New build residential sales at the super-prime Chelsea Barracks development

Charles Russell Speechlys advised Qatari Diar Europe LLP on the sales of its new build luxury residences, penthouses, and townhouses at London’s largest super-prime residential project – the highly coveted Chelsea Barracks development.

Dating back to 1861, when it received royal approval from Queen Victoria, Chelsea Barracks had a former life as a barracks for the British Army. It is now turning into some of the most exclusive real estate in the city.

One of the most anticipated developments in the world, in part due to the significance of the land it sits on, the project comprises of a stunning collection of duplexes, townhouses, penthouses and luxury apartments in London, as well as retail spaces. It is set within one of the city’s most historic grounds, and features work from renowned architects and designers orchestrating the development.

Since our appointment as legal advisers in August 2023, we advised on eleven property transactions with a combined value in excess of £110m. One of the townhouse sales was reported by The Times as being one of the five most expensive UK property sales in 2023. These transactions see Qatari Diar expand its offering in London, further signifying the vision and quality of inward UK investment synonymous with Qatari Diar. We hope to continue to support and advise Qatari Diar as the future phases of the development are built out over the next five to seven years.

“With our deep understanding of the needs of international private investors, the UHNW community and our experience in advising on prestigious residential and commercial property developments and investments, Charles Russell Speechlys is delighted to support Qatari Diar at Chelsea Barracks. We are committed to being more than just transactional lawyers. We act as an important provider and enabler for buyers to take away a wholly positive memory of the Chelsea Barracks luxury purchasing experience.”

Suzi Gatward
Partner

“We are pleased to work with the Charles Russell Speechlys team on the Chelsea Barracks development. They make every transaction seamless, and we have benefitted from their client focussed approach since their initial appointment, and commitment to our long-term commercial objectives.”

Richard Oakes 
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Europe & America, Qatari Diar UK

The Charles Russell Speechlys team is led by Real Estate Partner Suzi Gatward and Divisional Managing Partner Robin Grove and includes Senior Associate David McClenaghan, Associate Sydney Forster, Head of Asia and Partner Simon Green, Partner Alexander Gold, and Associate Anna Donnelly as well as Construction Partner Francis Ho.

The team work closely with the recently launched Charles Russell Speechlys Private Office, which spearheads the Firm’s drive in Private Capital and supports its client base by understanding and delivering on its clients' strategic ambitions. In particular, combining the Chairman of the Private Office, Lord Andrew Hay’s deep understanding of super prime central London real estate, with Camilla Sadler’s broader perspective on bringing the whole Firm into play when needed.