A GROWING revival in the property finance sector has led to law firm Ward Hadaway expanding its specialist property business services team.

The firm, which has offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, has recruited Associate Jonathan Yates and Solicitor Joe Phelan as demand for its specialist expertise in the property finance field continues to rise.

Mr Yates deals with all aspects of property transactions with a particular emphasis on acting for commercial lending institutions on property finance transactions.

He advises a range of high street lenders as well as borrowers ranging from private individuals to PLC companies.

Recent transactions include acting on behalf of funder clients in relation to taking security over a £14m portfolio of garden centres, an office building with a market value of £16m and a £13m distribution centre.

Mr Phelan specialises in property finance, commercial property and landlord and tenant work and acts for clients ranging from individuals to plc banks.

He has advised on a wide range of matters including the refinancing of residential and commercial property portfolios, the refinancing of an industrial estate, retail development financing and lease arrangements.

Simon Errington, a partner and the head of property services at Ward Hadaway, said: "It is terrific to be able to welcome Jonathan and Joe on board.

"Their experience and expertise will add further strength in depth to the property finance team as instructions and enquiries continue to rise from clients as the revival in the property industry continues.

"We have seen a marked rise in work from both lenders and borrowers in the property finance sphere as the appetite for investment and development rises and the recruitment of Jonathan and Joe will be of great benefit to our clients going forward."

The recruitment marks further expansion in the wider property team at Ward Hadaway.

Since the start of 2014, the firm has recruited five Associates, two Solicitors and two newly qualified Solicitors to its property ranks.

Neil Robson, at Ward Hadaway, said: "This year has witnessed a real ramping-up in the property sector and we have responded in kind by expanding our team across a range of different specialist areas.

"This is the latest example of our continuing investment in talented legal personnel and further evidence of our promise to offer a truly comprehensive service to clients in the property field."