Private Client Property

Our role is to advise our clients on all aspects of residential property transactions. This includes everything from the purchase and refurbishment of prime central London houses, the buying of premium apartments off plan and the forward purchase of bespoke luxury houses to the extension and restoration of country estates.

The value, complexity and timelines of these projects require sophisticated advice, which we tailor to the specific needs of our clients.

We don’t typically advise on property transactions in isolation. Building long-term relationships with our clients enables us to offer a co-ordinated approach to both their property investments and personal affairs. We often therefore advise on issues such as owning a multi-purpose portfolio, the impact on multi-generational succession planning and the personal tax and immigration considerations for non-UK residents or non-domiciliaries living in the UK. We draw on expertise from across our firm to provide market-leading advice on planning, construction, employment, tax or contentious matters and liaise with our clients’ other advisers.

Our residential property clients are predominantly business people, whether international investors, entrepreneurs, family businesses or landed estates, all of whom expect us to be responsive and commercial. Increasingly they require advice on non-residential issues, for example, buying an apartment building with retail space, or the acquisition of a corporate holding vehicle.

When making substantial real estate investments, confidence in the advice given is paramount. Particularly for those diversifying their portfolio, or international investors who are new to the UK, we are uniquely placed to guide clients through the peculiarities of investing in UK property. Our deep-rooted knowledge and experience means that we can swiftly identify legal and commercial risks and suggest practical and commercially driven solutions.

As of 6 December 2018, new rules require us to provide a range of prices for certain services. View our relevant price transparency information.

Recent work

Multiple sale and purchase

Acting on the sale and purchase of numerous London residential properties with individual values of more than £25m, including advice in connection with leasehold enfranchisement and extension.

Purchase of estate

Advising a private individual and his trustees in connection with the purchase of a major rural estate, including some thousands of acres, woodland and sporting rights, a mansion house, farmhouses and cottages, achieving exchange of contracts in 10 working days.

Restructuring of lease

Advising a Pension Fund in connection with the restructuring of a lease of mineral rights so as to extend the term of the lease and the area over which rights are granted.

Grant of options

Acting for private landowners in connection with the grant of options over their land to a national housebuilder.

Rationalisation of agricultural tenancies

Advising an institutional client in connection with the rationalisation of agricultural tenancies allowing investment in the holding by the tenant and allowing the landlord to recover possession if relevant parts are zoned for development.

Sale of farm

Advising on the sale of family farm on the outskirts of London, including negotiation of an 80 year overage agreement.

£33m grade II listed house

Advising the purchaser of a £33m grade II listed house on the Crown Estate by way of acquisition of the issued share capital of the vendor company.

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Related contacts

See all contacts

Clare Breeze

Partner and Head of Real Estate

+44 (0)20 7849 2404 Email Clare

What people are saying

"My experience with Macfarlanes to date has been one of an exemplary service from all the individuals that I have worked with. There is a real sense of absolute professionalism when it comes to client care and general real estate law knowledge."

The UK Legal 500 2025