Real EstateHousebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UK is seeking an ambitious Real Estate / Housebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer in Leeds. The ideal candidate will have 4 years PQE and will manage complex transactions for top housebuilders and developers. This role offers competitive salary, career progression, performance bonuses, and hybrid working options, making it a perfect opportunity for experienced lawyers looking to elevate their careers.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance‑related bonuses

Enhanced pension scheme

Life and income protection

Extensive training and development programme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Handle transactions for housebuilders, developers, and landowners.
• Manage complex property transactions including contracts and agreements.
• Advise on strategic land matters and provide expert VAT advice.

Skills

Real Estate / Property Law expertise

Client relationship management

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Education

Qualified Solicitor with minimum 4 years PQE

Job description

Job Description

Real Estate / Housebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer

Location : Leeds (Flexible Working)

Salary : 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.

Responsibilities

• Handling transactions for housebuilders, developers, landowners, housing associations and local authorities.
• Managing routine and complex property transactions including:
• Conditional and unconditional contracts
• Options agreements
• Golden-brick and affordable housing transactions
• Back-to-back sales
• Deeds of easement
• Infrastructure agreements
• Overage arrangements
• Site assembly projects
• Service charge and management agreements
• Advising on strategic land matters including:
• Promotion agreements
• Hybrid agreements
• Collaboration agreements
• Land pooling
• Building licences
• Mixed-use schemes
• Private Rental Sector (PRS) developments
• Institutional investment transactions
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience with top 10 / 20 housebuilders (desirable).
• Contacts with regional land development agents (desirable).
• Advanced knowledge of affordable housing transactions (desirable).
• Experience in mixed‑use and institutional investment projects (desirable).
• Track record of business development (desirable).
• Additional property‑related qualifications (desirable).

Benefits

• Competitive salary (4‑6 years PQE).
• Performance‑related bonuses.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Life and income protection.
• Extensive training and development programme.
• Clear career progression pathways.
• Mentorship opportunities.
• Support for professional qualifications.
• Exposure to complex high‑value transactions.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Hybrid working options.
• Generous annual leave.
• Family‑friendly policies.
• Well‑being support programmes.

Location & Working Arrangements

• Based : Leeds office.
• Working Pattern : Full‑time.
• Hybrid Working : Flexible working supported.
• National Reach : Part of HSL sector group across 13 UK offices.

About Our Client

• 13 nationwide offices.
• Over 1000 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 would love to hear from you.

For a Confidential Discussion

Lee Hawthorne‑Finch

Employment Type : Full‑Time

Vacancy : 1