoy travelling, live music events and reading. I’m also an active volunteer for Girlguiding and run local Guide and Ranger units.

Rachel Watts

I specialise in social housing development, acting for housing associations, local authorities and developers in the provision of new affordable housing.

I have in-depth knowledge of the sector and take a commercial approach to finding practical and efficient solutions for my clients. Understanding our client’s business is essential to providing pragmatic advice, so I take the time to understand their priorities and preferences.

I’m friendly, responsive and proactive in my approach; maintaining clear and open communication to become an extension of our client’s teams.

I advise on land and property acquisitions through a range of contract types including golden brick agreements, land agreements, development agreements and conditional contracts. I also advise on various development related matters including nominations agreements, Designated Protected Areas, S106 agreements (including mortgagee protection provisions), deeds of easement, infrastructure agreements and transfers of open space.

My experience also includes property disposals, auction sales, estate set-ups, deeds of variation, shared ownership sales, resales and staircasing.

Outside work, I enjoy travelling, live music events and reading. I’m also an active volunteer for Girlguiding and run local Guide and Ranger units.

Related services and specialisms from HCR Law

Read what my clients say about me

We’ve worked with Melissa and Rachael on numerous acquisitions over several years and have always been impressed by the level of service they provide.

They take the time to understand our priorities, explain issues clearly and offer practical advice that supports informed decision-making.

Their professionalism, responsiveness and collaborative approach make them a genuine pleasure to work with. They’ve played an important role in the successful completion of many of our transactions.

Client testimonial Orbit Group Ltd

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