Posted on: March 3rd, 2025 by Natasha Cox
I am a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance department with extensive experience in development sales and purchases, large-scale portfolio refinances, commercial and bridging finance transactions.
I act for various lending institutions on a variety of real estate finance transactions to include refinance and acquisitions of commercial and residential properties.
With comprehensive understanding of complex real estate transactions, I provide tailored advice to meet the unique needs of each client.
Experience
- Acquisition of a commercial unit by a pension trust for £2.4million, subject to grant of commercial lease.
- Disposal of an industrial site for £2.65million, subject to grant of commercial leases.
- Acting for the borrower on a purchase of a commercial site for £2.8million, mortgage with a specialist buy to let lender.
- Acting for the borrower on the refinance of nine leasehold properties with a specialist buy to let lender.
Posted on: March 3rd, 2025 by Natasha Cox
I joined Lawrence Stephens as an Associate in the Real Estate Finance Department in 2025, having previously worked at a busy West End firm. I have gained extensive experience in a broad range of real estate transactions including property acquisitions and disposals, secured lending, refinancing and bridging loans and including new build transactions.
My key priority is to adapt to the individual needs of my clients, by working closely with them and building a strong working relationship.
Experience
- Last minute instructions taken on a time-sensitive acquisition of a property requiring Islamic financing.
- Acted for a lender on a £4 million refinance which included the restructuring of the limited company.
- Urgent instructions acted upon for a commercial premise with the grant of lease for residential elements.
- Represented a landlord on a mixed use building for a simultaneous grant of lease and re-mortgage of flats.
- Acting for a lender on a £5 million refinance on a portfolio of residential properties.
Posted on: February 20th, 2025 by Natasha Cox
I am an Associate in the Real Estate Finance Department having joined Lawrence Stephens in February 2025. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2021, I have gained experience in acting for leading banks and lenders in relation to commercial and residential property development and investment, refinances and property portfolio financing arrangements.
I pride myself in providing clear and concise legal advice to clients to navigate their transactions effectively whilst providing commercially focused solutions when required.
Experience
- Acting for a lender on a £9.5million loan secured over a property acquisition on Bishops Avenue, Hampstead
- Acting for a lender on a £8million loan secured over a hotel
- Acting on the acquisition, planning, development and forward sale of a mix-used development with a gross development value (GDV) of £16.5million.
- Acting for lender on numerous acquisitions, refinancing and development financing transactions over commercial property, land, residential portfolios, and hotels in high value prime locations.
Posted on: February 20th, 2025 by Natasha Cox
I am paralegal in the Real Estate Finance Department having joined Lawrence Stephens from Memery Crystal in 2025.
I have experience acting on a variety of commercial and residential property transactions for prominent UK lenders.
Prior to my work in real estate transactions, I worked for a leading UK firm in its financial services disputes department – representing several Big Four banks in complex litigation.
Outside of my work, I play a variety of sports and enjoy cooking.
Posted on: February 10th, 2025 by Natasha Cox
I am a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Finance department.
I have extensive experience dealing with a broad spectrum of real estate matters, consisting of but not limited to secured lending of residential and commercial real estate having acted for several institutional, second tier and specialist lenders. I have also acted for investors, developers, High-Net-Worth individuals and SMEs assisting them in diversifying their property portfolios across the UK.
Furthermore, I have a strong background in landlord and tenant matters, particularly in the grant, renewal and assignment of leases, as well as dealing with underleases, surrenders and variations. I have acted on transactions involving the letting of highly sought after commercial property in prime London locations and nationwide.
My approach is pragmatic and client-focused. Having acted for a diverse client base, I value the significance of each transaction and how the same aligns with my clients’ needs and objectives. Synonymously, I am committed to delivering a responsive, efficient, and commercially sound service and have garnered relationships with fellow industry professionals.
Outside of work, I am proud father. I have a passion for sports and enjoy football, but bear the heavy burden of being a Manchester United supporter. I have a keen interest for cars and would consider myself an enthusiast. I enjoy travelling and have visited numerous countries experiencing the wonderful cultures, cuisines and people.
Experience highlights
- Acted on behalf of a lender client in relation to the refinancing of a portfolio of properties consisting of mixed use and residential properties for a facility of £6.8m. The security comprised 6 commercial units to the ground floor and 10 residential flats to the upper floors. The second building consisted of 20 residential flats.
- Acted on behalf of a lender client on a transaction that involved the splitting and acquisition of a site consisting of a block of 23 flats and 6 townhouses. The facility was for a net amount of £3.7m.
- Acted on a refinance matter for a lender client which consisted of a portfolio of 13 residential flats all on long leases and some with car parking leases. The facility was for the sum of £4.7m.
- I acted on the acquisition, financing and subsequent sale of a small development. The client acquired two plots, one with an existing property situated on it and the other consisting of land. The plot containing the existing property was acquired first and subsequently refinanced. The value of the facility was for the sum of £2.7m and the funds were then utilized to acquire the plot comprising the land. The plots were both redeveloped to form 2 high-end residential properties. The titles were subsequently amalgamated and then split again respective to the extent of the properties. The newly built properties were then sold for £5m respectively.
- Acted on behalf of a landlord in relation to the asset management of their freehold property in Dover street, Mayfair. We assisted the client with the lettings of their office units to the upper floors and the letting of the Sub-station to the rear. I also assisted with the means of escape issue with the adjoining owner of the property.
Posted on: February 10th, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees
I am a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance department, advising clients on a range of property finance matters. I work with lenders, investors, and developers on transactions involving HMOs, ASTs, planning permission, development properties, and new-build financing. I aim to provide clear, practical advice to help clients sail through their transactions efficiently.
