Real EstateHousebuilding and Strategic Land Lawyer

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Leeds is seeking an experienced Real Estate/Housebuilding Lawyer to join their renowned team. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years PQE and a strong background in handling complex residential development transactions. You will manage key client relationships and provide expert advice while working collaboratively within a large team. This position offers excellent benefits, flexible working arrangements, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Performance-related bonuses

Extensive training and development programme

Enhanced pension scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years PQE in Real Estate/Property law required.
• Proven track record in residential development and strategic land transactions is essential.
• Strong experience with routine property transactions is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Manage transactions for housebuilders, developers, and landowners.
• Provide expert advice on VAT and SDLT issues.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Client relationship management

Complex property transactions

Residential development transactions

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Education

Qualified solicitor

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 is a nationally recognised law firm with 13 UK offices and seeks 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

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 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
• 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: 7 years PQE: )
• 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: 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 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