Our dedicated charity lawyers deal with a wide range of matters in the complex area where property and charity law overlap, offering sector-specific property advice.

We advise charities and other not-for-profit organisations in all their dealings with land and their property. As such, we understand that charities are complex organisations working in a heavily regulated sector, Our expertise as specialist charity property lawyers means we are used to providing, not just conveyancing or transactional property support, but also strategic property advice.

Our charity property legal advice includes:

Freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals for charities (whether for investment or occupational purposes
Leasehold portfolio management (including charity shop leases)
Asset and Portfolio Management for landowning charities
Gifts/legacies of land and property to charities
Consolidation of charity property assets on charity mergers and incorporations
Advice on charitable trusts, such as permanent endowment, designated land and restrictions on disposal
First registrations at Land Registry
Strategic development projects involving charities,
Compliance with charity law and good decision-making practice
Charities Act compliance

Our Experience

Birketts advises Priscilla Bacon Hospice on its project to build a new hospice facility in Norfolk

Birketts advised Priscilla Bacon Hospice on its exciting and important project to build a new state-of-the-art hospice facility in Norfolk, adjacent to the Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital, to meet a significant need for improved hospice care in the county. The team advising on the project included specialists in strategic land, construction, planning and charity law.

Birketts advises on new almshouses project

We acted for Needham Market and Barking Almshouse Charity on its project to repurpose a legacy farmland site to produce new almshouses units. The charity’s land was originally endowed to provide an income to residents including a yearly supply of coal for cooking and heating and had been let as farmland producing a modest income. The charity entered into a development agreement with local developer, Ruby Homes, for the construction of six purpose-built units on the charity’s land. The charity has appointed Orwell Housing to manage the completed units but retains the right to nominate its residents.

Birketts advises The Charterhouse

We act for the Charterhouse, an almshouse (and Royal Charter charity) with residents aged 60 and over, and a heritage site. Our work includes advising on and dealing with its substantial property portfolio.