Duncan Williamson
As a commercial real estate lawyer of more than 40 years standing, Duncan has accumulated commercial experience and technical knowledge which allows him to handle real estate transactions of all kinds.
Duncan’s practice is client led, and core clients include UK and offshore investors, the London office of a major European Bank, the UK subsidiary of a world-wide supply chain and logistics business, a Community Interest Company in the healthcare sector turning over approaching £100m per annum, and a FOOTSIE 250 company providing high technology products to the world’s leading industrial companies and scientific research communities.
Duncan regularly acts for clients in complex transactions where his experience and expertise in relation to property development, funding structures, and landlord and tenant issues is sought after and highly valued.
Duncan is acknowledged as a key lawyer in Legal 500 [2025]. Testimonies include: “Duncan is knowledgeable, practical and assiduous in protecting his clients” (Legal 500 [UK 2021]).
Recent work highlights
Acting for an investor in the letting of over 32,000 sq ft of mixed use premises in central London for head office use, at a rent approaching £2m p.a.
Representing two local authorities in the acquisition, via a series of options, of land to be developed for employment generating uses, and to facilitate construction of a data centre for an international technology company.
Acting for a health care provider in advising on and negotiating a development agreement which delivered a new health centre for occupation both by the client and by a consortium of GP’s. The transaction required co-ordinated advice and the negotiation of a complex suite of documents dealing with development, construction, planning issues, the grant of occupational head and sub-leases, and interaction with a wider area of mixed use development.
Acting for a family of landowners in negotiation and completion of a Promotion Agreement opposite a national housebuilder, including disposal of the land at a price of c. £11m following the successful grant of planning permission.
Acting for a FOOTSIE 250 company in negotiation of a development agreement to deliver a new hi-tec research and development facility.
Acting for private landowners in the sale of land for residential development at a price of c. £30m.
Experience & education
Duncan trained and practiced with 2 central London law firms for more than 30 years, before joining Birketts in 2015.
