Ben Cobb
Ben has built a reputation for his work in social housing, now heading a specialist team at Frettens and playing a crucial role in the acquisition of new clients, as well as continued client service.
He has led the growing team through several complex and high-value transactions, working closely with the existing commercial property team, our conveyancing team and, crucially on some of the larger and more complex matters, with our Corporate and Commercial Team.
Ben has been recognised in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Legal 500 which is an independent legal directory.
Work
Ben Cobb joined the Commercial Property Team in 2017, having previously worked at a couple of other local law firms, dealing with all aspects of commercial property work including acquisitions and disposals, secured lending and commercial and residential site development. He has acted for a wide variety of clients including developers, banks, charities, property investors and private individuals.
He has particular expertise in commercial landlord and tenant work acting for both landlords and tenants in drafting, negotiating and agreeing new leases, lease renewals and licences in connection with business premises.
In 2020, Ben started the specialist Social Housing team working with Housing Associations, Registered Providers of Social Housing, Local Authorities, property investors, aggregators and developers and support providers on a range of transactions including multi-million pound portfolios all over the UK. In 2021 he was made a Partner in the firm.
Experience
- Simultaneous acquisition of a portfolio of 20 properties suitable for development for a social housing use at a value of c.£7m and selling them onto a real estate investment trust. The properties were then let to a housing association on long term leases.
- Acting on a variety of transactions including advising on a short term lease portfolio (including 1 portfolio of over 100 properties); long term leasehold portfolio (including 1 portfolio of over 20 properties); drafting and advising on service level agreements, rent support agreements and works agreements.
- Advising on the taking of c.40 long term leases of properties to be developed and used as social housing.
- Advising on taking long-term leases over a portfolio of properties.
Play
When not in the office, Ben can often be found on the football pitch as he is an Assistant Referee in the English Football League. He loves to travel and has recently been to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Israel, Thailand and Malaysia. Ben is also always up for a good night out whether that is a night at the cinema or sampling restaurants and bars.
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Abdul Khan, Chief Operating Officer, Parasol HomesBen and his team have assisted the housing association with a number of large projects over the past couple of years often within tight timescales. We have found him to be proactive, responsive and he regularly goes above and beyond in providing us with an exceptional service.
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Social Housing DeveloperIn what has been a quite unique year for us with ever changing circumstances we have found Frettens to be highly responsive yet also proactive with their support. Both Ben and Oonagh have been very accessible, competent and organised. Given the service received so far we would highly recommend Frettens and will continue to use the team for all of our group companies going forward.
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Non Executive Director in Social HousingOonagh and Ben were professional and provided clear guidance and I was supported throughout the whole process and they ensured that it all was completed successfully.Time after time they go above and beyond and put me and what I seek to achieve at the forefront of their work.
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Declan Short - Commercial Property ClientVery prompt in responding initially which gave me confidence the matter would be handled in the same kind of promptness. Very easy to get hold of quickly.
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Commercial Property ClientWhen I phoned the office initially Ben Cobb was very approachable and recalled details of a lease which he had given advice 2 years ago. His response on this occasion was efficient and timely. The feedback and advice given was easy for me to understand and, subsequently, incorporate into the document in question.