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
Cohabitation Reform to bring a Measured Step Towards Greater Fairness
The Government’s June 2026 consultation, A Fairer End to Relationships, marks a significant and long-overdue shift in the direction of family law in England and Wales. For some time, lawyers have recognised the growing gap between the current legal framework and the reality of modern relationships. This consultation represents a considered attempt to address that […]
Read moreInsight
Admissibility of Anonymous Witness Statements in Civil ASB Cases
Anti-social behaviour (“ASB”) cases remain one of the most challenging areas of civil proceedings. Noise nuisance, intimidation, harassment, vandalism, drug activity and threatening conduct can have a serious impact on local communities. However, many victims and residents are reluctant to come forward due to fear of retaliation. This raises an important question. What are anonymous […]
Read moreInsight
Conveyancing FAQs: What to Expect When Buying or Selling a Property
Buying or selling a home is a significant milestone, and for most people, it’s not something they do often. It’s therefore completely natural to feel uncertain about the process and to have questions along the way. At Swinburne Maddison, we believe clients should feel informed and supported at every stage. Below, we’ve answered some of […]
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.