Social Housing

Housing is a basic human need but a growing population, changing demographic and the rising cost of living means that demand for social housing in the UK often outstrips supply.

Our real estate team includes experienced social and affordable housing experts who work alongside developers, local authorities and housing providers to create social housing for those with the greatest need.

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Our Social housing legal team

Meet the team

Building sustainable communities

Local authorities are regularly under scrutiny to reach housing targets in their areas and to provide housing for those who need it most. We advise on best practice, supporting projects throughout development and ensuring providers have the housing which is needed in their area.

From acquiring and developing strategic land to managing existing assets, our social housing team guides clients through the relevant regulation and governance to ensure their developments and assets are compliant and fit for purpose.

For existing housing, or as a development nears completion, we support clients on leasing and sales of properties, including plots sales, buy backs and staircasing options.

Our approach is commercial but driven by a true desire to support the sector and be involved in projects which make a real difference to the community.

Our social housing solicitors advise registered providers, housing associations and local authorities across the sector, from shared ownership and right to buy transactions through to section 106 affordable housing obligations agreed at the planning stage. Whether you’re a housing association delivering a new development or need ongoing support as an affordable housing provider, we bring the same commercial, sector focused approach to every instruction.

Dedicated sector specialists

With competing demands and requirements from landlords, tenants, developers and local authorities, we use our expertise to deliver projects which satisfy demand and improve the lives of the communities who live in them.

As part of a wider real estate team, we have the strength in depth to advise throughout a project, from planning and development to construction and handover. We’re used to working at a national level, advising on compliance of projects and investment support where needed. And we work seamlessly to ensure you have the expert advice you need to get your project over the line.

Should a project run into difficulties, our real estate disputes team guides clients through any issues, helping to resolve them as efficiently as possible.

Financing major projects can be complex. We recommend the most appropriate funding arrangements for your social housing project, working closely with other advisors to meet deadlines and ensure the project isn’t delayed. Our lawyers also advise companies who are looking to make stock swaps or stock transfers as part of their portfolio management.

We understand the importance of smooth, swift transactions to minimise potential lost revenue if properties are empty for a period of time. In each instance, our approach is bespoke, focusing on your commercial objectives and providing the advice you need to help you achieve them.

Three real estate solicitors discussing

Driving change

Using our experience, and connections throughout the sector, we’re known for supporting clients with more than just legal advice. We add value from day one, sharing knowledge and insight to move your social housing project forward as quickly as possible.

Our knowledge of charity law gives us a valuable insight into the communities who are most in need of social housing and of projects and initiatives which have already been successful.

Working closely with colleagues in our healthcare team, we also help clients with projects with specific needs, such as supported living or retirement properties. This wholistic approach allows us to share best practice and learnings from other projects to improve future developments for other communities.

Services from our Real Estate team

Insights and thought leadership

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Hear what our clients say about us

We recently engaged Cara Keen’s services at HCR Law and were delighted with the promptness and smoothness of our transaction.

Cara and her team are incredibly efficient, taking the stress out of the process and making it a pleasure to work with them. So much so that we have engaged their legal services again, and we are confident this transaction will be just as seamless as the last.

Jo Balding TMO Highways

I recently completed a commercial property purchase with support from Cara Keen at HCR’s Norwich office. The process was handled with clarity, professionalism, and excellent communication throughout. Cara was consistently responsive, thorough, and pragmatic, even when navigating complex lease and VAT elements. I felt fully supported and well-advised from start to finish. Highly recommended.

SK, Investor Landlord Warwickshire

Laura has lots of experience and is incredibly committed to doing the best job possible for her clients.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Gemma is an exceptional planning lawyer, with impressive knowledge of legislation, case law and its implications.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Marc is very responsive, client-focused and pragmatic in giving advice to achieve the intended outcome.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

James is remarkably calm and very solid. He provides a very valuable service and I trust his judgement.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Colin has provided a comprehensive and supportive service to the organisation, demonstrating a significant depth of knowledge and experience in his field.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Thank you so much for all of your support with our transaction. Our Chair of the Building Committee and myself are so grateful for both your professionalism and for the personal commitments that you both made to support the School.

The matter required a quick resolution to ensure that the school was able to secure the facility promptly, as otherwise there was a risk they would lose their existing use of the site altogether. However thanks to the work of Morgan and James, as well as assistance from the wider team of Paul Watkins, Steve Thomas and Oliver Daniels the school was able to secure the site and the assets of the outgoing operator in a timely manner.

Bromsgrove School Sport centre acquisition

The team is knowledgeable, flexible, very engaging and highly responsive. They took care to understand our needs and priorities, gave well considered guidance, and looked after our interests while being pragmatic and enabling progress. They were tenacious in progressing challenges, and diligent in following up.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

Helen Mutucumarana is the partner who led on our project, and I cannot speak highly enough of her approach. Helen was always prepared to make herself available, was forthcoming with advice and knowledge, and I especially appreciated her dedication in chasing down responses from the other party.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

Helen Mutucumarana – commercially astute, hardworking and responsive, Helen is very experienced and highly regarded – an exceptional property lawyer.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

National head of property development James Simpson and head of the Cambridge commercial real estate group Helen Mutucumarana, who has specialist experience in the life sciences, biotechnology, technology, media and emerging tech markets, are recognised leaders in their fields.

The Legal 500 2025 Real Estate

How can we help you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Social housing is rented housing provided by local authorities or housing associations at below market rent, allocated to people based on housing need rather than ability to pay full market price. It exists to ensure affordable, secure housing is available to those who couldn’t otherwise access it. We advise registered providers, local authorities and developers on delivering social housing schemes from acquisition through to completion.

Shared ownership lets a buyer purchase a share of a property, typically between 10% and 75%, and pay rent on the remaining share to a housing association or registered provider. Over time, the buyer can usually purchase further shares through a process called staircasing, eventually owning the property outright. We advise on the legal structure of shared ownership schemes, including staircasing and disposal arrangements.

Affordable housing covers a range of housing types provided at a cost below full market rate, including social rent, shared ownership and other intermediate tenures, aimed at people who can’t afford to buy or rent on the open market. It’s typically secured through a section 106 agreement as a condition of planning permission for larger developments. Our team advises on the delivery of affordable housing throughout a development’s lifecycle.

Right to buy is a scheme that allows eligible council tenants to purchase their home at a discount, based on how long they’ve lived there and the type of property. It’s a distinct legal process from shared ownership, with its own eligibility rules and valuation requirements. We advise both landlords and tenants on right to buy transactions and any disputes that arise from them.