Birketts’ multidisciplinary living assets team brings together deep sector expertise to help us deliver a first rate service to our clients. We act for investors, developers, operators, funders and registered providers across the UK living sector on living assets projects, including Build to Rent, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, Affordable Housing, Later Living and Co-Living.

The way people live is changing. From flexible urban accommodation to later living communities, the UK’s residential landscape is evolving rapidly – driven by demographics, investment demand and shifting expectations of place, service and sustainability.

Build to Rent (BTR)

The growth of professionally managed rental housing demands a legal approach that reflects both investment and operational priorities.

We advise on forward funding and joint venture structures; development and construction arrangements; portfolio acquisitions and disposals; lettings management frameworks and regulatory compliance as well as asset management and refinancing. Our experience enables clients to structure BTR schemes for long-term income, scalability and operational efficiency. We have experience of working on multi-family and single-family schemes.

Student Accommodation

We advise on all aspects of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) including nomination agreements. We act for institutional investors, universities, and developers. We combine commercial awareness with sector insight to support high-performing, resilient student assets. Despite economic challenges, the sector remains attractive due to its long term value proposition and the ongoing shortfall in accommodation supply.

Affordable Housing

We support registered providers, local authorities, developers and funders on the full lifecycle of affordable housing projects. We understand the policy, governance and funding frameworks that shape the sector and help clients navigate them efficiently.

Later Living

An ageing population is driving demand for high-quality, service-led housing for older people.

We work with developers, operators and investors on all aspects of retirement living and care-led developments. We understand the complexity of this highly regulated market and support clients in delivering sustainable, resident-focused schemes.

Co-Living

Co-living reflects changing lifestyles, offering flexible, amenity-rich accommodation designed around community. Our advice is tailored to this emerging sector, helping clients navigate regulatory uncertainty and evolving market expectations.

Our Experience

Build to Rent

The creation of the first Build to Rent fund. Advice on a landmark transaction to create the first private rental fund for 555 new build residential units spread across 12 sites in London. The fund was sold for in excess of £105 million.

Student Accommodation

Acting for Northbridge Capital on the sale of purpose built student accommodation at Kingston upon Thames of a 130 bed asset to a joint venture trading as Axo Student Living Ltd.

Affordable Housing

Acting for an international developer on a regeneration project in London with 2,800 homes. Preparing / negotiating a framework agreement with a registered provider committing to take affordable housing on all 5 phases of the development by reference to a price formula calculation with a pre agreed suite of development documentation.

Later Living

Advising developers and clients creating Integrated Retirement Communities around the UK, the work includes site acquisitions, drafting precedent contracts and leases, and explanatory documentation for unit disposals. Strategic advice on approach to service charge and exit fees. Managing a team dealing with unit disposals.