At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert property law advice on affordable housing projects and client relationships.
- Company: Join a top-ranked real estate firm with a strong focus on affordable housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-growing affordable housing sector with exciting projects.
- Qualifications: 6+ years of experience in commercial property or development required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
About the role:
We have a great opportunity for a Senior or Principal Associate within our Housing Development and Regeneration (HDR) team to provide property law advice on all aspects of affordable housing ownership, development and investment. We work for registered providers and local authorities as well as investors. We develop and maintain strong client relationships and become immersed in many aspects of affordable housing with some projects lasting several years. The role covers work streams involving title due diligence, land acquisition and property development and portfolio acquisition and disposal whereby we add real value to client relationships and projects. The role presents the opportunity for a long and meaningful career, working as part of one of the largest real estate teams in the country and for some of the top clients and high profile projects.
About the team:
The Regeneration and Affordable Housing team sits within the Real Estate Group, the third largest Real Estate practice in the UK. We work closely with colleagues in planning, construction, corporate, tax and finance. Our Affordable Housing practice is ranked by both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, with individual team members ranked. We form part of the Housing, Development and Regeneration (HDR) team which comprises 11 partners and 50 qualified lawyers, supported by a team of paralegals, advising on all aspects of residential development and housing‑led regeneration. The HDR teams acts for house builders, mixed use developers, affordable housing providers, landowners (public and private) and investors. The affordable housing market is one of the most active and fastest growing areas of the real estate sector, driven by increased institutional investor interest, the Government’s ten-year, £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme targeting the delivery of 300,000 new homes over the next decade, and continuing demographic demand.
We have a large team specialising in the delivery of affordable housing development, acquisition, disposal and investment, acting for both traditional registered providers and a growing number of private sector and institutional investors entering the market. The team is supported by a wider cross‑firm team that provides transactional support to real‑estate‑led deals. Our large, experienced team and excellent client base delivers growth year on year, and strong resilience in a downturn. We provide significant opportunities for progression and promotion, with bespoke training tailored to individual needs. We invest in each person and conduct regular reviews to help them achieve their career aspirations.
The Affordable Housing team acts for registered providers and investors in the affordable housing sector. The team’s areas of expertise includes:
- acquisitions, disposals and exchanges of land and property (including S106 acquisitions)
- Homes England and GLA grant funding arrangements
- corporate support and debt raise work
- structuring and intragroup arrangements
- building licences and development agreements
- development management agreements
- institutional investment in the affordable housing sector
- investor acquisitions and disposals of residential portfolios
- joint venture structuring (with support from corporate/tax colleagues)
Our clients include:
- Sanctuary Housing Association
- Legal and General Affordable Homes
- Bourneville Village Trust
- Flint Housing Limited (backed by Morgan Stanley)
- Social Housing REIT Plc
About you:
We are looking for someone who has at least 6 years' post‑qualification experience in similar fields or in commercial property or development. Be prepared and eager to forge yourself a long and successful career acting on some exciting projects for top clients. You must be ready to learn, to work hard and to reap the benefits of joining a well‑established and successful practice.
What We Can Offer You:
- The opportunity to work for a firm that has been recognised as one of best places to work in the UK and has been ranked by Great Place to Work® for 26 consecutive years.
- A hybrid approach to office and remote working.
- 25 days annual leave, with the option to buy up to a week's extra annual leave.
- Private medical insurance, and the option to add family members.
- Life assurance covering four times your annual salary.
- The chance of a three‑month sabbatical every five years.
- Maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes.
- A range of health and wellbeing programmes.
- State‑of‑the‑art offices, in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, with an onsite restaurant.
- Opportunities to flourish in your role through training and personal development.
Gowling WLG is committed both to promoting equality and diversity in the firm and to Equal Opportunities in employment. The firm believes in equality of opportunity regardless of race or racial group (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, national origins), religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re‑assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity. This also includes any incidents of perceptive or associative discrimination and harassment. At Gowling WLG we seek to attract and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, to create an exciting and rewarding place to work. Our aim is to fulfil everyone's potential and together to achieve personal and business goals.
Senior/Principal Associate - Affordable Housing employer: Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK for 26 consecutive years. With a strong commitment to employee growth through tailored training and development opportunities, a hybrid working model, and generous benefits including private medical insurance and a three-month sabbatical every five years, employees thrive in a supportive and inclusive culture. Located in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, our state-of-the-art offices provide a vibrant environment for collaboration on high-profile affordable housing projects that make a real difference in communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Associate - Affordable Housing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the affordable housing sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in property law and affordable housing. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their client base and the challenges they face in the affordable housing market. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Associate - Affordable Housing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior/Principal Associate role. Highlight your experience in affordable housing and property law, and show us how you can add value to our team.
Showcase Your Experience:We want to see your journey! Share specific examples of your work in property development, acquisitions, or any relevant projects. This helps us understand your expertise and how it aligns with our needs.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also passionate about affordable housing and eager to grow with us.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gowling WLG
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on property law, especially around affordable housing. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in the sector and be ready to discuss how they might impact your potential role. This shows you're not just interested but also informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in title due diligence, land acquisition, or property development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate how you've added value in previous roles.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Research the HDR team and their projects. Knowing who you’ll be working with and how your role fits into the bigger picture can help you articulate why you’re a great fit for the team. Mention any relevant collaborations you've had with planning, construction, or finance teams.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to affordable housing and their future projects. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the firm aligns with your career aspirations. Think about asking how they measure success in their projects.
