Affordable housing

With a chronic housing shortage (at all but the highest price points) and enduring societal and demographic change, the subject of affordable housing is higher up the political agenda than ever before. 

With a chronic housing shortage (at all but the highest price points) and enduring societal and demographic change, the subject of affordable housing is higher up the political agenda than ever before.

What is "affordable housing" in the 21st century? Who is it for? Who should provide it and how can delivery at scale be accelerated and supported?

Local authorities and housing associations remain under pressure to deliver. Private sector bodies are entering the traditional housing sector with substantial investor backing and the capacity to radically catalyse the market.

Acknowledged as leaders in all aspects of affordable housing, we have over 50 years of experience to draw on and a clear commitment to continue help shape the sector’s direction and contribution. From individual property transactions to the largest mixed-use schemes and strategic partnerships, we work with organisations (singularly and through joint ventures) throughout the UK to deliver, operate and invest in affordable housing.

We have long and enduring relationships with local authorities, housing associations, developers and the government agencies responsible for the funding and regulation of affordable housing. A trusted guide, we help them deliver, operate and collaborate within the complex legal landscape of affordable housing provision - to share thinking and develop new means of delivery whether in the context of investment, traditional and innovative development vehicles, homelessness alleviation or housing led infrastructure and funding.

In recent years, a range of new organisations have sought to establish themselves within the affordable housing sector. We work with many of these new entrants, we help them understand the policy, regulatory and ethical environment which underpins the sector and to deliver complex transactions against that backdrop.

Trusted to work on the most complex affordable housing issues, we use our wide sector knowledge and experience to work collaboratively with clients and third parties alike to deliver their projects or policy objectives. We are notable for our expertise in bringing the public and private sectors together, using our knowledge of both as a foundation for pragmatic and commercially sustainable transactions and relationships.

Our experience includes working on the groundbreaking Meridian Water development, the restructuring of Peabody – one of the UK’s most iconic housing associations as well as significant housing and regeneration projects including those at Newcastle’s Byker Estate, London’s Barking Riverside, Plymouth’s North Prospect and Hyde Group's acquisition and redevelopment of 14 acres at Charlton Riverside.

We are proud of the work we have done in affordable housing over the last half century and remain committed to supporting its future evolution. Housing need is critical and indisputable and we look forward to working with you to address its demands.

In brief

  • 50 years of experience in the affordable housing sector

  • Long standing relationships with local authorities and housing associations across the UK

  • A strategic partner to major players and new entrants to the sector

  • Experts in bringing public and private finance together

  • Deep understanding of the evolving regulatory and policy environment

  • Helping to shape the future of affordable housing

  • Read some of the glowing testimonials from clients who have benefited from working with our affordable housing lawyers:

    Our testimonials

    Read some of the glowing testimonials from clients who have benefited from working with our affordable housing lawyers:

    "Rob Beiley is an excellent problem solver who goes beyond legal advice to help his clients arrive at practical, implementable and commercially viable solutions." – Legal 500, London Real Estate

    "Detailed knowledge of development and, in particular, the affordable housing sector. Willingness to always go the extra mile when needed. Availability – someone is always available to offer support when needed. Understanding of the commercial pressures affecting our business and the requirement to take views when necessary." – Legal 500, South West Real Estate

Read some of the glowing testimonials from clients who have benefited from working with our affordable housing lawyers:

Our case studies

Affordable housing work we do for our clients

  • Supporting the acquisition of affordable homes at Heyford Park

    Trowers advised Simply Affordable Homes RP on its acquisition of 143 newly built homes at Heyford Park, Oxfordshire. The portfolio comprises affordable rented and shared ownership properties, with Trowers advising on all aspects of the property transaction through to completion of its first tranche.

    Read the full case study
    Supporting the acquisition of affordable homes at Heyford Park
    "We are delighted to have supported Simply Affordable Homes on this portfolio transaction. The acquisition underscores Simply Affordable Homes' and Trowers & Hamlins' commitment to addressing the UK's housing challenges by increasing the supply of high-quality affordable homes and helping to create a positive impact on communities, and is further demonstration of the important role that institutional capital can play in addressing the affordable housing supply."
    Anna Streeter
    Senior Associate
  • Advising on a major affordable housing joint venture

    Trowers advised housebuilder Hill on its joint venture with Peabody for two East London developments. The firm advised on the initial site acquisition and funding, the joint venture structure, two affordable housing transactions and related tax arrangements for projects set to deliver almost 900 homes.

    Read the full case study
    Advising on a major affordable housing joint venture
    "Peabody and Hill share a common approach and long-standing commitment to providing distinctive, high-quality new homes across a range of tenures. We are pleased to finalise this partnership agreement, which is Peabody’s first large development through a joint venture arrangement, and look forward to working with Hill to create much needed new homes, jobs and business opportunities in East London..."
    Stephen Howlett
    Chief Executive of Peabody
  • Establishing a shared ownership investment partnership

    Trowers advised The Hyde Group on its shared ownership partnership with M&G, supporting the proposed delivery of around 2,000 sustainably designed affordable homes. The team also advised on the partnership's first stage, involving M&G's £61 million purchase of 422 homes in London and Kent.

    Read the full case study
    Establishing a shared ownership investment partnership
    "We are pleased to have advised The Hyde Group on their new strategic partnership with M&G and the initial acquisition. This partnership will have a significant impact on the affordable housing sector as it opens the door to new opportunities and ways of delivering affordable homes, which is of the utmost importance considering the current climate of the UK housing sector."
    Jeremy Hunt
    Partner

Affordable housing

Meet the team

OUR CASE STUDIES

Affordable housing work we do for our clients

  • Advised Settle and Paradigm on £1.55 billion financing

    Trowers & Hamlins has advised Settle and Paradigm on the £1.55 billion financing as part of the first stage of their merger. In October 2025, Settle Group became a subsidiary of Paradigm Housing Group Limited, with the combined group operating as SettleParadigm. Paradigm Homes Charitable Housing Association Limited and Settle Group aim to legally combine in the next two years. SettleParadigm will operate primarily across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and will become the largest housing association operating in the region, with ownership of almost 27,000 homes.

    • £1.55bn New or refinanced funding negotiated
    • 27,000 Homes owned by the combined group following the merger
    Advised Settle and Paradigm on £1.55 billion financing
    Advised Settle and Paradigm on £1.55 billion financing

Knowledge Hub

Latest in Affordable housing

News
27 August 2026 | Author: Forhad Ahmed, Hannah Jackson & Charlotte Tucker

Trowers & Hamlins advises VIVID on rapid post-completion charging of newly acquired portfolio

International law firm Trowers & Hamlins has advised VIVID on the swift charging of a number of the newly acquired properties in connection with VIVID's existing £2 billion Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) programme, established through its wholly owned subsidiary, Peninsular Capital Plc.

Case Studies
09 October 2026 | Paradigm Homes Charitable Housing Association Limited and Settle Group Limited

Advised Settle and Paradigm on £1.55 billion financing

Trowers & Hamlins has advised Settle and Paradigm on the £1.55 billion financing as part of the first stage of their merger. In October 2025, Settle Group became a subsidiary of Paradigm Housing Group Limited, with the combined group operating as SettleParadigm. Paradigm Homes Charitable Housing Association Limited and Settle Group aim to legally combine in the next two years. SettleParadigm will operate primarily across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and will become the largest housing association operating in the region, with ownership of almost 27,000 homes.