Affordable housing is part of our firm's DNA and we’ve worked in the sector for over 50 years. The past 15 years have seen immense change; affordable housing has been catapulted up the social and political agenda, and our work has grown and broadened with it.
With rapidly evolving legislation, new ways of working and a growing number of businesses entering this important sector, it pays to be working alongside an adviser with well-established expertise, experience and the imagination to innovate.
Housing associations and local authorities are still the bedrock of our client base and we have long and enduring relationships with some of the largest and most successful. A trusted advisor – as well as handling complex transactions and legislative issues, our knowledge and know-how means we can take a step back and act as a strategic partner and sounding board for busy clients in this frenetic sector.
For clients focused on buying and selling individual plots of land, buildings and schemes, we are a hands-on partner with the depth and reassurance of our entire firm’s resource at our fingertips. And for clients focused on large and high profile deals and projects, we offer the scale to get the job done, along with real on-the-ground experience and understanding.
Trusted to work on the most complex affordable housing issues, we have a deep experience of working with the regulator as well as an in-depth understanding of how the sector has evolved and the exciting future that lies ahead. As a firm we are renowned for our expertise in bringing public and private sectors together and helping our clients make the most of innovative partnership and joint venture opportunities.
We pride ourselves on our ability to understand your ideas and see how to build on them, bring them to life and maximise their potential. Passionate and approachable – we are ready to get things done. Expert and pragmatic we can advise you on the big picture and the long-term future of affordable housing.
Our experience includes working on the groundbreaking Meridian Water development. We advised on the restructuring of Peabody – one of the UK’s most iconic housing associations. And we are helping to drive projects on 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.
Affordable housing is at the heart of Trowers
Working across the public and private sectors
Combining scale with real hands-on expertise
Deep understanding of the shifting regulatory environment and rapidly changing agenda
Building lasting relationships that offer a single point of access to the firms entire expertise
Affordable housing
With over 50 years of expertise in the social housing finance sector, our solicitors can assist with securing the finance you need, including sale and leaseback arrangements, group borrowing structures and hedging arrangements.
Affordable housing financeNavigate the evolving housing landscape with strategic asset management. Our team assists housing providers in unlocking new income streams, restructuring portfolios and establishing innovative entities to enhance operational flexibility.
Asset optimisation and diversificationShape resilient organisations with governance structures that align with your mission. Our team collaborates with boards and leadership to navigate regulatory landscapes, optimise governance frameworks and drive strategic success.
Corporate and governanceTransform opportunities into thriving communities. From land acquisition to project completion, our multidisciplinary team provides expert guidance across the development cycle. We can help you navigate challenges and deliver sustainable, inclusive housing solutions.
Development of affordable housingOur team offers comprehensive support in housing management, from policy development to dispute resolution. Our social housing solicitors can assist you in navigating complex regulations and achieving effective outcomes for both landlords and tenants.
Housing management and litigationAccelerate housing delivery by securing vital infrastructure funding. Our expert team navigates complex public funding landscapes, helping you unlock financial support to make developments viable and drive projects forward.
Infrastructure fundingWe can facilitate direct investments and innovative financing solutions, connecting investors with housing providers to expand portfolios and enhance returns.
InvestmentForge successful partnerships to deliver affordable housing. Our team advises on structuring joint ventures that align interests, balance risks and unlock development potential across public and private sectors.
Joint ventures in affordable housingEmpower local authorities to meet housing demands with tailored legal strategies. Our team offers comprehensive support, from policy development and governance to complex joint ventures and housing delivery vehicles.
Local authority housingStreamline large-scale housing transactions with expert legal guidance. Our experts in affordable housing law can assist housing associations, local authorities, investors and funders in managing governance and regulatory compliance to optimise portfolio performance and funding potential.
Portfolio transactionsMaximise the value of your real estate assets to secure essential funding. Our specialist team provides efficient and cost-effective solutions for property finance transactions to support housing development and regeneration.
Real estate finance securityTransform communities through strategic regeneration initiatives. We offer end-to-end support in urban redevelopment, addressing governance, procurement, construction and financing to create sustainable, affordable residential areas.
Regeneration and affordable housingNavigate the complex regulatory landscape of social housing with confidence. Our team provides proactive advice on compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing and other regulatory bodies, helping you address breaches and mitigate risks effectively.
Regulatory and compliance
Our testimonials
"I have one key point of contact, making communications and instructions effective and streamlined. The individuals working in the team provide common sense advice, which cuts across complex legal, technical and commercial issues, which is digestible and readable by business users, which is a critical help to me and my function." - Legal 500, London Social Housing
"The team I work with at Trowers are friendly and approachable and will explain complex matters in layman's terms where necessary. The team have a solid understanding of our requirements through working closely with our business and will always be able to consider and advise on the risks from our perspective." - Legal 500, North West Social Housing
Affordable housing
OUR CASE STUDIES
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.
We advised The Housing Finance Corporation on the structuring of its National Wealth Fund (NWF) guaranteed retrofit funding programme and its updated £2bn Secured Euro Medium Term Note Programme, creating a flexible funding platform for registered providers of affordable housing and supporting investment in new and existing homes, including measures that help decarbonise the UK's affordable housing stock.
"Working with the Trowers & Hamlins team on this innovative financing programme has been a genuinely positive experience..."Andrea Jelic
Knowledge Hub
30 November 2026 has been announced as the date that Awaab’s Law will enter its second phase, significantly extending the legal requirements on social housing landlords beyond damp and mould and marking one of the biggest operational changes in housing compliance in recent years.
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.
Podcast: How affordable and social housing providers have shaped the regeneration of the North West
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.