Chris Ross Partner
Commercial Property
Chris Ross is a Partner within the Commercial Property team at Swinburne Maddison LLP. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 and earned his Master’s in Advanced Commercial Property Law around the same time. Chris joined Swinburne Maddison in 2014 from a large regional law firm, progressing to Managing Associate in 2018 and Partner in May 2023.
With a wealth of experience in property law, Chris has developed a strong specialism in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. His expertise spans the full development cycle, from site acquisitions to plot disposals, including infrastructure agreements, planning obligations, and funding arrangements. He is also highly experienced in landlord and tenant matters, acting for a broad range of clients across the sector. His ability to guide clients through the entire process ensures a seamless experience and maximized investment potential. He is particularly interested in attracting developer clients and investment portfolio holders who require comprehensive commercial property expertise.
- Site Acquisition
- Site Set Up
- Plot Disposals
- Infrastructure Agreements
- Commercial Property & Landlord & Tenant
- S.106 Agreements / Variations
Chris has extensive experience in commercial property law, handling a variety of complex transactions. He advises on the acquisition of commercial and residential sites, managing due diligence, and structuring transactions for optimal client outcomes. Chris also manages the disposal process for residential plots and commercial units plots, ensuring smooth transactions for developers and investors. He negotiates and advises on infrastructure agreements and planning obligations contained within Section 106 agreements (including Unilateral Undertakings), while also acting for landlords and tenants in lease negotiations, renewals, and property management.
His sector expertise includes property development (both residential and commercial), general property (residential and commercial), social housing, and landlord and tenant matters. Chris continues to be a key contributor to Swinburne Maddison’s success, playing an integral role in both strategic and day-to-day management responsibilities within the firm’s Commercial Property team.
Recent highlights include:
- Securing a tender for conveyancing services for a large social housing provider in 2022.
- Acting for a client in acquiring a commercial site for residential conversion and securing finance for that site alongside two existing developments.
- Supporting developer clients in meeting annual targets for plot disposals, ensuring smooth processes from acquisition to sale.
- Supervising junior team members and managing a secondment with a major developer client, enhancing team capabilities and client service.
Chris is a board member of Moving On (Durham) Limited, the largest charity in County Durham dedicated to alleviating homelessness. His involvement provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by housing providers, further informing his legal work within the social housing sector.
Chris has been recognised in The Legal 500 as a Rising Star in the 2023 edition, reflecting his expertise within the Social Housing field. In the 2026 edition, he was named as a Key Lawyer within both Commercial Property and Social Housing, known for his focus on development site preparation, including planning agreements, easements, and infrastructure arrangements across jurisdictions.
"When it comes to residential transactions, I wouldn't be comfortable using anyone else other than Chris Ross, he is consistently able to foresee issues and deal with them before they become a disaster time after time."
"Chris Ross is helpful, willing to roll up his sleeves, commercial and knowledgeable in the sector."
News & Insights
Insight
Government-Funded Occupational Health Training Offered to Small Businesses
Government-funded occupational health training is now being offered to small businesses in response to rising levels of long-term sickness among the UK workforce. Currently, 2.8 million people are signed off work due to long-term illness, one of the highest rates in the G7, and there are 800,000 more working-age adults out of work for health […]
Read moreInsight
Why written Contracts matter. Lessons from Harrison V Buchanan
A recent court case serves as a useful reminder that it always pays to have a formal written contract, rather than relying on what was agreed in verbal discussions or through exchanges of emails or other messages. The Case The case of Harrison (t/a Rayson Engineering) v Buchanan and another [2025] EWHC 3283 (IPEC) was […]
Read moreInsight
Changes to ID Verification with Companies House and Company Registers
From 18 November 2025, identity verification became a mandatory requirement for Directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). These changes were introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023, which is part of the UK Government’s wider strategy to combat economic crime and improve corporate accountability. What’s changed? Identity verification is now […]
Read more
Careers at Swinburne Maddison
Bright futures built together.
Ok, so you’ve come this far where could the next step take you?
We’re always on the lookout for great people to join our team but we also want to make sure we are the right fit for each other.
Here, your career is more than a job—it’s a journey. From day one, you’ll feel supported to grow, develop your skills, and thrive alongside a team that values collaboration and care. Whether you’re a legal eagle or a support extraordinaire, we focus on helping you succeed in an environment where you truly belong. Let’s achieve great things together.