Irwin Mitchell appoints new heads for real estate and residential property

October 21, 2024

National law firm Irwin Mitchell has made two key leadership appointments, strengthening its position in the UK property market. Guy Sackett has been named Head of Real Estate, replacing Adrian Barlow following his retirement, while Garrath Reayer has been appointed as Head of Residential Property, taking over from Jeremy Raj.

These appointments come at a pivotal time for Irwin Mitchell’s property division, which boasts 25 partners and over 130 qualified staff spread across nine offices in the UK.

Guy Sackett: National Head of Real Estate

With over 25 years’ experience in commercial and residential development, Guy Sackett is a highly respected figure in the sector. Having joined Irwin Mitchell in 2015 after its merger with Thomas Eggar, Sackett previously led the firm’s Southern real estate division. His expertise spans large-scale residential and mixed-use regeneration schemes, strategic land development, and student accommodation.

Notable projects led by Sackett include the residential-led redevelopment of Sussex County Cricket Club’s County Ground in partnership with Roffey Homes, and a 215-unit student accommodation scheme in central London, valued at over £130 million. Sackett also advised on the development of Saltbox Business Park in West Sussex and Leicester’s iconic St George’s Tower.

Speaking about his new role, Sackett expressed optimism about the future: “I am excited to take over at a time when the government is focused on addressing the housing crisis and implementing planning and environmental reforms. These priorities align with Irwin Mitchell’s strengths, giving us a great platform for growth.”

Garrath Reayer: National Head of Residential Property

Garrath Reayer, who also joined Irwin Mitchell in 2015 following the Thomas Eggar merger, brings over two decades of experience in high-net-worth residential property markets in London and the South East. Reayer’s expertise lies in secured lending, where he has handled numerous high-value transactions, including a £111 million flat purchase in London and a £52.5 million loan.

Reayer is known for his longstanding relationships with high-net-worth individuals and celebrity clients in the entertainment and sports sectors. Commenting on his appointment, Reayer said, “We have a well-established and dedicated team that continues to go from strength to strength. I am confident we will build on our strong foundations and continue to deliver exceptional service.”

With these strategic appointments, Irwin Mitchell aims to capitalise on the growing demand for property development and residential services, further cementing its reputation in the UK housebuilding sector.

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