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> Experience > Our practices > Real estate > Residential real estate

Residential real estate lawyers

Our local insights have helped countless individuals and families to acquire and renovate properties around the world. Our goal is always to meet your needs and protect you from unnecessary risk and cost – while acting with the utmost discretion.

Price and service information

Part of what makes us different is our focus on working for individuals and families. This means that we are especially well placed to offer residential real estate advice, whether you are buying a home or purchasing for investment.

We handle all aspects of residential property, from buying and selling homes to leasing and landlord and tenant matters. We routinely assist with renovations, leasehold enfranchisement and complex funding arrangements and ensure the most tax-efficient ways for you to own and hold residential property.

Our detailed knowledge of the local markets in which we operate makes our service thorough and efficient. 
 

We can handle any international complexities with ease, often helping international families to acquire properties in different locations. And where issues arise in related areas such as tax, succession planning or disputes, we work with our colleagues to help smooth the process for you.

Our real estate team advises on commercial, residential and non-profit deals on landmark properties and represents some of the most prominent individuals and institutions in the world.  Watch our video to find out more.

Whatever the matter at hand, our real estate team is focused on meeting the residential needs of successful individuals in a way that protects them from unnecessary risk and cost, acting with the utmost discretion.

Track record

Large UK estate

We acted on the sale of a large UK estate consisting of over 30 properties as well as thousands of acres of land. This sale involved share, business and asset sale. We were proud of the depth of knowledge and capability our team demonstrated with the complexity of the sale of this high value estate.

Purchase of a premier flat

We helped a client acquire a premier flat in London. We provided the client with UK tax advice and property law. The client used bank funding to part finance the purchase, and we assisted by dealing with the lender's requirements on taking security over the property.
 

Sale and works on a listed house

We acted on the sale of a listed house where the freehold was held by an offshore trust. The house had been turned into multiple units, and it required planning permission to combine the property back into one unit. We provided enough information to satisfy the buyer who planned new works. 
 

Property on French Riviera

Advised a Monaco based client on the reorganization of the ownership structure for his EUR 30m property on the French Riviera, working closely with French and Monegasque advisors to rationalize the structure in the context of the new French trust taxation and reporting rules.

US citizen buying UK property

Buying property in a different country can be more complicated between some jurisdictions and in particular for a US buyer in the UK. Our integrated US team in London working with our UK tax and property teams were able to assist our US client to buy the UK residential property, utilizing debt finance from his US trust structure. It was important to get the interplay between US and UK estate taxes right for him in light of him also becoming a UK tax resident, so we have advised on his broader estate planning too.

London rental investment

We assisted our client to acquire a significant rental investment property in Central London consisting of multiple short let flats and penthouses on long leases, We were particularly proud of completing on such a substantial deal in just 10 working days where a huge volume of due diligence was required alongside planning issues and restrictions.

New housing development, Westminster

We have assisted a number of buyers in the purchase of residential units with significant value, in a flagship mixed-used luxury development in Westminster, London. The buyers have been UK and non-UK based, so advice on this has been diverse.

Alameda County trophy home

Full representation of client in acquisition of the most expensive home ever sold in Alameda County, CA. Home is highly engineered and architecturally complex. Client did not use a real estate broker and relied instead on Withers for all due diligence, financing and insurance underwriting, plus the acquisition of a substantial art collection onsite.

Residential real estate in California

Our team in California has deep experience regarding the buying, selling and negotiation of contracts for various residential properties. We have represented the seller of a 25 acre wine country parcel for the development of a luxury home and the purchaser of a resort home in an ultra-high end resort community, including negotiation of a construction contract for purchase of the residence. In addition, we have negotiated and prepared numerous easements with neighboring homeowners, represented a variety of condominium owners in matters involving homeowners associations and represented numerous purchasers of luxury homes and condominiums, including the review of titles and homeowners association documents and architectural guidelines.

Residential subdivision in California

Withers frequently advises on the subdivision of residential properties, which often can be complex in nature. For example, our lawyers in California have prepared sales and risk management documentation and disclosures for a successor developer of a luxury subdivision, advised on the legal governance structure for a commercial/residential subdivision, prepared sales and condominium association documents for a luxury ocean front condominium project and prepared sales and condominium association documents for luxury residential project, along with reciprocal easement agreement with adjacent hotel.

Windup of real estate fund

Handle sale out of multiple apartment assets owned by an offshore fund, together with windup of entity. Windup and liquidation of foreign corporation included issues of law of Curacao, Hong Kong and California/US.

Property on French Riviera

Advised a Monaco based client on the reorganization of the ownership structure for his EUR 30m property on the French Riviera, working closely with French and Monegasque advisors to rationalize the structure in the context of the new French trust taxation and reporting rules.

US citizen buying UK property

Buying property in a different country can be more complicated between some jurisdictions and in particular for a US buyer in the UK. Our integrated US team in London working with our UK tax and property teams were able to assist our US client to buy the UK residential property, utilizing debt finance from his US trust structure. It was important to get the interplay between US and UK estate taxes right for him in light of him also becoming a UK tax resident, so we have advised on his broader estate planning too.

