Residential Property Associate - Boutique London Firm

Overview 

Hunters Legal is working with a highly regarded Boutique London Firm is seeking an experienced Residential Property Associate to join its established London-based team. The firm advises a diverse client base including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, entrepreneurial businesses, property companies and private financial institutions across the UK and internationally.

The residential property team specialises in high-value residential transactions across prime central London and regional England. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team consisting of Partners, Associates and support staff, working closely with senior lawyers on a broad range of sophisticated property matters.

The team acts for ultra-high-net-worth clients and private banks, including those operating Islamic/Shariah-compliant financing structures, on the acquisition, disposal and financing of premium residential real estate.

The Role

The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of residential property transactions, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals of freehold and leasehold residential property.
• Residential financing and refinancing transactions.
• Advising on both conventional and Islamic mortgage structures.
• Acting for private banks on secured lending transactions.
• Lettings and asset management work, including licences to assign, underlet and alter.
• Drafting deeds of variation and ancillary property documentation.

Transaction values are expected to range from new build purchases up to approximately £3 million through to high-value second-hand properties valued between £5 million and £20 million.

The role will involve managing a busy and time-sensitive caseload, including drafting and negotiating documents, preparing reports on title, handling lender requirements, raising enquiries and maintaining regular communication with clients and counterparties.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Managing a high-volume caseload under supervision.
• Handling sales and purchases of residential properties with associated financing.
• Advising borrowers on standard mortgage documentation.
• Acting for banks on residential financing transactions.
• Liaising with borrower solicitors and satisfying lender conditions.
• Drafting correspondence, reports and transaction documentation.
• Negotiating legal documents.
• Preparing SDLT submissions and Land Registry applications.
• Managing file administration and completion processes.
• Preparing completion statements.
• Opening new client matters, including conflict checks and AML procedures.

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Approximately 4 years’ PQE with strong residential property experience gained post qualification.
• Experience handling residential sales and purchases, including leasehold, freehold and off-plan new build transactions.
• Exposure to residential mortgage and financing work.
• Experience working with Islamic finance structures is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple active matters and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
• Confidence dealing directly with clients and professional advisers.
• A commercial and practical approach to problem solving.
• The ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• A strong academic background.
• Experience gained within a reputable London law firm preferred.

The role would suit a proactive and commercially minded individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable managing complex and high-value transactions.

Diversity & Inclusion

The firm is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with respect. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.