Steven qualified as a Solicitor in 1999 and joined Birketts in September 2014, becoming Partner in 2018.

For over 20 years Steven has specialised in residential development, acting for major national housebuilders and SME developer. He is Head of Birketts’ Residential Development Team. The team comprises circa 35 fee earners across each of the Birketts’ offices dealing with all aspects of Residential Development, from acquisition through to plot sales and site exit.  

Steven’s expertise includes portfolio sales and acquisitions, corporate acquisitions and disposals, strategic land issues, including land assemblies, option and overage agreements, promotion, co-operation and collaboration agreements. His work also involves dealing with funding, development and infrastructure agreements.

Steven takes great pride in seeing sites he has worked on fully developed and occupied. Steven is also a committee member of B-Proud, Birketts’ LGBTQI+ Network. 

Recent work highlights

The grant of two complex long term option agreements to a national developer, which include grant to the developer of development leases, and a splitting of sales receipts between landowner and developer as the development is built out. The transaction was particular complex given land ownership and tax issues, obtaining title indemnity insurance and with the landowner paying particular attention to design code compliance, scheme layouts and legacy principles.

Acquisition for a national developer of a portfolio of 11 options, acquired in part by simple assignments but also by company share acquisitions , including all company and title due diligence. Steven’s work on the option sites continues as planning and development progresses on these sites, including service of option notices, drawdown, overage arrangements and affordable housing disposals.

Site acquisition and development agreement for a national developer for the development of a block of apartments in East London to be provided to a local authority for supply of 100 % affordable housing. The documentation was complex involving three landowners , different works to be provided to each for different uses in the building, decant and temporary accommodation provisions, substation relocation and temporary re-housing.

Experience & education

2018 Partner, Birketts

2014 joined Birketts

2011 Senior Associate, DAC Beachcroft

2007 Senior Associate, Davies Arnold Cooper (merged with Beachcroft 2011 to form DAC Beachcroft)

2004 Associate, Eversheds

2001 Taylor Vinters

2000 Longmores

1999 qualified as a Solicitor, Traymans

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