James McNeilly

Partner

James McNeilly

Partner

Email James

+44 (0)20 7457 3213

London

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Sectors

James is a highly experienced partner within the commercial real estate team, specialising in various aspects of commercial real estate transactions. His expertise spans the acquisition and disposal of commercial real estate, forward funding for development projects, and the real estate aspects of secured lending.

His wide-ranging knowledge allows him to offer invaluable advice and support to clients navigating complex real estate transactions. In particular, James focuses on two key areas: long income assets and social real estate. His work in long income includes advising on commercial ground rents, income strips, and sale and leaseback transactions. Additionally, he has significant experience within the social real estate sector, advising clients involved in healthcare, housing, and education projects.

With a pragmatic and commercially focused approach, I bring a deep understanding of the sectors I work within, enabling me to navigate complex transactions with precision. My goal is to provide clients with proactive, strategic, and practical solutions that address their unique challenges, ensuring smooth and successful outcomes.

James McNeilly, Partner

James acts for a diverse array of clients, including UK institutional investors, private equity firms, family offices, and real estate lenders. His ability to understand and meet the specific needs of each client makes him a trusted advisor in the commercial real estate space.

Recent work highlights

Income strip leases

Representing a UK institutional investor on a series of income strip leases with various NHS trusts, which involved forward funding, forward commitments, and direct acquisitions of the assets.

National distribution centre

Acting on the acquisition and development of a national distribution centre for circa £70 million, including the grant of a 20-year lease to an international distribution company, and the subsequent sale of the asset.

Care homes portfolio

Acting for a UK institutional investor on the acquisition and leaseback by way of commercial ground leases of a portfolio of 50 plus care homes.

Holiday parks

Assisting a UK institutional investor on the acquisition and leaseback by way of commercial ground leases of series of holiday parks.

Student housing

Acting for a UK bank on the real estate aspects of a £70 million development loan for student housing.

Central London asset

Acting on the asset management and subsequent sale of a large, mixed use asset in Central London for over £150 million.

Bristol office block

Representing an institutional investor on the acquisition and subsequent sale of an office block in Bristol for circa £75 million, let entirely to a government body, and then subsequent sale.

Bristol office block

Representing an institutional investor on the acquisition and subsequent sale of an office block in Bristol for circa £75 million, let entirely to a government body, and then subsequent sale.

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They have a full-service offering and are a national powerhouse. The partners are keen to work alongside inhouse counsel and the business collaboratively.

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