Welcome to the latest publication of our Real Estate & Projects Newsletter and accompanying Vlog.
This month’s theme is housing – including shared ownership accommodation and leasehold enfranchisement (lease extensions, freehold acquisitions and much more!).
This newsletter features:
- A conversation with Stavrina Tofallis, Head of Residential Property, exploring the new Shared Ownership Code and highlighting important considerations for housing providers.
- Nema Munbodh discussing essential guidance for setting up shared ownership sites, featuring key insights on what sales teams should prioritise during the initial instruction phase.
- Unlocking the basics of leasehold enfranchisement with Zahid Jussab, including considerations of what the future may hold in this area.
Together with a roundup of some recent articles of interest to the Living sector focussing on the changing regulatory and legislative landscape, including the continued introduction of Awaab’s Law.
We hope you continue to enjoy the content and find it useful.
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If you would like to get in touch with any one of our team members, please click here for contact details.
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Featured articles
The New Shared Ownership Code – What Housing Associations Need to Know
Stavrina Tofallis, Head of Residential Property, discusses the Shared Ownership Code which aims to raise standards, improve trust, and support customers. Stavrina discusses:
- Why the Shared Ownership Code matters for housing providers
- What responsibilities it introduces
- What benefits and challenges it presents
- What actions Housing Associations should take
If you would like to discuss the contents of the interview with us further, please get in touch with Stavrina. In particular, please see the next newsletter item for details of our specific SO Code advisory package.
Stavrina Tofallis
Partner
020 7880 4420
Devonshires' Shared Ownership Code package
As reported above and discussed in Stavrina’s interview, the new Shared Ownership (SO) Code is now up and running.
SO providers are being urged to support the SO Code and to address its aims and objectives, strategically, within their overall business when it comes to delivering and managing new Shared Ownership homes. This is also on the basis that engaging with the SO Code will likely benefit providers when engaging with key stakeholders, investors/lenders and grant funders.
We have been developing a SO Code advisory package to assist social landlords/SO providers and management entities with the SO Code journey, including making the necessary changes to policies and procedures, and equipping members of staff with the know-how relating to those changes and the requirements of the SO Code. We also want to assist organisations who are considering applying to the SO Council to formally adopt the SO Code.
Top Tips for Shared Ownership Site Set Up
Nema Munbodh, associate, conducts a run through of the top points sales teams should consider when instructing solicitors on a shared ownership site set-up.
In this vlog, she discusses:
- Why the form of lease is important
- Key features of the New Model (2021-26) Lease
- Designated Protected Areas and how they affect the lease
- The rent review mechanism
- Issues with estate plans
If you would like to discuss the matters raised by Nema in her interview, please get in touch.
Nema Munbodh
Associate
020 7880 4416
An overview on Leasehold Enfranchisement: Changes and Areas of Complexity
In this interview, Zahid Jussab, Solicitor, discusses lease extensions, freehold acquisitions, collective enfranchisement, right to manage and rights of first refusals as well as the latest legal developments – including the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 – key challenges in shared ownership lease extensions and practical advice for navigating both the statutory and voluntary processes.
If you would like to discuss the matters raised by Zahid in his interview, please get in touch.
Zahid Jussab
Solicitor
020 7065 1880
Awaab’s Law – A Timely Refresher for Social Landlords
In advance of our webinar on this topic on 30 September 2025: register here
With Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law set to take effect on 27 October 2025, social landlords face a pivotal moment. This timely refresher outlines what the new legal duties mean in practice, the phased rollout ahead, and the key steps landlords should take now to ensure readiness. From emergency hazard response times to damp and mould protocols, the article breaks down the essentials and offers practical guidance for staying ahead of the curve.
Ben Tarbard
Associate
020 7880 4209
Baljit Basra
Partner
020 3815 2658
Kerri Harrison
Partner
020 7880 4267
Awaab's Law – a legislative update and, separately, recommendations for development transactions
Housing providers must consider how the new statutory repair timeframes intersect with development handovers and contractual obligations. This article explores the evolving legal landscape and its implications for post-completion defect management, housing warranties, and the drafting of development agreements. With landlords ultimately accountable for hazard remediation - even when delays stem from third-party contractors - providers must now embed Awaab’s Law compliance into their development strategies, inspection protocols, and contract negotiations.
Triya Maicha
Partner
020 7065 1805
Baljit Basra
Partner
020 3815 2658
Charlotte Sawyer
Partner
020 7880 4364
Devonshires and Five Paper host joint conference on the changing legislative environment housing providers are facing
On 11 September, we co-hosted a successful conference with Five Paper exploring key legislative changes affecting housing providers. Attendees engaged in sessions covering Awaab’s Law, the Renters’ Rights Bill, LAFRA 2024, Commonhold reform, and the Crime and Policing Bill—highlighting both challenges and opportunities in the evolving legal landscape with five key takeaways from the conference detailed in the article.
Mark Foxcroft
Partner
020 7065 1861
Rebecca Brady
Partner
020 7065 1838
Watch out in the coming editions for:
- Our October special on social housing and energy contracts – an ever-changing landscape - featuring tips to get ready for regulation and key considerations when entering into agreements with energy providers
- Airspace in real estate - development of existing airspace and airspace leases
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