Overview

Our team of real estate finance lawyers is one of the largest and most experienced in the UK. We handle a range of real estate finance matters and advise on transactions on both a UK and cross-jurisdictional basis. We regularly provide advice to banks and other lending institutions on both new lending and enforcement matters.

Our real estate finance lawyers advise on a variety of financing issues, including lending for property acquisition, commercial and residential projects and restructuring existing finance arrangements. We also provide specialist advice on defaulting real estate-backed loans and dealing with inter-creditor issues.

With the experience of three recessions under our belt, we understand the commercial and credit risks of all financing transactions, both in development and investment, and in the core traditional retail, investment, hotels and industrial markets. In the alternative markets, we have been involved in student accommodation and renewables since their inception, and have a growing reputation in BTR.

Areas of focus

Our expertise in real estate finance includes the following:

  • Commercial and residential portfolio acquisitions and disposals.
  • Lending for real estate acquisitions and development projects.
  • Loan book sales.
  • Syndicated and bi-lateral transactional work.
  • Warehousing facilities and securitisations.
  • Tax efficient security structures.
  • Non-transactional work such as standard form loan documentation.
  • Islamic finance structures.
  • Scottish real estate finance.
  • Realisation of real estate security in enforcement situations for lenders, receivers and administrators.
Experience

Advising MetLife on the debt funding provided for the refinance of two office properties in prime locations in Jersey’s financial district with a total value of over £131 million.

Advising HSBC and Bank Leumi in relation to £125 million facility to Audley Retirement.

Advising Helaba as lender on the financing of a trophy office in Glasgow and a newly completed development in Manchester.

Advising HSBC on a £58.7 million development financing of a residential development project for 975 new homes in Canning Town.

Acting for Lloyds in relation to a £50 million facility to fund a mixed commercial and residential portfolio.

Advising HSBC in relation to investment and development facilities to luxury hotel group, Harbour Hotels.

Acting for DRC Capital on a £13 million facility to fund Pier 7, Salford Quays, a site earmarked for residential development.

Advising HSBC in relation to the provision of an £80 million facility to a joint venture between Kier Living and a housing association for the acquisition and development of various sites.

Acting for ICG Longbow on facilities of £52 million to fund the acquisition and development of two housing schemes in Cambridge and Faversham.

Acting for HSBC and RBS on a joint £180 million investment and development facility to a student accommodation provider.

Acting on a UK wide 30 investment property portfolio for a Luxco fund.

Advising Ahli United Bank on the disposal of a Guernsey based, sharia compliant, UK property fund specialising in student accommodation.

Acting on the administration of the Yorkgate Shopping Centre, York.

Acting for a UK Private Bank in composing their suite of facility and security documentation for use in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Advising Generator Group on facilities totalling £16.5 million in respect of residential developments.

Meet the team
Katie Allen

Katie Allen Partner

  • Real Estate Finance
  • Hotels
  • Banking and Finance
Paul Browne

Paul Browne Partner

  • Head of Real Estate
  • Head of International Trade
  • Nuclear
Robert Forman

Robert Forman Partner

  • Head of Scottish Real Estate 
  • Real Estate Advisory
  • Real Estate Investment
Steven James

Steven James Partner

  • Construction and Engineering 
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Construction Disputes
Sally Jupp

Sally Jupp Partner

  • Real Estate Finance
  • Corporate Turnaround and Insolvency
  • Real Estate Investment and Development
Richard Leeming

Richard Leeming Partner

  • Banking and Trade Finance
  • Derivatives, Debt Capital Markets and Securitisations
  • Real Estate Finance
Colin Ligman

Colin Ligman Partner

  • Real Estate
  • Banking and Finance
  • Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency
Stuart McMillan

Stuart McMillan Partner

  • Head of Infrastructure
  • Banking and Finance
  • Energy finance
James Barrett profile image

James Barrett Director

  • Banking and Finance
  • Asset Finance and Asset Backed Lending
  • Derivatives, Debt Capital Markets and Securitisations

Real Estate Finance

Their collaborative and solution-focused attitude comes through strongly.
Legal 500 2021

Burges Salmon careers

We work hard to make sure Burges Salmon is a great place to work.
Find out more