Spear’s Review

At Winston Taylor, the firm formed from the merger of Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing in 2026, UK residential property group head Elaine Dobson advises on ‘all aspects’ of property law, including purchase and sale, refinancing, restructuring, tenancies and landlord and tenant matters.

She is highly experienced with statutory lease extensions and freehold claims, assisting clients ranging from HNWs to banks, investors and developers. In recent years, Dobson has observed a marked increase in offshore purchasers and clients from the Middle East, alongside a notable shift in mindset among second-generation wealth holders.

‘Younger generations are flexing their muscles by challenging the investment position of their trustees,’ she explains. ‘Instead of hard assets like real estate, they’re investing in funds.’ These range from real estate investment trusts to specialist property funds, reflecting a more fluid, portfolio-driven approach to property investment rather than the traditional focus on direct ownership of bricks and mortar.

In 2025, Dobson lent her expertise as a judge for the Spear’s Awards. 

Adviser Profile

Head of our UK residential property team, Elaine is recognised as one of the UK’s leading lawyers for luxury high-value residential work. Known for her sophisticated, commercial approach and deep knowledge of private wealth law, she has excellent client rapport and first-class contacts.

Elaine advises on all aspects of residential property including purchase, sale, refinancing, restructuring, tenancies and landlord-tenant matters, for global wealthy individuals and families, banks and PRS investors.

She also advises both developers and buyers on luxury developments, and is highly regarded for her work in enfranchisement, advising clients on leveraging various statutes to protect and enhance asset value.