Job Description
Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer
Location: Manchester (Flexible Working)
Salary: £65,000-£95,000 + Extensive Benefits
Experience required: 4+ Years PQE
Join the UK's largest residential development legal team, working with top housebuilders, developers, and strategic land clients across the UK.
Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with 13 UK offices, is seeking an ambitious Real Estate lawyer to join their Housebuilding & Strategic Land (HSL) team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a team of 80+ lawyers supporting the majority of the UK's top 10 and top 20 housebuilders, housing associations, and major regeneration companies.
If you're an experienced Real Estate lawyer with 4+ years' PQE looking to work on complex residential development transactions and build a significant career in property law, this could be your perfect next move.
About the Role
As a Real Estate/Housebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer, you'll be a key member of one of the UK's largest residential development legal teams. You'll work with a diverse client base, handling both routine and complex property transactions across various sectors.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Handling transactions for housebuilders, developers, landowners, housing associations, and local authorities
* Managing routine and complex property transactions, including:
o Conditional and unconditional contracts
o Options agreements
o Golden-brick and affordable housing transactions
o Back-to-back sales
o Deeds of easement
o Infrastructure agreements
o Overage arrangements
o Site assembly projects
o Service charge and management agreements
* Advising on strategic land matters, including:
o Promotion agreements
o Hybrid agreements
o Collaboration agreements
o Land pooling
o Building licences
o Mixed-use schemes
o Private Rental Sector (PRS) developments
o Institutional investment transactions
o Portfolio charging and acquisitions
* Providing expert advice on VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) issues
* Building and maintaining strong client relationships
* Developing contacts with leading residential development land agents
* Contributing to the team's growth and business development efforts
* Supporting colleagues across the HSL sector group
* Participating in the firm's extensive training and development programme
This role offers excellent variety, working with high-profile clients on complex residential development projects, with genuine autonomy and support from an experienced team.
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements:
* Qualified Solicitor with minimum 4 years' PQE in Real Estate/Property law
* Proven track record in residential development and strategic land transactions
* Strong experience with routine property transactions
* Demonstrated competence in handling complex property matters
* Excellent understanding of VAT and SDLT issues
* Strong client relationship management skills
* Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams
* Commercial awareness and strategic thinking
* Ambitious and client-focused approach
* Highly competent with exceptional attention to detail
Desirable:
* Experience with top 10/20 housebuilders
* Contacts with regional land development agents
* Advanced knowledge of affordable housing transactions
* Experience in mixed-use and institutional investment projects
* Track record of business development
* Additional property-related qualifications
Exceptional Benefits Package
Financial Rewards:
* Competitive salary (4-6 years PQE: £65,000-£75,000 | 7+ years PQE: £75,000-£95,000)
* Performance-related bonuses
* Enhanced pension scheme
* Life and income protection
Professional Development:
* Extensive training and development programme
* Clear career progression pathways
* Mentorship opportunities
* Support for professional qualifications
* Exposure to complex, high-value transactions
Work-Life Balance:
* Flexible working arrangements
* Hybrid working options
* Generous annual leave
* Family-friendly policies
* Wellbeing support programmes
Culture & Recognition:
* Part of a Legal Business Awards Law Firm of the Year
* Working Families Top 30 Employer
* Collaborative team culture
* Employee recognition programmes
* Commitment to "doing the right thing"
Location & Working Arrangements
Based: Manchester office
Working Pattern: Full-time
Hybrid Working: Flexible working supported
National Reach: Part of HSL sector group across 13 UK offices
About Our Client
A leading UK law firm committed to:
* 13 nationwide offices
* Over 1,000 colleagues
* Award-winning reputation
* Vision to be the best firm for residential development
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're an experienced Real Estate lawyer looking to join a market-leading team with exceptional development opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Lee Hawthorne-Finch
or lee.hawthorne--