International law firm Trowers & Hamlins has advised Weaver Vale Housing Trust (WVHT) on the acquisition of 117 homes across Cheshire, comprising 70 later living apartments in Northwich and 47 affordable homes in Congleton.
Weaver Vale Housing Trust is a not-for-profit housing association managing over 6,100 affordable homes and 36 shops across the region.
The Waters Cross site in Northwich provides 70 purpose-built one and two-bedroom apartments for people aged 55 and over. Located close to shops, health services and public transport, the development is designed to support residents in maintaining independent lifestyles while remaining connected to their community.
The acquisition of the 47 affordable rental and shared ownership homes from L&Q represents the second phase of a stock transfer agreement signed in 2025. Trowers previously advised WVHT on phase one of the transaction, which saw the transfer of more than 90 homes in Daresbury and Haslington.
This follows the Trowers team’s advice to WVHT on the portfolio acquisition of 89 new-build properties from Auxesia in June 2024, and on a section 106 agreement for 12 units with Anwyl, which completed in March 2026.
Louise Robinson, Partner in the Real Estate team, commented:
"We are pleased to have supported Weaver Vale Housing Trust on this significant acquisition, which supports the continued growth of its existing portfolio while delivering high-quality, affordable homes across Cheshire. Transactions of this nature play an important role in increasing housing supply and supporting sustainable communities, particularly in the later living and affordable housing sectors.
Our longstanding relationship with WVHT has enabled us to provide strategic, commercially focused advice across multiple phases of this programme, and we look forward to continuing to support them in achieving their growth ambitions."
The multi-disciplinary Trowers team was led by Louise, supported by Aisling Chilton, Lois Hart and Keith Cornell (Real Estate); Sophie Emerson, Scarlett Banfield and Chris Yabsley (Planning and Environmental); Andrea Leigh (Construction); Luke Cummings (Corporate); and Rishi Sarin and Robyn Asbury (Banking and Finance).
