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Student Accommodation lawyers

Student housing has moved from the “alternative” asset class firmly into the mainstream in recent years. Whilst student housing is a high performing and extremely attractive asset, fierce competition for land, coupled with increasing Government regulation in the sector, means that commercial, pragmatic legal advice is more important than ever.

At CMS, we have been helping student housing clients navigate the issues peculiar to this market for over a decade. Whether you are an investor looking for a direct let or leased model, or a University or operator, we can provide advice on funding, acquisition, development, construction, letting, nominations, service level, management and residential tenancy agreements.

We can also provide specialist advice in relation to complex tax considerations (particularly VAT issues in relation to forward funding) and planning (in England there are three different use classes for student accommodation), as well as on joint ventures and income strip structures.

We are at the heart of the debate in relation to regulation and reform in the sector as active members of the BPF’s Student Accommodation Committee. We are also providing input to the SPF’s response documents to the Scottish Government on the financial implications of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill and its fitness for purpose in the PBSA sector and the wider PRS.

We are very pleased to act for the top players in the market including: Unite-Students, Curlew Student Trust, Knightsbridge, iQ (Wellcome), Ziggurat, M&G Funds, Bouwfonds European Student Housing Fund, Fresh Student Living, The University of Glasgow and Imperial College.

 
Margaret McLean
Margaret McLean
Partner
United Kingdom, Edinburgh
Margaret McLean is a partner in our Real Estate Team. She heads up our multi-bed property team in Scotland, which focuses in providing real estate, planning, construction and tax support for hotel and...
Matthew Barnes
Matt Barnes
Senior Associate
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Matt is a senior associate in the Real Estate Department of CMS Liverpool. He has wide ranging experience in dealing with all aspects of investment, development and mixed-use real estate transactions...
Rossa Keating
Rossa Keating
Senior Associate
United Kingdom, Sheffield
Rossa is a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Department. He advises on a wide range of non-contentious property issues, with a particular experience in representing Landlords in relation to asset management...
Jenna Tassell
Jenna Tassell
Senior Associate
United Kingdom, Edinburgh
Jenna Tassell is a senior associate in the Real Estate Team at CMS Edinburgh. Jenna has been exposed to a diverse range of high quality work and clients including institutions, private equity investors...