London rental investment

We assisted our client to acquire a significant rental investment property in Central London consisting of multiple short let flats and penthouses on long leases, We were particularly proud of completing on such a substantial deal in just 10 working days where a huge volume of due diligence was required alongside planning issues and restrictions.

New housing development, Westminster

We have assisted a number of buyers in the purchase of residential units with significant value, in a flagship mixed-used luxury development in Westminster, London. The buyers have been UK and non-UK based, so advice on this has been diverse.

US citizen buying UK property

Buying property in a different country can be more complicated between some jurisdictions and in particular for a US buyer in the UK. Our integrated US team in London working with our UK tax and property teams were able to assist our US client to buy the UK residential property, utilizing debt finance from his US trust structure. It was important to get the interplay between US and UK estate taxes right for him in light of him also becoming a UK tax resident, so we have advised on his broader estate planning too.

Alameda County trophy home

Full representation of client in acquisition of the most expensive home ever sold in Alameda County, CA. Home is highly engineered and architecturally complex. Client did not use a real estate broker and relied instead on Withers for all due diligence, financing and insurance underwriting, plus the acquisition of a substantial art collection onsite.

Residential real estate in California

Our team in California has deep experience regarding the buying, selling and negotiation of contracts for various residential properties. We have represented the seller of a 25 acre wine country parcel for the development of a luxury home and the purchaser of a resort home in an ultra-high end resort community, including negotiation of a construction contract for purchase of the residence. In addition, we have negotiated and prepared numerous easements with neighboring homeowners, represented a variety of condominium owners in matters involving homeowners associations and represented numerous purchasers of luxury homes and condominiums, including the review of titles and homeowners association documents and architectural guidelines.

Residential subdivision in California

Withers frequently advises on the subdivision of residential properties, which often can be complex in nature. For example, our lawyers in California have prepared sales and risk management documentation and disclosures for a successor developer of a luxury subdivision, advised on the legal governance structure for a commercial/residential subdivision, prepared sales and condominium association documents for a luxury ocean front condominium project and prepared sales and condominium association documents for luxury residential project, along with reciprocal easement agreement with adjacent hotel.

Windup of real estate fund

Handle sale out of multiple apartment assets owned by an offshore fund, together with windup of entity. Windup and liquidation of foreign corporation included issues of law of Curacao, Hong Kong and California/US.

Windup of real estate fund

Handle sale out of multiple apartment assets owned by an offshore fund, together with windup of entity. Windup and liquidation of foreign corporation included issues of law of Curacao, Hong Kong and California/US.

Our team

Nicholas R Vaughan

Nicholas R Vaughan

Partner | London

Nicholas R Vaughan

Partner | London

Real estate

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Pervaze Ahmed

Pervaze Ahmed

Partner | London

Pervaze Ahmed

Partner | London

Private property

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Bertie Hoskyns-Abrahall

Bertie Hoskyns-Abrahall

Partner | London

Bertie Hoskyns-Abrahall

Partner | London

Real estate

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Edward Jarron

Edward Jarron

Partner | London

Edward Jarron

Partner | London

Real estate

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George Coleman

George Coleman

Partner | London

George Coleman

Partner | London

Real estate

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David M Holland

David M Holland

Partner | London

David M Holland

Partner | London

Real estate

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Amalie Raben-Levetzau

Amalie Raben-Levetzau

Senior Associate | London

Amalie Raben-Levetzau

Senior Associate | London

Private property

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Nicholas Tobin

Nicholas Tobin

Associate | London

Nicholas Tobin

Associate | London

Private property

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Michaela Belham

Michaela Belham

Senior Associate | London

Michaela Belham

Senior Associate | London

Private property

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Rebecca Spencer

Rebecca Spencer

Senior associate | London

Rebecca Spencer

Senior associate | London

Real estate

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Pedro Vasques-Milhinhos

Pedro Vasques-Milhinhos

Trainee Solicitor | London

Pedro Vasques-Milhinhos

Trainee Solicitor | London

Corporate

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Jeremy M Wakeham

Jeremy M Wakeham

Partner | London

Jeremy M Wakeham

Partner | London

Real estate

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Lok Lee

Lok Lee

Associate | London

Lok Lee

Associate | London

Private property

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Laura E Turner (née Smith)

Laura E Turner (née Smith)

Chartered legal executive | London

Laura E Turner (née Smith)

Chartered legal executive | London

Real estate

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Alistair Wilson

Alistair Wilson

Associate | London

Alistair Wilson

Associate | London

Private property

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Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams

Chartered Legal Executive | London

Kelly Williams

Chartered Legal Executive | London

Private property

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Typical clients and industries include

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Construction

Building things should be inspiring. Whatever your project, our construction and real estate teams offer proactive, commercial, and pragmatic advice that will help you to realize your ambitions despite an undeniably challenging time for the industry. Find Out More
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Families and family offices

Families call on us when they want a firm that understands their needs – whether they are looking to pass down wealth, set up and run a family office, or make their mark through philanthropy. Find Out More
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High net worth individuals

With complex interests that often span several jurisdictions, highly successful people need seamless advice. With a full-service offering across our offices around the world, we provide just that. Find Out More

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