Senior Real Estate Counsel - Hybrid, JV & Development

Michael Page Legal; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical

Life Assurance

Enhanced Pension

Hybrid Working

Childcare Flexibility

Job summary

Michael Page Legal is seeking a senior legal professional to lead land acquisitions, development transactions and strategic housing initiatives. You will advise across land, planning, and property rights, and manage external advisers to ensure high-quality, cost-effective outcomes.

The role involves mentoring junior lawyers, negotiating joint ventures and forward-funding structures, and supporting growth in build-to-rent and institutional investments. Hybrid working 2–3 days in the office.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales with significant post-qualification real estate experience.
• Expert knowledge of land acquisition, residential development, disposals and the wider property lifecycle.
• Experience in build-to-rent, rental investment, affordable or social housing is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal support on land acquisitions, disposals and development transactions, including options, promotions and conditional contracts.
• Advise on legal risks throughout the residential development lifecycle, covering land, title, planning, infrastructure and property rights.
• Structure and negotiate complex development, investment and partnership arrangements, including joint ventures and forward-funding transactions.
• Support strategic growth initiatives across build-to-rent, affordable housing, rental investment and institutional partnerships.
• Provide commercially focused legal advice to senior stakeholders across Development, Land, Investment, Commercial and Finance teams.
• Lead complex negotiations and manage significant legal and regulatory risks within robust governance frameworks.
• Oversee plot sales, corporate property matters and office lease arrangements.
• Manage external legal advisers, ensuring high-quality service and effective cost control.
• Mentor and develop junior legal team members, enhancing technical expertise and commercial capability.

Skills

Real estate law

Land acquisitions

Development transactions

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Solicitor- England & Wales

Job description

Michael Page Legal is seeking a senior legal professional to lead land acquisitions, development transactions and strategic housing initiatives. You will advise across land, planning, and property rights, and manage external advisers to ensure high-quality, cost-effective outcomes.

The role involves mentoring junior lawyers, negotiating joint ventures and forward-funding structures, and supporting growth in build-to-rent and institutional investments. Hybrid working 2–3 days in the office.