Experience highlights
- Assisted a client with financing a portfolio of HMOs, ensuring compliance with lending and licensing requirements.
- Advised on the purchase and funding of a new-build residential development, including planning considerations.
- Worked on refinancing a mixed-use property portfolio, including properties under AST agreements.
- Assisted with the refinance of a bridge loan for a development property, conducting due diligence, checking and reviewing lender requirements.
- Acted on real estate finance transactions involving Sharia-compliant lending.
Posted on: January 23rd, 2025 by Hugh Dineen-Lees
I joined the Real Estate Finance team in January 2025, specialising in a wide range of real estate transactions. These include secured lending, acquisitions and disposals of residential and commercial real estate, refinancing, transfer of equity and lease extensions.
Over the past seven years, I have built a reputation for managing complex caseloads with precision and have delivered exceptional results for my clients.
I pride myself on my attention to detail, ability to work effectively under pressure, and strong commercial awareness. I am passionate about providing clear, practical advice and helping my clients achieve their goals, whether they are buying a home, refinancing a property, or navigating complex real estate legal issues.
Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, I worked as a property consultant, where I provided bespoke advice to clients and guided investors through property acquisitions. I also gained valuable insights into client management and negotiation skills during this time.
Outside of work, I enjoy attending reformer Pilates, yoga and fitness classes, skiing, spending time with family and socialising with friends.
Experience Highlights
- Being a key member of the team acting for the lender on a £50million refinancing secured over seven properties in central London
- Acting for client on transfer of equity and refinancing of a portfolio of eight residential properties
Posted on: December 12th, 2024 by Natasha Cox
I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Real Estate Finance Solicitor in 2024, following my qualification at a West End firm in 2022. I advise clients on a wide range of real estate transactions, including property acquisitions and disposals, refinancing and restructuring, secured lending, and commercial and residential mortgages. My approach centres on building strong relationships by working closely with clients to understand their unique needs and long-term objectives.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, taking Reformer Pilates classes, and exploring new restaurants.
Experience highlights
- Acting for a lender in providing a £9 million facility to a BVI Company that was acquiring nine off plan residential units in Central London.
- Acting for a borrower in the acquisition of a mixed-use property using bridging finance for a sum of £1.2 million.
- Acting for a landlord in granting a new lease for a retail unit outside of the 1954 Act and completing within a week.
- Acting on behalf of a borrower and lender in a limited company’s restructure.
- Acting on behalf of a landlord in granting a lease to a care home.
Posted on: December 6th, 2024 by Natasha Cox
I joined Lawrence Stephens in 2024 as a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance Borrower team. Prior to this, I completed my training contract and continued as an associate at a city law firm.
I have experience working on a wide range of transactions, including advising developers and private individuals on property portfolio refinancing, secured lending transactions, and acquiring bridging loans. I also collaborate closely with brokers and other professionals on each transaction, ensuring all parties are well informed. I am passionate about delivering successful outcomes for my clients, particularly when navigating complex transactions within tight timeframes.
Outside of work, I enjoy baking, staying active, and spending quality time with family and friends. I am also an avid traveller who loves discovering new destinations.
Posted on: December 6th, 2024 by Natasha Cox
I am a Senior Associate in the Real Estate Finance Department at Lawrence Stephens.
I have a wealth of experience in both commercial property and real estate finance and have acted for landlords and tenants, investors, developers and lenders on a variety of property related transactions.
My understanding of the London property market and my commitment to delivering tailored solutions for my clients have earned me a strong reputation in the legal sector.
I am recognised for my experience with complex and time sensitive transactions and my clients appreciate my practical and commercial based approach and trust in my ability to get the transaction completed swiftly and efficiently.
Experience highlights
- Acting for a borrower on a complex £7 million purchase of a commercial site with bridging finance.
- Acting for a borrower on the re-finance of a large portfolio of residential and mixed use properties with a value of £5 million.
- Acting for a borrower in connection with the purchase of a residential development site for £3 million with development finance
- Acting for a borrower in connection with the purchase of a residential development site with finance and the subsequent sale of each unit
Posted on: November 18th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees
I am a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance Department at Lawrence Stephens having joined in 2024.
I have over have seven years’ experience in real estate finance, acting for large lenders providing regulated buy-to-let loans, bridging loans and development loans secured over both residential and commercial security. I also act on deals secured with a portfolio of property. I have experience in acting on a dual representation basis for both the bank and borrower.
As my knowledge has been developed acting for one client with a large number of deals, I understand the importance of maintaining client trust and satisfaction. I pride myself on excellent communication and quality of work delivered with a personal and down to earth approach.
In my spare time, I enjoy trying to reach my Goodreads target, long walks stroking as many dogs as possible, eating good food and drinking great wine.
Career highlights
- £4million bridging loan over 14 new residential dwellings;
- £7million buy-to-let loan over a parade of high street shops; and
- £3million loan over two nursing homes.
Posted on: June 25th, 2024 by Yvonne Uzoka
I am a Director and Head of the Real Estate Finance team at Lawrence Stephens.
I have a wealth of experience of working on real estate finance deals, particularly development finance, property acquisitions and sales, residential landlord and tenant issues, title rectifications and working with litigation colleagues on complex disputes which involve real estate and finance. I have acted for a range of banks, lending institutions, fixed charge receivers, developers, property companies and individuals.
Prior to joining Lawrence Stephens, I was a partner for many years in the city firm of Rosling King LLP in the real estate team.
My large family keeps me busy but in my spare time I love pottering in my garden and clay pigeon shooting with my husband and friends.
